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Change Old Plumbing or Not?

  • 09-07-2008 9:48am
    #1
    mickydi
    Closed Accounts Posts: 66 ✭✭


    Hi ... need some advice
    We're 'doing up' an old house ... 1860's, & wondering if it is necessary to replace existing plumbing .... gun barrel. We started by deciding to 'do' the windows & insultate the external walls .... which meant stripping off the lathe and plaster ... going in under coving, quite intricate & time consuming. Then decided when that far to replace the existing bathrooms suites ... both very dated. As the main bathroom is very small .. separate loo we thought we should ask a plumber for advice on re-structuring it, suites etc. Meanwhile we are at the slabbing stage for the walls ..ie all insulation etc is up & the guys are due to start later today on slabbing.

    The plumber called last night & had a look around ... he is suggesting that we repalce the whole heating system to get rid of all the older piping, currently not causing a problem. (His reasoning is that whilst it could last for another '50' years we could face problems in a month also.)This would entail a major amount of work & cost .. rough estimate 7000 - 8000 euro & might be more, it would also take over a week and we would have to cancel the slabbers whom we have already been waiting for for a week.

    Would really prefer not to do the whole re-plumbing thing if it can be avoided both in terms of time & cost ... this job has already grown at an unbelievable rate!!!! In addition none of the family like the newer type common use radiators with the grill on top... the ones we have are the older style round top common radiator and we would all prefer if changing the system to put in cast iron rads .... another unaffordable hike in costs at this stage.
    Am really confused and pi---d off at this stage, begining to wish we'd never started!! Any advice would be so much appreciated .... thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    RKQ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,292 ✭✭✭RKQ


    I'd leave well enough alone... if its not broken, why fix it?
    Sounds like an old "gun metal" system, rads & pipes worth alot as Salvage.
    The old stuff can take alot of abuse.
    Old rads can be re-conditioned, as necessary.

    Are there any leaks or sign of wear & tear?

    It could leak next week and you could get knocked down by a bus etc.

    If you are not sure get a second opinion! (& a third if necessary)


  • #3
    Builderfromhell
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,570 ✭✭✭Builderfromhell


    It has been my experience when renovating old houses that gun metal pipes are leaking underground. We usually discover this when we dig up parts or all floor. House owners did not know they had leaks for years.
    Nowadays we advise people to remove all old piping and fit efficient boiler and insulated heating pipes. Should result in lower fuel costs.


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