Water line repair vs replacement — which is right for your home? Depending on the circumstances, you may not need to replace an entire water line to fix the problem. Additionally, water line repairs may not be enough to resolve an extensive, underlying issue with your system. 

If you're having trouble deciding which is best for your particular situation, here's what you need to know.

Age of the Pipes

The age of your pipes plays a major role in deciding whether to opt for water line repair or complete replacement. Over time, older pipes can suffer from corrosion — especially if they are made from materials like galvanized steel — leading to frequent leaks and reduced water pressure. 

This degradation not only affects water flow but also raises concerns about water safety, such as the risk of discolored water. When pipes are no longer functioning properly due to age, a complete water line replacement might be more cost-effective in the long run, despite the higher upfront cost, to avoid constant repairs and ensure the plumbing system remains reliable.

Type of Material

Pipe material is another key factor that influences if you should repair or replace your pipes. For instance, ductile iron pipes and PEX have different lifespans and resilience to environmental stresses like ground freezing or tree roots. Materials also vary in their susceptibility to corrosion and damage — galvanized steel pipes, once standard, are now known to corrode over time, potentially leading to low water pressure and water leaks. 

When evaluating repair or replacement, the type of existing pipe material can determine the repair process's feasibility, with safer materials like PEX often favoring repair for minor leaks, but more vulnerable materials might necessitate a full replacement to avoid further damage.

Scope of the Problem

The scope of the damage and the source of the issue are important considerations when deciding between line repair or a complete replacement of the water lines. Minor issues, such as small leaks or partial blockages, can often be resolved with targeted repairs or techniques like pipe lining.

However, extensive damage, for instance, from broken pipes or extensive excavation caused by tree roots, may require a more comprehensive approach. In such cases, the extent of property damage and the potential for future problems might make complete replacement a more sensible choice to maintain water flow and prevent property owners from facing additional costs down the line.

Frequency of Fixes

How often you have to call for repairs is something else you should keep in mind. Occasional issues might not warrant the complete replacement of the existing water line, but if you constantly face constant repairs for frequent leaks, it might be an indication that your plumbing system is no longer viable. 

Frequent repairs not only contribute to higher water bills but also signal underlying issues that could lead to further damage. In such scenarios, investing in a new pipe installation could be more cost-effective, minimizing disruption and future maintenance costs.

Cost of Project

The total cost of the project — encompassing material costs, labor involved, and potential additional costs — can be a decisive factor in choosing between water line repair and replacement. While the upfront cost of a complete water line replacement might be higher, property owners need to consider the long-term savings from avoiding further repairs. 

A cost comparison that takes into account the existing line's condition, the price difference between trenchless repair methods and traditional excavation, and material cost variations can also guide this decision. In cases where the existing pipes are damaged beyond cost-effective repair, investing in new pipes made from more durable materials might offer a more favorable balance between initial expenditure and long-term benefits, such as improved water pressure and reduced risk of future problems.

Whether You Need to Replace or Repair a Water Line, Ben Franklin Plumbing Will Be There to Help

At Ben Franklin Plumbing, we provide professional water line repairs and water line replacements for Doylestown homes. In addition, we also help with slab leak detection, sewer line repair, and much more. To start speaking with our professional plumbers, give us a call today.