Repiping Services in Vancouver

What Are the Signs That Your Piping System Needs to be replaced?

Re-piping is a system-wide replacement of piping though out your home. Changing out the plumbing in your home will not only give you peace of mind knowing that you don’t have to worry about water damage caused by pinhole leaks and ruptured pipes, but can also improve the water pressure throughout your home, improve the delivery of hot water, and save you money on high energy bills due to water loss and to an inefficient system.

Do you experience low water pressure? Low water pressure is an early indicator of plumbing trouble. Over time, pipes, especially old style galvanized pipes, develop interior corrosion and the buildup of rust and minerals that restricts water flow. Because the entry pressure of the water is constant, that pressure can eventually lead to a rupture.

We service Metro Vancouver areas such as Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, New Westminster, North Vancouver and West Vancouver.

What are Slab and Pinhole Leaks?

Signs to watch out for when you have water leaking under your foundation.

Most houses sit on a slab foundation, which is a slab of concrete poured into a form that rests on the ground. Slabs are there to help stabilize your home and stop it from sinking into the soil. Just beneath the slab foundation sits the sewer lines and plumbing pipes. When one of the lines gets a leak this is what is referred to as a “slab leak.”

You may notice puddles of water on the floor. A good indicator of a slab leak is when water begins to leak under the slab you begin to notice sign of water damage. Damp and cracked concrete, wet carpets and lifting tiles are good indicators that you have water coming up through your foundation.

You may also see puddles forming along the outside of the house. If you notice water puddles along the side of the house and it’s not the result of your garden hose, chance are the water leak may be coming from leaking pipes and coming up through cracks just below the surface of your house.

The development of warm areas on you floor. If when walking barefoot in your basement you notice hot spots in specific areas, and if there are cool tiles just a few feet away this is an indication that you’ve probably got a leak in a hot water line under the flooring.

Hot water heater is constantly running. Another telltale sign that you’ve got issues with undetected leaks is if you start to notice that your water heater is constantly running. Because there is hot water continuously leaving the system due to ruptures in the piping system, the hot water tank continuously runs to keep up with the demand.

You may hear the sound of running or trickling water. Sometimes when water is leaking below the foundation you can actually hear sounds of running water beneath the flooring. You may need a plumber to determine the exact location of the leak.

Corrosion of Copper Pipes – Pinhole leaks

The historic acidic water supply of Greater Vancouver produces a corrosive effect on copper piping and slowly dissolves the pipe wall causing the pipe wall to prematurely wear thin.

Certain chemical parameters are often found in fresh water supplies, such as, low dissolved mineral content, low TDS (total dissolved solids), a low pH and possible dissolved oxygen content. These conditions make the perfect recipe for corrosion of metal-based piping systems (especially in copper). These parameters are exactly what we find in water reservoirs that feed many BC municipalities and that cause the eventual break down of your homes water systems.

Once the piping begins to deteriorate, pinhole leaks begin to appear and often spread quickly through out your homes water system. This is a sure sign that it is time for a re-pipe. If the problem is not fixed, you will sooner or later experience total system failure as the pipes dissolve aggressively until a major rupture takes place.

It is wise to be proactive when dealing with pipe replacement for your home…

Copper and PEX re-piping is a full restoration of your home plumbing. It allows you to take a comfortable shower, wash dishes, water the lawn, launder clothes and use faucets simultaneously with out the worry of future leaks and damage to your home and belongings.

The Differences Between Copper and PEX Piping

PEX re-pipes are affordable…PEX- an acronym for PolyEthylene that is cross linked (X), is a durable, flexible high density plastic that is quickly becoming a favorite for in home re-pipes. PEX plumbing systems require fewer fittings and less labor to install, so it is significantly less expensive.

Copper re-pipes is the most popular choice… The major advantage of installing copper plumbing is that it will lasts a very long time, sometimes more than 50 years. This is why many homeowners prefer it during a renovation.

At DJ Plumbing & Heating we are trained to recognize the problems that arise when your plumbing system needs to be replaced. We will complete a thorough inspection of the piping system in your home and provide an honest recommendation on whether or not you could benefit from our re-piping services. Give us a call today to book an appointment 778-227-1119 or send us note [email protected].