Need new pipes under terrazzo floors (Sarasota, Dade City: how much, houses, tile)

[doodlebug55]

Sick about having to jackhammer the foors. Can they be repaired??? Any suggestions for plumbers/company to do the pipes? House was built in "68 and pipes are deteriating.

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by doodlebug55

Sick about having to jackhammer the foors. Can they be repaired??? Any suggestions for plumbers/company to do the pipes? House was built in "68 and pipes are deteriating.

Have you spoken to a plumber? Are you referring to your water supply or drainage? What exactly is your issue? We have an old home with terrazzo floors, we did have a pinhole leak in the kitchen which we were able to detect and locate, floor was busted up (under tile) and pipe repaired.

I asked my husband who is an architect if we ever had to replace piping what we could do - he said they can be run overhead like above your ceiling. He designs this all the time for commerical offices. No way would I want to bust up my floors unless there were no alternative. The floors are one of the main features/reasons I bought this home. I would talk to some professionals.

Good luck!

[TamRE]

Here is some information on pinhole leaks that might be helpful. Sarasota County Copper Plumbing Facts

In Charlotte County, we use Charlotte Plumbing for most any type of plumbing required. I would call around and get estimates. You should be able to find a local, reputable plumber that can give you an estimate and advise you on the best solution.

What can the homeowner do?
Whether installing new piping or re-plumbing faulty pipes, it is important for homeowners to learn about their material choices. Florida’s building codes permit the use of copper and plastic pipe for plumbing. Homeowners and builders can determine which material to use. Building grade copper pipe is available in three types: Type M copper has the thinnest walls, and is often sold in hardware stores and plumbing supply houses for residential plumbing installations. Types L and K copper have increasingly thicker walls, cost more and may provide longer service life. Although copper pipe has been used in plumbing for a much longer time and may be easier to install, modern plastics allowed by building code are corrosion-resistant and do not conduct electricity. Sarasota County does not recommend the use of one material over another, but we do recommend that you research all available materials to determine the best choice for you.
· If you are going to be away for an extended period, turn the water off at your main valve.
· Periodically check the leak detector on your water meter (blue triangle that spins) while no fixture is in use; if it is turning, it may indicate the presence
of a leak.
If you see areas that appear damp or water damaged, call a plumber.
What if I notice a leak?
If you notice a leak, contact a licensed plumber to identify the source of the leak and help you determine what repair is needed to solve the problem. Leaks are the homeowner’s responsibility, and should not be ignored.
One alternative to re-piping is an epoxy product that is injected into copper pipes. The epoxy seals the pipe entirely from the inside creating a pipe within a pipe. Examine all your options to determine which is best for your home.

[doodlebug55]

We live in Maine and will be moving down full time in Nov. We bought the house 2 1/2 yrs. ago. We have had the tub power snaked. In March the kitchen sink and washer backed up. We had that snaked and the plumber suggested re-routing the pipes around the outside of the house. This July the 2 toilets and sinks and shower backed up while my son was down there. We were told that the cast iron pipes are deteriorating and need to be replaced. The house has had limited use for the last 10 yrs. It was built in 1968. We planned on having the terazzo floors restored. I DO NOT want to tile over them!!

[RetiredBuckeye]

Before I would make any decisions I would have a reputable company camera your sewer lines it see exactly what the problem is. A friend of mine here in Ohio was having problems with his sewer and the city came out and ran a camera through it for free.

[Picshooter]

Repiping through the attic / crawlspace is an option (one we chose) I like the fact that any subsequent repairs wouldn't require tearing up the floor again.

[gypsychic]

Forgot to ask if you are on sewer or septic?

[doodlebug55]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

Forgot to ask if you are on sewer or septic?

septic

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by doodlebug55

septic

Then you want to be sure it isn't your tank, leach field or even the pipe from your house to tank that isn't clogged with tree roots, etc. It is possible, and even likely (from what you have described) that it is your septic system that is failing, not your pipes. We had a septic in a small older house up in Dade City, that was old and became clogged with tree roots and it constantly backed up. We had to put in a whole new system. I would have the whole septic system checked.

[Big House]

There are companies that can re-line the sanitary drain pipes. It is done a lot - especially when you do not want to remove or tear up you existing floors. It is expensive. The first thing they will do is send a camera down the lines to see how much damage there is, and develop a plan (that will help you understand your problem as well). Then you have a choice, tear everything up (if the issues are under your slab), tear everything up if it is outside your home, or re-line the pipes. It is still an expensive proposition (but you do have a choice).