Stronger Pressure
Stronger Pressure | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Decatur
Decatur’s historic homes and bustling new builds all share one hidden demand: reliable water flow that can keep up with modern fixtures and daily routines. HEP’s stronger pressure solutions zero in on corroded, undersized, or outdated lines, replacing them with high-grade PEX or copper that resists leaks and delivers a consistent, satisfying stream to every tap. From the first pressure test to the final inspection, our licensed technicians handle each step with the care you’d expect from a neighbor who’s been serving North Alabama for decades.
With our targeted pipe upgrades, you can say goodbye to sputtering showers, slow-filling appliances, and the constant worry of hidden pinhole leaks. We back every project with transparent pricing, clear timelines, and a workmanship guarantee—so all you notice is the stronger pressure and the peace of mind that comes with it. Ready to feel the difference? Call HEP today and let Decatur’s most trusted pros refresh your plumbing from the inside out.
FAQs
Why would my Decatur home need high-pressure plumbing or pipe upgrades?
Older galvanized, copper, or polybutylene pipes can corrode, constrict, or split when municipal water pressure rises above 60–70 psi. Upgrading to pressure-rated piping prevents leaks, boosts fixture performance, and ensures compliance with current Georgia plumbing codes. Homeowners who have added bathrooms, irrigation systems, or tankless water heaters often notice weak flow at multiple taps and benefit most from a pressure-ready repipe.
What piping materials do you recommend for handling stronger water pressure?
We typically install Type L copper, Schedule 40 CPVC, or PEX-A with an ASTM F1960 expansion system. All three are rated for 160 psi at 73 °F—well above Decatur’s average 70–80 psi supply. Copper offers unmatched longevity, CPVC is budget-friendly and chloride-resistant, while PEX-A flexes around corners, reducing fittings that can become pressure drop points. During your consultation we compare costs, life-cycle, and local code requirements to choose the best fit.
How do you determine whether my existing pipes can handle higher pressure?
Our technicians perform a two-step evaluation: (1) static and dynamic pressure testing at the main shut-off to document baseline PSI and flow rates, and (2) video camera inspection or infrared scanning to check for corrosion, pinholes, and restricted diameters. We then calculate friction loss versus demand. If the margin of safety is below 20 %, we recommend a targeted or whole-house upgrade.
Will upgrading my pipes actually improve water flow throughout the house?
Yes. New pipes with larger internal diameters and smoother walls significantly reduce friction loss, so you’ll see stronger, more consistent flow when multiple fixtures run at once. In most Decatur homes we observe a 25–40 % increase in gallons-per-minute at remote bathrooms and a noticeable drop in wait time for hot water.
How long does a typical pipe upgrade take in Decatur, and will my water be shut off?
A standard three-bedroom, two-bath home repipe averages 2–3 days. We stage work zone-by-zone, so total water outage is usually limited to 4–6 hours. For larger projects we install temporary bypass lines or schedule evening shut-offs to keep disruption minimal. All drywall cuts are patched and rough-finished before we leave.
Are permits required for pipe upgrades in Decatur, and do you handle the paperwork?
Yes. The City of Decatur Building Department requires a plumbing permit for any repipe or pressure alteration. We secure the permit, schedule rough-in and final inspections, and provide you with signed approvals for your records. Permit fees are included in our written estimate, so there are no surprise charges.