We take a look behind the scenes of what really goes on when replacing your piping system.
It’s come to your attention that replacing the piping system is actually really expensive. But why? You may not know this, but it’s going to take a lot more than just a plumber. In terms of outdoor piping, drainage is typically underneath concrete slab, while indoor renovations require a passage for drainage pipes to make way for wastewater.
Whether your pipes have reached the point of beyond repair and your hands have been forced, or you’ve decided it’s time to remodel the bathroom and thought heck, why not replace the pipes while you’re at it.
This is the untold story of when concrete cutting crosses paths with plumbing.
When you need drainage channels in concrete slab
If you noticed water pooling near a doorway, wall or outside in the yard with nowhere to go, you may have a drainage issue. Flooding indoors can lead to rising damp, stains and cause serious water damage, while proving to be an unsightly inconvenience when entertaining outdoors.
This is when you’d typically seek a concrete cutter to cut drainage channels in concrete slab. Whether it’s new or old concrete slab, a professional can easily create drainage channels for water to escape.
Depending on the size of the job, costs will vary:
- For smaller jobs, hand-held saws provide a quick and easy solution.
- For medium-sized jobs, a track-mounted saw may be necessary to cut a perfectly straight channel in one clean cut.
- For longer channels, a road saw is the most effective and accurate at cutting longer channels.
When you need new passages and drainage holes through walls, floors or the roof
If you’re doing a complete overhaul of your bathroom or kitchen you will most likely need to cut new passages for pipes and drainage holes. Concrete core drilling is the easiest and most effective way to create holes through any structure to make way for pipes, be it through walls, floors or the roof.
Depending on the size of the job, core drills can create holes over a metre deep and a metre wide using special diamond core drill bits.
Best opportunities to replace your piping system
Replacing exposed piping
If you’re not looking to tear up the yard and knock down walls, consider replacing any pipes that are exposed. Although it may still be a big job, replacing exposed pipes is fairly upfront.
Replace during a renovation
At the very least, take this opportunity to inspect and if necessary, replace any piping that is exposed when you tear down walls and open up the floor. If you are installing new fixtures that require a water passage you’ll most likely require a concrete cutter for drainage channels and holes to prevent water from going where it shouldn’t be.
Tradies to hire
In most cases, you may only need to hire a professional concrete cutter and plumber when replacing your piping system. Bathroom or kitchen renovations may require additional trades including a licensed electrician, tiler, bathroom waterproof, carpenter and cabinet maker (if you’re going custom).
How much it’s going to cost to replace your piping system
You’re looking at around $6,000 to $12,000 to replumb an entire house, depending on the complexity of piping, material and features required.
To replace the entire drainage system you can expect to fork out around $5,000 to $20,000, again depending on the complexity of piping, material and features required.
Need a professional concrete cutter?
In reality, we wouldn’t recommend conducting DIY concrete cutting or plumbing for that matter (it’s illegal in WA), as the consequences severely outweigh the few dollars you save initially. When it comes to combining drainage channels, passages and core drilling holes, you can always rely on the professionals at Diamond Cut Concrete.
With over 25 years experience in the construction industry, we are able to recommend the best method and machinery to deliver quick and cost-effective concrete cutting and removal services on time and on budget.
Our team of experienced operators use the latest in diamond impregnated cutting technology to effectively cut, alter and remove concrete, brick, steel or asphalt across a wide range of applications.
We cut straight, we cut safe and we cut on time, that’s our guarantee.
