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Full re-plumb or replace the dodgy pipes?

  • 05-02-2013 10:26pm
    #1
    Lady Tottington
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23 ✭


    Hi, we're just about to start upgrading an 1960s house we bought so standby for loads of questions :)

    First up - our surveyor said all the plumbing was gun metal and would have to be replaced. The plumber who fitted the dishwasher said "Nah - pull up the floorboards, see what condition the pipes are in and replace the bad ones".

    As neither has seen much of the pipework, is this just two different philosophies and which one should we go with?


Comments

  • #2
    shane0007
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,677 ✭✭✭shane0007


    Gun Barrel (GB) has a lifespan of circa 30 years. It can last a lifetime but generally fails & damages when you least want it to.

    If you are upgrading the house, it would be madness not to change it now. Think how it would feel if all the bits failed after you spend a fortune on the house now & then have to undo all the good work.
    By doing it now, you can now easily fully zone the system into whatever suits your lifestyle.


  • #3
    TPM
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 871 ✭✭✭TPM


    shane0007 wrote: »
    Gun Barrel (GB) has a lifespan of circa 30 years. It can last a lifetime but generally fails & damages when you least want it to.

    If you are upgrading the house, it would be madness not to change it now. Think how it would feel if all the bits failed after you spend a fortune on the house now & then have to undo all the good work.
    By doing it now, you can now easily fully zone the system into whatever suits your lifestyle.

    I agree 100%
    Now is the time to replace it,you are in a situation where you are really looking at when the pipes leak more than if they leak, it will be a constant worry if they are not done.
    At this stage it is your best opportunity to do it before you get into decorating or improving rooms.
    One other thing to note is that you do have a leak your insurance company may not cover the damage due to the age of the pipework, and the fact that your surveyor has said it needs to be changed. I am not saying this would be the case but at the moment insurance companies seem to be looking for any get out they can and this would be a reasonably valid one


  • #4
    ccsolar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 423 ✭✭ccsolar


    Lady Tottington wrote: »
    Hi, we're just about to start upgrading an 1960s house we bought so standby for loads of questions :)

    First up - our surveyor said all the plumbing was gun metal and would have to be replaced. The plumber who fitted the dishwasher said "Nah - pull up the floorboards, see what condition the pipes are in and replace the bad ones".

    As neither has seen much of the pipework, is this just two different philosophies and which one should we go with?
    Hi lady Tottington
    You are better to replace the piping as it will eventually let you down.
    The cost of replacing it would be covered over time as the new piping would be insulated, and your oil/gas bill would be reduced by installing an upto date zoned system.
    You would be best to use multi-layer piping with a high quality insulation upto 20mm thick.
    You can choose how you want your new system to be zoned and be able to to claim the Seai grant for heating upgrade.
    If you are taking up floors you would also need to consider that you might not have any insulation/radon barrier fitted and these issues would also need to be considered.
    1 small job can sometimes escalate revealing other work and before you know it the budget is gone out the window.
    There is no point spending money on your heating system without considering all the issues associated with central heating.
    Cc


  • #5
    sky6
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,444 ✭✭✭sky6


    The first piece of advice is don't use the Plumber who told you that you don't need to change the GB piping. He's clearly doesn't have your best interest at heart and is looking for the easy option. If it's a 60s/70s built House it's most likely and open vented system and so plenty of oxygen running through the GB pipes.
    GB Pipes tend to rot from the inside out. S while it may look ok it's only a matter of time. All the lads have given you good advice. Look at the bigger picture before you jump into doing anything. Write down all the works that need doing in the house and see where work might cross over. Like looking at the whole Plumbing and Heating system and the type of zoning etc you want. Also while you have floors up is a perfect time to rewire and provide for extra Sockets where you want them. As I know 60s houses where built with one socket in each room. I'm sure you'll want cat 6 cables also around the house.
    Take your time and you will get there with the house as you want it, without having to redo stuff down the road.


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