Repiping your Carpentersville home is a major upgrade that improves water quality, pressure, and overall plumbing reliability. Copper piping has been a trusted choice for decades due to its strength and resistance to corrosion.
If old pipes are causing leaks, rust-colored water, or low pressure, copper repiping can solve these problems and extend the life of a home’s plumbing system. Here’s a guide on how to repipe your house with copper.
Why Choose Copper for Repiping?
Copper pipes are known for their durability. Different from older galvanized pipes, which can corrode and restrict water flow over time, copper resists rust and maintains water quality. It also withstands high temperatures and pressure. For this reason, it’s a good choice for both hot and cold water lines.
Copper has natural antimicrobial properties – which help prevent bacteria buildup inside pipes. It does not degrade like some plastics that can weaken over time. While the initial cost is higher than other materials, the long lifespan makes copper a smart investment for homeowners looking for reliable plumbing.
Preparing for the Repiping Process
Repiping a house with copper requires careful planning. The first step is assessing the current plumbing system to determine the layout, pipe sizes, and necessary replacements.
A professional inspects the condition of existing pipes and identifies problem areas. If pipes are hidden behind walls or under floors, access points must be planned to avoid unnecessary damage.
A temporary water shutoff is required during the installation. Homeowners should plan ahead. The water supply will be unavailable for a portion of the project. Once the system is mapped out, materials are gathered, including copper piping, fittings, and soldering tools.
How to Repipe Your House with Copper
The first step in installation is shutting off the water supply and draining the system. Old pipes are removed carefully to avoid damage to surrounding walls, flooring, or fixtures. If sections of the existing system are still in good condition, they may be left in place while the most problematic areas are replaced.
New copper pipes are cut to length and fitted together using elbows and connectors to match the home’s layout. The joints are cleaned and flux is applied before soldering. This process, known as sweating, involves heating the joints with a torch and applying solder to create a watertight seal.
Once all new pipes are in place, the system is pressure tested to check for leaks. If no leaks are found, the water supply is restored, and fixtures are reconnected. Walls or flooring that were opened during installation are then repaired.
Factors That Affect the Repiping Process
The size of the home and the number of plumbing fixtures impact the complexity of the project. A larger home with multiple bathrooms and extensive piping will take longer to complete than a smaller house with a simpler system.
The condition of the existing plumbing also plays a role. If pipes are severely corroded or leaking in multiple areas, repiping may require more extensive removal and reconstruction. Homes with easily accessible plumbing will require less labor than those with pipes buried behind walls or under concrete slabs.
Water pressure and flow rate must also be considered when installing new pipes. Copper’s internal diameter is slightly smaller than that of other materials. For this reason, proper sizing is needed to maintain strong water flow.
An experienced plumber takes these factors into account to optimize the new system.
Long-term Benefits of Copper Repiping
A properly installed copper plumbing system can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Different from older materials that degrade over time, copper remains stable and reliable. It resists leaks, maintains water quality, and handles high water pressure without warping or cracking.
Once installed, homeowners notice immediate improvements in water clarity, pressure, and temperature consistency. Repiping also increases property value as buyers look for homes with modern–dependable plumbing systems. The investment in copper pays off over time by reducing repair costs and preventing water damage.
Get Copper Repiping Done Right with All Affordable Plumbing Inc
All Affordable Plumbing Inc knows how important a reliable plumbing system is for your home. No matter if you’re dealing with leaks, corrosion, or low water pressure, copper repiping can be the long-term solution you need.
Our expert team handles the entire process with precision. We deliver a durable system that improves water quality and performance.
We also offer 0% financing for 12 months and a Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty that transfers from owner to owner. Call (847) 500-7050 today or request a free quote online to get started on copper repiping for your Carpentersville home.