Durable Pipe Replacement Services for Aging NY Homes
If your home was built before the 1970s, there's a good chance it still has some of its original plumbing. While these old systems served their purpose for decades, materials like galvanized steel, cast iron, and even lead eventually fail. Frequent leaks, low water pressure, and discolored water are all signs that it's time for a pipe replacement. Our team provides comprehensive pipe replacement services, from spot repairs to whole-home re-piping, using modern, durable materials that will last for generations.
Our Skilled Re-Piping Specialists
Whole-home re-piping is a major project that requires a team with a specific skill set. Our re-piping specialists are experts in minimizing disruption while maximizing the quality and longevity of the new system. They are proficient in working with both PEX and copper, and they understand the best applications for each material. They are also skilled at navigating the unique challenges of older homes—working around knob-and-tube wiring, navigating tight crawlspaces, and preserving original features. They treat your home with care, knowing that this is a significant investment in your property.
Signs You Need Pipe Replacement
- Frequent Leaks: If you're calling a plumber every few months to fix a new pinhole leak, replacement is more cost-effective than repeated repairs.
- Rusty or Discolored Water: Brown, yellow, or red water from your taps, especially from the hot water side, indicates corrosion inside galvanized steel pipes.
- Low Water Pressure: If the flow is weak at multiple fixtures, the internal diameter of your pipes may be choked with rust and scale.
- Lead Pipes: If your home was built before 1986, there's a risk of lead service lines or solder. We can test your water and inspect your pipes to determine if lead is present. Lead poses a serious health risk, especially to children, and replacement is the only permanent solution.
- Banging Noises: Loud banging or hammering sounds in your walls can be a sign of water hammer, which can be exacerbated by loose or poorly secured pipes.
Materials We Use & Why
- PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene): This flexible plastic tubing has revolutionized re-piping. It is resistant to corrosion and scale, can expand to resist freezing, requires fewer fittings (reducing leak points), and is much faster to install than rigid pipe. For re-piping a lived-in home, PEX is often the best choice because it can be fished through walls with minimal damage. It is also quieter than metal pipes.
- Type L Copper: Copper remains the gold standard for durability. It has a proven track record of lasting 50-100 years. We use copper for exposed runs (like basements) or when homeowners prefer a traditional material. We use Type L, which has a thicker wall than the less expensive Type M, ensuring maximum longevity.
The Re-Piping Process
- Detailed Assessment & Plan: We assess your current system and create a detailed plan for the new piping. We determine the best routing to minimize wall and ceiling openings. We discuss the plan with you, explaining where access holes will be needed and how we will restore them.
- Water Shut-Off & Preparation: We coordinate with you on a convenient time to shut off the water. We protect your floors and furniture with drop cloths.
- Installation: Our team works efficiently to run the new pipes, connect them to your fixtures, and pressure-test the system in sections. We use specialized tools for PEX and proper soldering techniques for copper.
- Restoration: While we are plumbers, not drywall finishers, we make every effort to minimize holes and we patch them neatly. We leave the walls ready for painting or finishing by your preferred contractor.
- Final Testing & Cleanup: We thoroughly pressure-test the entire new system, flush the lines, and check for leaks at every connection. We then clean up the work area thoroughly.
Timeline
- Spot Repair (replacing a visible bad section): 2-4 hours.
- Bathroom or Kitchen Re-pipe: 1-2 days.
- Whole-Home Re-pipe (average 3-bedroom home): 2 to 4 days.
Cost Estimates
- Per-fixture Re-pipe: $600 - $1,200 per fixture (a fixture is a sink, toilet, shower, etc.)
- Whole-Home Re-pipe: $4,000 - $15,000+ depending on home size, number of fixtures, accessibility, and material choice.