- HEP Plumbing
- Full-service Replacement

Full-service Replacement
Full-service Replacement | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Hillsboro
When a hidden leak turns your yard into a swamp or rusty pipes send brown water through your faucets, you don’t have time to guess what’s wrong—you need the HEP team on-site fast. Our Hillsboro plumbers specialize in diagnosing and resolving main line issues, using camera inspections and trenchless technology to pinpoint trouble without tearing up your property. From deteriorating clay pipes to root-choked lines, we deliver full-service replacement plumbing that restores flow, safeguards your foundation, and protects your water quality for decades to come.
With transparent pricing, same-day emergency response, and a workmanship guarantee that outlasts the pipes we install, HEP makes major repairs feel refreshingly simple. We handle permits, coordinate clean-up, and even offer flexible financing so you can focus on daily life—not the mess beneath your feet. When main line issues threaten your home, one call to HEP brings peace of mind and crystal-clear water back where it belongs.
FAQs
How can I tell if my Hillsboro home’s main water line needs to be replaced?
Common warning signs include a sudden, unexplained spike in your water bill, persistent wet spots or sinkholes in the yard, reduced water pressure throughout the house, discolored or rusty water, and the sound of running water when no fixtures are on. Because many mains in older Hillsboro neighborhoods are galvanized or Orangeburg pipe, they are prone to corrosion and root intrusion. A professional video camera inspection is the most reliable way to confirm whether a full replacement is necessary.
What are the typical causes of main line failure in Hillsboro?
The most frequent culprits are tree-root intrusion (our region’s mature maples and firs aggressively seek moisture), corrosive soil conditions, age-related pipe deterioration (especially 1950-1980 galvanized and Orangeburg lines), seismic soil shifts, and damage from freeze-thaw cycles. In some newer tracts, poor original installation or shallow burial depth can also accelerate failure. Understanding the root cause helps us recommend the right replacement material and method.
What is your step-by-step process for full-service main line replacement?
1. Free on-site assessment & camera inspection. 2. Written estimate covering labor, materials, permits, and restoration. 3. Permit acquisition from the City of Hillsboro Water Department and utility locates. 4. Shut-off of water at the curb stop and safe excavation—either traditional trenching or trenchless (pipe-bursting or directional drilling) depending on yard conditions. 5. Installation of new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or Type-K soft copper line to current code, including dielectric unions and expansion loops where needed. 6. Pressure testing, chlorination flush, and city inspection. 7. Backfilling with proper compaction and full landscape or hardscape restoration. 8. Final walkthrough with the homeowner, delivery of warranty paperwork, and guidance on preventive care.
How long will the replacement take and will I be without water the entire time?
A standard residential main line replacement in Hillsboro typically takes 4–8 hours onsite, plus prep and inspection. Your water will only be off for 2–4 hours while the old pipe is cut out and the new line is tied in. We coordinate the schedule with you so critical activities—like morning showers—are not disrupted. For complex jobs that span two days, we install a temporary bypass to keep you supplied overnight.
Do I need permits or city inspections, and do you handle those for me?
Yes. The City of Hillsboro requires plumbing and right-of-way permits for any main line replacement that ties into the public water system or crosses the sidewalk/parking strip. A pressure test and visual inspection by a city inspector are mandatory before backfilling. As a licensed, bonded plumbing contractor, we secure all permits, schedule inspections, and ensure the project meets Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code and local amendments—saving you time and avoiding costly re-work or fines.
How much does a main line replacement cost and what warranties or financing options are available?
Costs vary with pipe length, depth, material, access, and restoration needs, but most Hillsboro residential replacements fall between $3,200 and $6,800. Trenchless methods can be slightly higher upfront yet minimize yard repair expenses. We provide firm, written pricing before work begins. To make the project affordable, we partner with GreenSky for same-day financing (0% for 12 months on approved credit). All installations come with a 25-year material warranty and a 10-year labor warranty—among the strongest guarantees in Washington County.