Stronger Water Pressure

Stronger Water Pressure | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Hixson

Tired of the weak drizzle that turns your morning shower into a patience test? HEP’s specialists in Hixson turn trickles into torrents with expert pipe upgrades, replacing outdated galvanized lines and undersized branches with today’s high-flow PEX or copper. You’ll feel the difference the moment you open a tap—steady, reliable pressure, fewer temperature swings, and cleaner water free from rust flakes and sediment.

Beyond comfort, upgraded piping safeguards your home’s value. New lines reduce leak risks, boost appliance efficiency, and meet modern codes, all backed by HEP’s workmanship warranty and courteous, on-time service. Schedule your consultation today and discover how effortless stronger water pressure can be when the pros handle your pipe upgrades.

FAQs

Why is my home in Hixson experiencing low water pressure, and how can pipe upgrades help?

Common causes of low pressure include mineral-clogged galvanized pipes, undersized branch lines, hidden leaks, and corroded shut-off valves. Re-piping with modern ¾" or 1" copper, PEX-A, or Type L copper mains removes internal buildup and increases the pipe diameter, allowing a higher flow rate. When we replace restrictive fittings and correct poorly designed plumbing runs, homeowners typically see pressure restored to the ideal 50-60 psi range.

What types of pipe materials do you recommend for increasing water pressure in older Hixson homes?

For most upgrades we use a combination of 1" PEX-A main runs with ¾" PEX branches. PEX-A has a smooth interior wall that resists scale, and its flexibility means fewer 90-degree fittings, so water meets less resistance. In historic homes where copper is preferred, we install Type L hard copper sized at 1" for the trunk line. Both options meet IPC and Tennessee state code and are rated up to 160 psi—well above municipal delivery pressure.

Will upgrading my plumbing to improve water pressure require a permit in Hixson?

Yes. The City of Chattanooga/Hamilton County Building Inspection Department requires a plumbing permit for any re-pipe, addition, or alteration to a potable water system. As a licensed and insured contractor we pull the permit, schedule interim inspections, and provide homeowners with the final approval paperwork so your project is 100 % code-compliant.

How long does a typical water pressure pipe upgrade take, and will I be without water during the process?

A whole-home re-pipe in a 1,800 sq-ft residence takes 1-3 days. We stage the project so you are usually without water for only 4-6 hours during the final tie-in. For partial upgrades—e.g., replacing the main line from the meter to the house—we can finish within one day and restore water service by late afternoon.

How much does it cost to upgrade pipes for better water pressure in the Hixson area?

Prices depend on square footage, number of fixtures, material choice, and crawl-space vs. slab foundations. As a ballpark, partial upgrades (meter to first manifold) start around $1,400, while full re-pipes in average-sized homes range from $4,500 to $7,500, including permit fees, materials, labor, and disposal of old piping. We provide a detailed, itemized quote after an on-site evaluation at no charge.

Can enhancing water pressure damage my fixtures, and how do you ensure safe pressure levels?

High pressure can indeed shorten the life of faucets and water heaters. After we install new, larger pipes, we fine-tune the incoming pressure with an adjustable pressure-reducing valve (PRV) and test all fixtures to confirm they stay between 45-60 psi. We also recommend adding an expansion tank if you have a closed water heater system, preventing thermal-pressure spikes that could harm plumbing or void manufacturer warranties.