If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

When I finished my basement, I replaced the copper with pex but it was because I wanted to move the plumbing up into the joist cavity so that I could attach the drywall right to the joists. The copper pipes were run below the joists. Every inch of headroom was critical down there.

If that isn't a factor with your renovation, then don't bother.

There are advantages and disadvantages.

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f22/cross-linked-polyethylene-plumbing-life-expectancy-58544/

http://www.plumbstrong.com/?q=content/plumbing-repipe-copper-or-pex

If you think the copper pipes are old and worry about leaks, maybe just replace it. Peace of mind is nice. I replaced my copper pipes because I changed the water heater to electric and moved it to a different room where the drain was and closer to the main water line. Since I had to move a lot of the water lines, I just replaced everything with pex and installed some manifolds too. I personally like the manifolds, it is like a breaker box but for your water, you can shut off a room without shutting off the whole house. They 'could' do manifolds with copper, but the cost of the pipe and the labor involved removes that idea fairly quick.

If the existing pipe is galvanized iron, replace it. If it's copper, leave it alone.

Another vote for replacing it if it's galvanized pipe, otherwise do nothing.

If the existing pipes are copper installed prior to 1986 they include lead-based solder. So I would consider replacing them based on health concerns, despite the attitude of many posters that what you don't know won't hurt you. At the least, be sure to follow flushing guidelines if you continue to use them.

I would suggest that you re-thinkthe sheetrock. The basement has all of the mechanical. It is the circulatory system for the house. You may not like the "look" of the dropped ceiling but later should anything else be necessary on the first floor you contractor is going to look at you with his palms to the ceiling and tell you the sheetrock has to come down or at leas be cut and patched. Also, basement air is typically moist and mold and mildew are prevalent. Sheetrock stops air circulation and you cannot "look up there."

I just finished a total remodel of my house and as I sit in the kitchen now I am looking at the things I should have done. In many cases I am precluded from doing so by sheetrock. You just cannot anticipate the next thing you will have to do. Keep the basement ceiling accessible/removable. You will, in the end, be happy you did.

In contrast to jackfre, I'd go with sheetrock. In our basement it's going to be half the price of doing a dropped ceiling. I'll include access panels for stuff I think I'll want to get to in the future, but even for other changes cutting holes in sheetrock is fast, easy, and cheap to patch-- at least once you learn a few tricks to give yourself wood to screw the patch back to. I used to have morbid fear of cutting into walls and such and struggled greatly with projects as a consequence. A few hours practicing taping/mudding technique and now I can just cut open whatever I need for access and finish many jobs in half the time of trying to do it like arthroscopic surgery through a tiny hole.

I think the only reason to consider replacing copper is if you are in a region with corrosive water that is known to lead to pinhole leaks. Your water company should be able to tell you if this is an issue where you live. The amount of lead exposure from soldered joints is very small unless your water is unusually corrosive. Old brass faucets are a much more likely culprit for lead in drinking water, but except in unusual circumstances lead in drinking water is a relatively minor source.

Thanks to all. Yes house was built in 1980, so I will be giving the water company a call. Jackfre I know so many people want us to leave it! I get it. But we are putting in our master suite down there (it is a walkout basement). I would have to at least get the decorative 2x2s, then add the additional gridwork, it is just as cheap or moreso to drywall. We are still debating on this.

hi happyallison, another way of looking at it is this. after installing sheetrock is there really any difference between the basement ceiling and the first floor ceiling, where there is the second floor bathroom and some times laundry room. if the basement pipes do not show any signs of leaks then why not sheetrock. years ago drop ceilings were used because when homes were built, no one ever used the basement for anything other then storage. so pipes galore. big bulky boilers for heat etc.

gdc123: << is there really any difference between the basement ceiling
and the first floor ceiling, where there is the second floor bathroom
and some times laundry room >>

Good point. If everything checks out OK, there's no reason not to go ahead and drywall. It'll sure look a whole heck of lot better than a drop ceiling.

also remember to check for valves or junction boxes. they shouldn't be covered. there are many ways and products available to have access to them. most basements should only require a couple. I prefer access panels. they come in many styles and are paintable so they blend in. and they open with no tools required. I will try and post a picture of a basement ceiling.

hi wiegand, just read your post. sorry you mentioned panels also I didn't see that. I didn't want to take anyones suggestion and us it.

Please understand that I was the guy who has had to look at the leak in the ceiling and deduce where it is leaking. Mind you, not where it is showing, but where it is leaking. I had one lady who was really PO'd that I didn't magically know this. How dare I inconvenience her. On my second visit I brought the kids Ouija board. It can happen to you!

As you will be spending a lot of time in that area, I would suggest a radon test prior to doing the re-model.

rweigand, how different we are;) Someone shows me sparkling compound, tape and sandpaper and I'm heading for the door. Your post makes it sound joyful. Even sheet rockers don't like it. Matching a finish on a ceiling after a repair is exceedingly...touchy!

If you do go with the rock make sure that they install some 1x3 strapping across the joist prior to the rock. A good electrical can fish from there.

The difference between the basement and the first floor is that the entire distribution system is in the basement. That is where all the mains are for all services, electric, water, gas, heat, phone, etc. From the basement, the first and second floor are served with risers off of those systems. I can assure you that the plumber didn't anticipate covering the whole shebang.

It is your house. Certainly decorate as you choose, Just be aware of what you are covering. Take detailed photos and measurements and SAVE them where they are accessible. That means not on your current PC. By the time you need it you may be 3 machines on. What that means to me is print the photos and do a scaled drawing and put the drawings in the 81/2x11 plastic sleeves and into a 3ring binder. Put that in the boiler room and tie it to something.