Type L Copper
Type L Copper | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Huntsville
Whether you’re renovating a classic Huntsville bungalow or building the next modern masterpiece on Monte Sano, HEP’s Type L copper expertise turns ordinary “pipes in the wall” into a long-term investment in reliability. Our licensed pros replace aging galvanized or thin-walled copper with industry-leading Type L tubing—thicker, safer, and proven to resist Huntsville’s shifting soil and seasonal temperature swings. With precise soldering, clean routing, and meticulous pressure-testing, we ensure every faucet, shower, and appliance enjoys a consistent, contaminant-free water supply.
Homeowners choose HEP for pipe upgrades because we deliver more than materials; we deliver peace of mind. From transparent estimates and on-time arrivals to spotless post-job cleanups, our crew treats your home as carefully as our own. Ready to future-proof your plumbing and boost resale value? Call HEP today and discover why North Alabama trusts us for copper craftsmanship that endures.
FAQs
Why should I choose Type L copper instead of Type M or PEX when upgrading my Huntsville plumbing?
Type L copper has thicker walls (0.040”) than Type M (0.028”), giving it higher pressure ratings, superior resistance to pin-hole corrosion, and longer service life—often 70-100 years. While PEX is flexible and inexpensive, it can degrade under prolonged UV exposure and may not add as much resale value. Local real-estate inspectors in Huntsville still view Type L copper as the “gold standard,” making it a smart, future-proof investment for North Alabama homes.
Does the City of Huntsville plumbing code require Type L copper for repipe projects?
Huntsville follows the 2021 International Plumbing Code, which permits both Type M and Type L for domestic water lines, but local inspectors almost always recommend Type L for any new installation inside walls, slabs, or attics. Insurance carriers servicing Madison County also frequently stipulate Type L when underwriting older-home policy upgrades. Choosing Type L ensures your project clears permitting quickly and meets the most stringent standards.
How long will a Type L copper plumbing system last, and is there a warranty?
Properly installed Type L copper piping has a proven lifespan of 70 years or more. We offer a 25-year transferable workmanship warranty plus the manufacturer’s limited lifetime material warranty. That means both labor and materials are covered against leaks due to installation defects or manufacturing flaws, giving Huntsville homeowners peace of mind for decades.
What is involved in a whole-house Type L copper repipe and how long will it disrupt my home?
1) Permit & prep (½ day): We pull Huntsville/ Madison County permits and cover floors/furniture. 2) Demolition (1-2 days): Small access holes are cut in drywall to remove aging galvanized, CPVC, or polybutylene. 3) Copper installation (1-3 days): New Type L lines are routed, pressure-tested to 150 psi, and insulated where required. 4) Drywall patch & cleanup (1-2 days): Holes are repaired, textured, and painted. Most 2-bath homes are fully repiped in 3-5 working days, and water is restored at the end of each day so you’re never without basic service overnight.
Will upgrading to Type L copper improve water quality and pressure in my older Huntsville home?
Yes. Galvanized or polybutylene pipes often accumulate rust, scale, and chlorine-induced flaking that reduce flow and introduce metallic taste. Type L copper’s naturally biostatic surface discourages bacterial growth, and the smooth interior offers superior flow rates. Customers typically see a 10-25 psi pressure increase at fixtures and noticeably clearer, better-tasting water.
What affects the cost of a Type L copper upgrade in Huntsville and do you offer financing?
Pricing is driven by home size, number of fixtures, crawl-space vs slab foundation, and whether you want new main shutoff valves or water-heater relocation. As a rough guide, a 2-bath, 1,800 sq ft slab-on-grade home runs $6,500-$9,000 for a turn-key repipe with drywall repair. We partner with local banks and credit unions to offer 0% APR short-term plans and low-interest 5- or 10-year options so you can spread the investment over manageable monthly payments.