NInman311

I need some plumbing advice. I have a home in Virginia but I live in Florida. We just got a call from our neighbor, who checks on the house, that we had a pipe break. My husband hopped on a flight and is there now with a mold remediation company. House was built in the 70's and has copper pipes. A plumber also came out and had to fix pipes in 3 places. He says that we should consider replumbing the house. Im skeptical and don't know if that is really necessary but I might be wrong. How do you determine if it's one of those things that you have to do or if you should consider doing? And how much does a replumb typically cost?
Also, we were told to keep the water/electric on and keep the house above freezing in the winter to keep things like this from happening. The water is on a well pump so if we turn the electric off, we don't run the risk of having a never ending running pipe if one breaks. I guess my other question is what is the best way to protect our home from major leaks again from down here in Florida. We visit just a few times a year up there and don't want any more leaking pipes/broken pipes if we can help it. Thanks for any advice

naptown CR

You are at the end of the life of the copper pipes. You are on a well which I suspect acid water is eatng the pipes. I would suggest replacing with CPVC or pex and make sure the pipes grade back to a central drain. Shutting off the water is a good idea as it limits the amount of potential damsge but is not fool proof.

protechplumbing

Disregard what that guy just said.

First we need to know if those pipe leaks were pinholes from corrosion or splits from ice damage. If it was just splits than no, that in and of it's self is not grounds for a total repipe. If the pipes are corroded on the inside and pinhole leaks are springing up then I would recommend repiping.

When copper starts to pinhole it's usually the beginning of the end.

If the pipes were damaged be freezing and you decide to repipe them, DO NOT USE CPVC AS THE GUY ABOVE SAID. CPVC does not do well in the cold. If freezing is the issue your best bet is to install a quality brand of pex pipe with bronze (not brass, there is a difference) fittings. The installing plumber should take great care not to install pieces of pipe shorter than 12" as short pieces lose their freeze resisting properties. Have frost resistance hose bibs installed. Freeze valves are cheap insurance as well. And I shouldn't have to tell you but insulate the pipes. Closed cell polyethylene would be the best choice. The thicker the better.

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