Residential Plumbing

Residential plumbing is a varied market, which is shaped by a few things. First of all, houses that are larger need plumbing that is larger in both size and number; hence, the larger the house, the more money you will probably have to shell out for plumbing. Secondly, the type of plumbing involved also makes a big difference; and once again, a larger house gives you more opportunity to mix and match. Copper might be your top choice, but it is expensive; and if you are going to use it, you probably want to use it wisely in areas where it will count most. Also, do not forget that the location of your house—where you are in this country or this world—has a big impact not just on the price of the plumbing materials but on the labor costs as well. On average, though, the cost for new materials and for skilled plumbing labor could run anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Finding a good plumbing contractor can seem like a challenge, but it can be less so if you follow these steps. First, ask trusted friends or family members if they can recommend a plumbing contractor they know and like. This can give you a good start, with an honest opinion and some background information to work with. Then, check online reviews for the contractors you've been able to find. Look for consistently high ratings and a lot of positive comments. Also, plainly verify that the contractors have the proper licenses and insurance. You want someone who can legally and safely do the job and handle any unexpected problems. When you call them, ask about their experience and whether they offer any guarantees or warranties. Also, get a few quotes so you can see what the range of reasonable prices is.

Usually, a plumbing system in a structure includes three main types. First, there is the water-supply system. That system has the job of bringing fresh water into the structure. It brings that water into the house for all the things we do that require water. Things like drinking, cooking, and taking a bath all need the supply of fresh water that the water-supply system brings into the house. Second, there is the drainage system. That system has the job of taking away the dirty water and waste that we send out of the house. It takes that dirty water and waste away and sends it into the ground or into a treatment plant. And, third, there is the vent system.

Plumbing in a residence is similar to the channels and conduits of water that you have in your house. Systems are designed to handle the amount and kinds of water usage that the average family has. So we're talking about all the things like sinks, toilets, showers, maybe a dishwasher, or washing machine—everything that makes your house a house with a smooth water use experience. On the other hand, there is commercial plumbing, which is used in places like stores, schools, or office buildings. These places have many more people using the water systems, and so they need bigger pipes and more complex systems to handle all the water coming in and going out. Commercial plumbing also has to keep up with an awful lot of very strict regulations to make sure everything is safe and that it does, in fact, work well, because a big problem in a big building can affect a whole lot of people. So, whereas both types of plumbing deal with pipes and water, commercial plumbing is much more likely to be on a larger scale and to be managing a whole lot more water.

Replumbing a 2000-square-foot house can cost a lot of different amounts. It mainly depends on several factors: where you live, what kind of plumbing materials you opt for, and whether your house is older or fairly new. The figure I came across most often was $12,000 for the job, including materials and labor. But that was just an average from a plumbing contractor. My sense is that the range swings way lower and way higher than that. So use that figure with caution. Again, always get a few quotes.

Typically, plumbers demand payment for their craft in the range of $50 to $150 per hour. The price paid can hinge on the difficulty of the job and also on geographical factors. If your plumbing situation is dire and requires immediate attention during off-hours, you might pay a premium for the service. Of course, asking around for rates prior to plumbing work being done is a good way to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck.

Repiping a house could be covered by your homeowners insurance, but that depends on a variety of factors. If the pipes are damaged due to some sort of sudden disaster—like a fire, flood, or an earthquake—then you're probably okay and could file a claim. But if you're repiping because the pipes are just old or if they seem to have been worn out over an extended period of time, then you're almost certainly not going to be covered. Again, it's good to check your individual policy and to talk to your insurance agent.

When selecting PEX or copper for plumbing, considering a handful of essentials is imperative. PEX's flexibility works to its advantage during installation, allowing the tubing to be snaked around corners and to pass through walls with ease. Unlike some metals, PEX won't rust, so it may well function problem-free for a long time. And in comparison to copper, PEX is affordable. Conversely, copper is quite robust and can persist for an extensive duration. It copes with heat really well, so it's fantastic if you have piping that carries hot water. Copper is also copacetic because it doesn't allow harmful chemicals to infiltrate your water supply, which makes it considerably safe. Ultimately, your precise requirements and budget determine the best option. If affordability and simplicity are your key criteria, PEX seems to be the best choice. But if you want something time-tested and strong, and you can spend a bit more, the metal seems like the better option. It seems even better when you consider the alternative is plastic.

Usually, the least expensive way to repipe a house requires careful planning and some of the work done by you, if you are able. It is most important to get multiple quotes from plumbers to know what the costs are in your area. Also, you can consider using a less expensive material for the pipes, like PEX, which is more flexible and easier to work with than copper. If you're handy, you might do some of the simpler jobs and save on labor costs. Another good time to plan a repiping project is during the offseason for plumbers.

Insurance usually doesn't cover plumbing problems caused by regular wear and tear or lack of maintenance. For example, pipes that get old and rusty— or that a homeowner lets go until a small leak becomes a big problem— are not the kind of plumbing that should be repaired with insurance money. Also, certain damages— like pipes that freeze— might not be covered if the homeowner didn't do the right things beforehand to keep the pipes from freezing. So, regular checkups and maintenance of your plumbing are a vital part of keeping it in good working order.