Signs your pipes may be at the end
Repeated pinhole leaks
A second or third leak in a few years means the pipe wall is thinning along its whole length.
Rusty or brown water
Rust-colored water from the tap that clears after running points toward corroding steel.
Low pressure
Galvanized pipe narrows from the inside as scale builds, and pressure falls at fixtures.
Stains and damp spots
Discolored drywall or a musty smell near walls may mean a slow leak.
Postwar plumbing: what we may find
Pleasant Hill's growth took off after the war, with the post office opening in 1948 and the Gregory Gardens subdivision developed in 1950. Houses built then often had galvanized steel supply lines, and some were later partly repiped in copper.
We do not assume. A camera and a pressure test, and a look inside the walls and crawlspace, tell us what material you have. Mixed systems with galvanized and copper joined together corrode at the joints, so they are worth a closer look.
| Pipe material | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Copper | Long track record, durable | Pinholes in aggressive water, higher material cost |
| PEX | Flexible, fewer fittings, quicker install | Needs protection from sunlight and certain chemicals |
| Galvanized steel | Common in older homes | Corrodes from the inside, loses flow |
| CPVC | Used in some tract homes | Can become brittle with age |
Wondering if you need a repipe?
Call and describe the leaks and the age of the house. We will explain whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Repair or repipe: a decision guide
A repair makes sense when
- The leak is a single event
- The rest of the pipe tests sound
- The pipe is relatively young
- You are about to sell and need a stopgap
A repipe makes sense when
- Leaks keep returning
- Water quality or pressure is poor
- Pipes are galvanized and old
- You plan to stay in the house long term
What the job involves
Survey and plan
We map the lines, fixtures and access routes, and discuss copper or PEX.
Permit
We confirm the permit your city requires for repiping.
Replace
We install new lines, usually through the attic or crawlspace, with minimal wall openings.
Test and patch
We pressure test, restore water and patch drywall openings. Painting is separate.
Plan on having the water off for part of the day. We schedule the work so you have a toilet and a tap available where possible. If a single failing line is the issue, our burst pipe repair page covers a smaller fix.
What affects repiping cost
We give a clear price before work starts. Factors:
Repiping for age or corrosion is usually not covered by insurance. Water damage from a sudden burst may be. Ask your insurer.
Want your real number? Describe the job on the call and we quote it before work starts.
Service area
We repipe homes in 94523, and also in 94518 in Concord and 94598 in Walnut Creek. For a slab home, see slab leak repair.
Repiping follows the California Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), including approved materials, support spacing and testing. A permit and inspection normally apply, and the guidelines of the pipe maker set the details.
Common questions
Repeated leaks, rusty water and low pressure are the main signs. We confirm with a pressure test and an inspection.
Many homes take a few days. We give you a timeline before we start.
Both work. Copper is traditional and durable. PEX is flexible and quicker to install. We explain the trade-offs for your house.
Some openings are usually needed, though PEX can reduce them. We patch drywall, and painting is separate.
Repiping usually requires a permit. Ask the Pleasant Hill building division. We help with the details.
Usually yes, with limited water for part of each day. We plan around this.
Still have a question about your situation? Call (855) 575-2890 any hour and describe what you are seeing.