2-Flat: Replacing Galvanized Pipe with Copper

[Eric Kahn Gale]

I've owned a two-flat in Albany Park for about a year now. We've replaced the roof (18.5K, it was never torn off in 100 years) and redid kitchens and bathrooms. 

We're planning to replace our galvanized pipe with copper this summer. We'll be replacing the main line rising up from the basement floor and all the pipe in 2 kitchens and 3 bathrooms. 

We received an estimate for $8K from one plumbing company and $6K from a little guy plumber that we've worked with a lot. 

Neither of these estimates include replacing the drywall and tile that will need to be ripped out to get in the walls. 

Does anybody else have experience swapping our galvanized for copper or pex? What did it cost? Were there any unexpected issues? 

[John Warren]

@Eric Kahn Gale both quotes sound pretty reasonable actually. I have just finished re-piping 19 unit in Berwyn, and am running into similar pricing. The drywall and tile repair is the single biggest problem when you decide to re-pipe. It almost makes more sense to remodel kitchens and baths at the same time, but it sounds like you have already done that. 

Are you sure you need to re-pipe? If water pressure is low, you can always call CAM. They have a machine that can clear clogged galvanized pipes. You could also look into installing a pump to increase the pressure in the pipes. There are a decent amount of work arounds for galvanized if you talk to some of the old school contractors.