Replacing 100 Year Old Plumbing

As part of our bathroom remodel, we’re replacing the original galvanized plumbing with new copper throughout the whole house. Lucky for us, the main water line coming in to the house from the public connection was replaced with copper when the kitchen was remodeled in 2014, but all of the other plumbing had to be replaced. Old galvanized pipes start to flake off on the inside over time and can ruin new appliances. The flakes collect behind screens in faucets and degrade the quality of the water. Old solder can even contain lead, which is something you definitely don’t want to drink!

Something to consider, when replacing plumbing on this scale, is which material to use. While copper was once always the top choice, it has been nudged out a bit by PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene. This flexible piping is easier to install when remodeling and retrofitting, due to its bendable nature that doesn’t require the cutting and welding of copper. It can be connected to a central shutoff system, usually located where the main water supply enters the house, making it easier to shut off individual water lines. PEX is also less likely to freeze and burst in cold climates. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than copper. However, it doesn’t last as long. Copper pipes can last up to 70 years, which is an important consideration for us, both because we want our house to last another one hundred years, and because sustainability means just that, choosing durable materials that will stand the test of time. In our climate, freezing pipes are not a concern. While we may have paid a little more, we love the peace of mind that comes with having clean, healthy water and a system that will last for a long time.