Rusty Water
Rusty Water | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Athens
Athens homeowners know the tell-tale signs of aging pipes: orange-tinted water, metallic tastes, and stubborn stains that just won’t scrub away. At HEP, we turn those headaches into clear, clean confidence with professional pipe upgrades that replace corroded galvanized or iron lines with modern, long-lasting materials. Our licensed local technicians arrive on time, protect your property, and walk you through every step—so the only surprise is how fresh your tap water looks and tastes when we’re done.
Whether you’re renovating a historic Plaka apartment or maintaining a bustling Kolonaki café, our tailored approach makes sure your new plumbing meets today’s codes, tomorrow’s demands, and your budget. Stop living with rusty water and start enjoying the reliability that comes from Athens’ most trusted team for pipe upgrades. Call HEP today and let crystal-clear water flow back into your life.
FAQs
What causes rusty or discolored water in many Athens homes?
The most common culprit is aging galvanized-steel or iron water lines that have corroded on the inside. Over decades, minerals in Athens’ municipal water supply react with the metal, flaking off rust particles that tint your tap water orange, brown, or yellow. In some cases the corrosion occurs in the service line from the street, in the branch lines inside your walls, or in both.
Is rusty water dangerous to drink or bathe in?
Generally, the orange-brown color comes from iron oxide, which is not considered toxic in small amounts. However, heavy corrosion can introduce lead, bacteria, and other contaminants, give the water a metallic taste, stain laundry and fixtures, and damage appliances. If you see persistent discoloration, we recommend having the water tested and the pipes inspected to rule out health risks.
How do you determine whether I need a full pipe replacement or just targeted repairs?
Our technicians start with a video pipe inspection and water-quality testing. We look for uniform wall thinning, pin-hole leaks, low water pressure, and multiple rust “blow-outs.” If corrosion is confined to a single run—such as the hot-water line feeding one bathroom—we can often replace only that section. Widespread corrosion, mixed piping materials, or repeated leak history usually point to a cost-effective full-home repipe.
What pipe materials do you install to stop rust problems for good?
We typically recommend Type L copper or PEX-A (cross-linked polyethylene). Both are approved by the Athens Building Department, resist corrosion, and carry 25- to 50-year manufacturer warranties. Copper tolerates high heat and has a proven 70-plus-year track record. PEX-A is flexible, resists scale buildup, and is more budget-friendly. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each and let you choose the best fit for your home and budget.
How long does a whole-house pipe upgrade take in Athens, and will I be without water the entire time?
Most single-family residences can be fully repiped in two to four days. We plan the job so that you have at least one functioning bathroom at the end of each workday. Water is shut off only in the zones we’re actively working on, minimizing disruption. After rough-in and pressure testing, we patch walls, restore water to the entire house, and schedule a final building inspection.
What does a pipe upgrade cost, and are permits required?
Pricing depends on square footage, number of fixtures, and pipe material. In Athens, a typical 2-bath, 1,800-sq-ft home averages €4,000-€7,000 for a complete PEX repipe and €6,500-€9,500 for copper. Yes, a plumbing permit and city inspection are mandatory. Our quotes are turnkey: they include permit fees, materials, labor, drywall repair, and haul-away of old piping, so you have no hidden costs.