I get what you’re saying, but isn’t it a bit of a gamble to just go straight to a full repipe after one leak? I mean, I’ve seen houses with 40-year-old copper that only ever needed a couple patches. Sometimes those pipes hold up way longer than you’d expect, especially if the water’s not super corrosive. Wouldn’t it make sense to check for signs like green corrosion or low pressure before tearing everything out? Just seems like overkill unless there’s a pattern of leaks popping up.
I hear you—one leak doesn’t always mean the whole system’s shot. I’ve seen plenty of old copper lines that just keep chugging along after a quick patch job. But sometimes, that first leak is like the canary in the coal mine... especially if you spot green spots or low pressure popping up. I usually tell folks to weigh the hassle and cost of repeated repairs versus biting the bullet on a repipe. It’s not always black and white, but if you’re seeing more than one issue, it might be time to start thinking bigger.
Yeah, that’s pretty much how I look at it too. But I always wonder—how do you know when it’s just a fluke versus a sign of bigger problems? I’ve patched a couple leaks over the years and sometimes they hold, sometimes it’s just the start of a headache. Ever tried those pipe repair sleeves? They’re cheap, but I’m not sure they’re more than a band-aid. Just hate the idea of ripping out walls unless it’s really necessary...
Ever tried those pipe repair sleeves? They’re cheap, but I’m not sure they’re more than a band-aid.
I hear you on the sleeves—tried one once after a “minor” drip in the laundry room. Three months later, I was ankle-deep in water and my dog thought it was pool day. Honestly, sometimes patching just kicks the can down the road. I get wanting to avoid tearing up walls (been there, drywall dust everywhere), but if you’re patching the same spot twice... might be time to bite the bullet. At least you can recycle some of that old copper, right?
sometimes patching just kicks the can down the road
Couldn’t agree more. Those sleeves are like duct tape for plumbing—fine in a pinch, but you’re just waiting for round two. Once you’re patching the same spot, it’s usually game over for that section.
