We recently got our connection to Manila water. Previously we were serviced by the developer's deepwell. The problem now however is that the pressure is so much higher that our piping has sprung leaks. To make matters worse the leaks are apparently in the embedded pipes.
I've seen this before - old houses with new piping laid along the walls. Is this really the only way? Isn't it possible to find the leaks and repair them? How do I go about this?
From our aquarium hobby I have a good amount of experience in working with PVC pipes. I also have a SDS pneumatic hammer drill to dig up the pipes. Problem is I don't have the knowhow for this task. Help would be appreciated.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
The most difficult is digging the channels for the new pipe. If you can have exposed pipes in the outside of the house,without detracting too much from appearance, go for it.
Repiping the house is not too difficult. It is advisable to use 3/4 inch pipe in the main lines, with 1/2 inch going to various outlets. Put gate valves in main branches, so it is easier to make repairs. Use plastic unions, rather than GI as these are easier to install. And pressure test all connections, before you bury them in concrete.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
After redoing your pipes, I would suggest that you install a pressure reducer valve just after your main shut-off valve. These regulators are usually set to output at 50 psi to prevent household pipes from bursting.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
Where can one purchase this pressure reducing valve?
GACA CONSTRUCTION
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
Thanks for the replies guys. Which is better GI pipes or PVC pipes? Also, yes where can I get a pressure reducing valve?
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
Sorry I'm not familiar with suppliers in the area. Maybe specialty plumbing supply stores there carry this item? Here's how it looks like in case you go looking for it:
These valves can take in pressure up to 300 psi and output to a standard setting of 50 psi (although adjustable from 25-75 psi). This is a common item here in our area because it is required by code to be installed in all residences.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
PVC pipes (blue) or higher tech plastic pipes are now more or less standard. GI pipes can last a long time, but I am unsure about the quality of GI now available. The pressure reducing valve is a good idea, although if properly done, a household piping system will withstand the pressure and the municipal supply will go before the house piping goes.
In my subdivision in Baguio, pressure was really high in the lower parts of the area, causing a lot of busted pipes. I recommended the installation of pressure reducing valves. No more problems.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
we had our waterline re-piped last March. sobra na kasi dami ng leaks. i hired a plumber to do the job since i don't have enough experience to do this. these are some tips I could give if you will do it yourself based on what i observed from our plumber:
- lay out the new piping first before disconnecting the old waterline
- be sure to use PVC pipes and fittings from the same manufacturer. this assures you of a perfect fit between pipe and fittings.
- use the highest quality material you could reasonably afford since you want the new waterline to last a lifetime.
- for the PVC cement, plumbers like to use Neltex as it is not messy to use and quality is better (it's more expensive though). for gate valves, Great Volume (GV) quality looks good.
- before connecting, lightly sandpaper the end of the pipe and the inside of the fitting before applying a liberal amount of PVC cement. make sure the pipe goes all the way inside the fitting.
- to make sure that the connections are at its maximum strength, wait for at least 12 hours before using the new waterline. patuyuin maigi, ika nga.
- you might want to double check also your toilet tank fittings for any leaks. sometimes this goes unnoticed and could contribute greatly to your water bill.
pinakamahirap sa lahat yung mag-sinsil ng semento para ibaon ang bagong tubo. but if you have a hammer drill it could save you a lot of time and effort.
we had a big drop on our water bill the month after we changed the piping. i should say, an activity truly worth the time and effort.
i hope this helps 🙂
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
Again thanks guys. It is good to know that PVC pipes will be ok. Thanks Stealthy for all the tips. I'm sure they will prove most useful.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
Final note: Get the best gate valves you can find.
Re: How do I repipe our townhouse
I bought a 15 year old townhouse and had it repiped before I moved in.
1. Major repiping-- I used Vesbo brand were the joints are actually heated/fused together-- no pvc cement. -- more expensive than blue PVC but thy are way thicker and I got them at a discount 🙂
2. Plumber had to make new channels on the wall and line it from the main gate valve. I was almost sure that if I didn't replace the ones embedded in the walls, those would be the first to burst in the long run.
3. The suggestion of a PRV (pressure reducing valve) is a good idea and I will try to have one installed soon.
4. Pressure test. Good thing I did that, because I found a few leaks. You'll have to invest in end caps and plugs for this-- since your faucets/fixtures won't be installed yet until you finish the tiles, etc. -- I had to do several runs to the hardware for this-- palaging kulang hehe.
5. if you don't have a PRV yet, do what I do-- I don't turn my main valve all the way. a few turns is enough to get strong pressure up to the 3rd floor.-- also as an added note, when I leave the house unattended on long trips, I shut off the main valve-
Tell us how your repiping went!
