Of all the homes across the country, a very large percentage are piped in copper waterlines. Copper is strong, plentiful, and resistant to temperature and pressure changes. In addition to being used for interior waterlines, it is also used for exterior water mains and service lines. It has been used for several decades. It is not, however, without its downsides. And when one of these faults rears its head, we are there.
Ranging from 50-70 years, copper pipe has a very long average service life. If installed correctly and carefully, you will likely never have a leak. However, leaks can occur for a number of reasons. Poor pipe installation is the most common reason. If the copper lines are connected too hastily or incorrectly, leaks will surface at the joints. In these cases, we can simply remove the damaged or leaking pipe and replace it. Another reason for problems with copper lines is freeze breaks. When the temperature drops suddenly to below freezing, the water inside the pipes freezes and expands, splitting the copper pipe along its axis. Freeze breaks are common during the winter season. Like with other leaks, we can remove the damaged section of pipe and repair it for you very easily.
Copper is an economy driven product. Therefore, prices for copper repair and copper re-pipes will rise and fall with the market. Copper is readily available almost anywhere, but the prices can sometimes surprise you. Standard copper piping also offer little in the way of flexibility. It is for these reasons that plastic piping (i.e. CPVC or PEX) is becoming the more popular and cost-effective way to make repairs or re-pipe a home. CPVC and PEX (polyethylene) are both very durable, are more resistant to temperature than copper, are very flexible, and are much less expensive. Generally, CPVC and PEX piping cost roughly 1/8 of what copper does, and repairs made in it can be almost half the price.