Our beach house is 15 years old. We have had leaks and blowouts at an astounding rate. “No burst” fixture connection hoses last about two years before they start bursting catastrophically. Water pressure varies wildly – when the downstairs washer starts, the shower becomes a scalding hot dribble. And two! copper 90’s buried in the walls have failed (pinholes through the 90) recently.
There is a pressure regulator. I just recently installed an expansion tank by the hot water heater. There is a recirc system (on a timer) for hot water. San Diego water is not horribly corrosive – but the salt air of the beach is.
Is my house cursed? Or did I just get a crappy plumbing job? Or am I due at 15 years for new plumbing? How hard is it to re-plumb the entire house. Will pex last longer? And will San Diego let me use it – I tried to buy some from the local supply house to repair yesterday’s flood and they could not get any. I (and my tenants) are tired of all the water damage.
Eric
Replies
Copper can be purchased in three grades for potable water: K; L; & M. M is the thinnest and is sometimes used by contractors striving to shave costs. L is the recommended grade for above-grade water lines & should last far longer than 15-years - even at the beach. The PRV & thermal TXT were probably needed before & may have been part of the issues. Aggressive water may need to be treated.
PEX is now permitted http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/pex-tubing-added-to-california,690196.shtml