Pipe Replacement

Signs You Need Pipe Replacement, Not Another Patch

• Galvanized steel pipes that are 40 to 50 years old or more
• Pinhole leaks in copper pipe that keep coming back
• Low water pressure throughout the house
• Brown or rust-colored water, especially after the water sits unused
• More than one slab leak on the same line

Repair or Repipe?

One leak in pipe that's otherwise in good shape is a repair job. But when several leaks show up in the same kind of pipe, the rest of it is usually close behind. That's when replacing the line costs less than chasing leaks for years.

Not sure where the water is going yet? Our leak detection service finds the problem first, so the plan is based on facts.

PEX vs. Copper

PEX is a flexible plastic pipe. It bends around corners, so it needs fewer fittings and less labor, which keeps the cost down. It also resists the corrosion that eats away at metal pipe. It's now the most common choice for repiping homes in California.

Copper is the traditional choice. It's strong and long-lasting, and some homeowners simply prefer it. It costs more to install than PEX.

Both carry expected lifespans of 50 years or more when properly installed. The plumber will tell you which one makes more sense for your home.

How a Whole-Home Repipe Works

1. The plumber checks your current pipes and maps out the new lines.
2. You get the full price and the material choice in writing.
3. New lines are run and connected to each fixture, one area at a time.
4. Water is turned back on each evening while the work is in progress.
5. The new system is tested before the job is finished.

A partial replacement usually takes a day or less. Most whole-home repipes are done in 1 to 3 days. Ask whether patching the wall openings is included in your estimate, since some quotes leave it out.

Pipe Replacement Cost

• Partial section replacement: $500 to $2,000, depending on where the pipe is and how easy it is to reach
• Whole-home repipe: $4,000 to $12,000, depending on home size, access and material

Copper costs more than PEX. All costs are confirmed in writing before work begins.

When Slab Leaks Keep Coming Back

If the water line under your foundation has leaked more than once, the pipe itself is the problem. A reroute or repipe replaces that line for good. Our slab leak repair page explains how reroutes work.

Only have one leaking valve or fitting? That's a smaller job, and our plumbing repair service can handle it.