Aging Galvanized System
Aging Galvanized System | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing
Decades-old galvanized pipes don’t just steal water pressure—they leach rust, clog with minerals, and surprise you with pinhole leaks at the worst possible moment. HEP’s licensed plumbers evaluate every inch of your aging system, tracing hidden corrosion and mapping the fastest route to restore clear, reliable flow. From careful drywall cuts to debris-free cleanup, we treat your home as carefully as the fresh water we send through it.
Our pipe upgrades replace brittle, corroded steel with long-lasting copper or flexible PEX, boosting pressure, improving water quality, and raising property value in one streamlined project. With transparent pricing, same-day service options, and a workmanship guarantee that outlasts most appliances, HEP makes choosing modern plumbing effortless—and turns an aging headache into worry-free peace of mind.
FAQs
Why should I replace my old galvanized steel pipes?
Galvanized pipes were once popular because the zinc coating helped resist corrosion, but over several decades the zinc erodes. Once that happens, the underlying steel begins to rust from the inside out, leading to restricted water flow, brown or yellow-tinged water, leaks and, in some cases, complete pipe failure. Replacing the system prevents these issues, restores water pressure and quality, and reduces the risk of sudden, expensive water damage.
How can I tell if my galvanized pipes are failing?
Typical warning signs include: (1) discolored or metallic-tasting water, especially after periods of non-use; (2) reduced water pressure at multiple fixtures; (3) visible rust stains on fixtures or in laundry; (4) uneven water temperatures when other fixtures are running; (5) recurring pin-hole leaks or damp spots in walls and ceilings; and (6) pipes that are magnetic (a quick test with a magnet confirms steel rather than copper). A licensed plumber can confirm deterioration with interior pipe camera inspections or by cutting a small sample of pipe.
What modern pipe materials are best for replacing galvanized lines?
The two most common choices are PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and Type L copper. PEX is flexible, resists scale buildup and freeze damage, installs with minimal joints, and is usually the most affordable. Copper is time-tested, highly durable, and naturally antimicrobial, but installation is more labor-intensive and expensive. Some homes use a hybrid approach—copper for exposed risers or high-heat areas and PEX for long distribution runs. Your plumber will recommend the best option based on local code, water chemistry, budget and project scope.
Will upgrading my galvanized plumbing mean tearing out all my walls and ceilings?
Not necessarily. Repiping methods have improved dramatically. With PEX, plumbers can often fish new lines through existing cavities, attic spaces or crawlspaces, creating only small, strategic access holes that are patched afterward. Even with copper, careful planning limits demolition to specific chase walls or soffits. If a full remodel is planned, exposing more walls can speed work, but in most occupied homes contractors focus on minimally invasive techniques to keep disruption and repair costs down.
How long does a whole-house repipe take and what will it cost?
A typical single-story, two-bath home can often be repiped in 1–2 days with PEX and 2–4 days with copper, followed by a day or two for drywall repair and painting. Larger or multi-story homes may take a week or more. Pricing varies by region, pipe material, home size and accessibility, but national averages range from $4,000–$8,000 for PEX and $8,000–$15,000 for copper. A detailed onsite assessment is the only way to receive an accurate quote.
Can I just replace problem sections of galvanized pipe instead of repiping the whole house?
Spot repairs can buy time, but they rarely solve the root problem—internal corrosion throughout the system. Replacing only visible or leaking sections often leaves hidden pipes ready to fail next, leading to repeated service calls and patchwork plumbing. In addition, joining new copper or PEX to old galvanized can create flow restrictions and galvanic corrosion at the connection. For homes with widespread galvanized piping, a complete, planned repipe is usually more cost-effective and dependable in the long term.