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Author:
Tom the Elder (CA)
My 64-y.o. single story house with sub-floor has two interior water heaters that I plan to replace with one exterior unit (garage is separate and not an option). Because of the long runs involved (about 60-ft to furthest tap) I plan to install a circulating pump. About 10 years ago a plumber replaced an elbow that was starting to corrode said it was probably due to the hard water in our area (central California). No problems since then. Might the circulating pump increase the liklihood of further problems? Should I go ahead and replace the whole system now or wait until a problem actually develops? Thanks!
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Author:
packy (MA)
are you saying the existing pipes are 64 years old?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
I would repipe everything under the floor at a minimum with at least 3/4 pex and insulate all of the lines. I imagine the corroded fitting wasn't due to hard water, but instead to excess flux that wasn't wiped off of a fitting.
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Author:
Tom the Elder (CA)
Yes, all existing plumbing is 64 years old. Is that in itself reason to replace? Hot and cold are both galvanized.
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Author:
Tom the Elder (CA)
No flux - both hot and cold systems are galvanized. What is the reason you recommend replacing - just age?
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
Knowing that it is galvanized I would definitely replace it. Galvanized corrodes shut with rust, reducing your pipe size. If you install a recirculation system, you will have to have return lines, check valves, and a thermal expansion tank installed. The only lines I might not replace (as a homeowner) would be the supply lines to the showers in the portion in the wall (unless you have access). By replacing the supply piping, it can be sized properly, and insulated. Pex may have a smaller inside diameter than copper, but it is non-reactive and can last for another 60 years.
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Author:
Tom the Elder (CA)
Packy,
Yep,64 y.o. galvanized. Do you agree with KCRoto? Re-piping is a big expense on top of what I already have planned so don't want to bite that bullet unless necessary. Thanks.
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Author:
packy (MA)
if you still have good water volume at the faucets and there is not rust growing at the pipe joints, leave it alone.
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Author:
KCRoto (MO)
It already has to be disassembled to add return lines. At a minimum, inspect the lines while it is open.
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Author:
Tom the Elder (CA)
Packy and KCRoto, thanks for the info. It will be a few months, at earliest, before I move forward with the project but I will let you know what happens.
Edited 1 times.
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