Aging Pipes
Aging Pipes | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Reliance
Nothing compromises comfort faster than a hidden leak or rusty water creeping out of aging pipes. If your Reliance home was built decades ago, the plumbing behind the walls could be nearing the end of its lifespan—making sudden bursts, low pressure, and costly water damage a looming threat. HEP’s master plumbers specialize in thoughtful pipe upgrades that swap corroded galvanized or fragile polybutylene lines for modern, code-compliant materials designed to last generations.
From meticulous inspections and transparent estimates to dust-free re-piping techniques and flawless cleanup, our team treats your home with the care it deserves. Whether you want to boost resale value, improve water quality, or finally relax without worrying about hidden leaks, HEP delivers stress-free pipe upgrades backed by industry-leading warranties and a reputation Reliance homeowners trust. Schedule your assessment today and let us keep the water flowing safely, efficiently, and reliably for years to come.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my home’s pipes need upgrading?
Typical warning signs include discolored or rusty water, frequent pinhole leaks, a noticeable drop in water pressure, visible corrosion on exposed pipe sections, and banging or knocking sounds (water hammer) when fixtures are turned off. If your plumbing is more than 40–50 years old—or was installed with galvanized steel, polybutylene, or early-generation PVC—an inspection is recommended even if no symptoms are present yet.
Why is it important to replace aging galvanized steel or polybutylene piping?
Galvanized steel rusts from the inside out, restricting flow and introducing iron particles into your water. Polybutylene piping, used widely from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, is prone to sudden brittle fractures caused by oxidants in municipal water. Both materials pose a high leak risk, can lead to water damage and mold, and may raise homeowner-insurance premiums. Proactive replacement prevents costly emergencies and brings your system up to today’s plumbing code.
Which pipe materials do you recommend for new installations in Reliance’s climate?
We generally recommend Type L copper, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), or CPVC. Copper is long-lasting, withstands UV exposure, and is excellent for resale value. PEX is flexible, affordable, and resistant to freeze-related bursting—an advantage during Reliance’s occasional cold snaps. CPVC is a budget-friendly rigid option that resists chlorine corrosion. During our site visit we’ll evaluate your water chemistry, building layout, and budget to suggest the best material or combination.
How disruptive is a whole-house repipe and how long will it take?
A typical single-family home repipe takes 2–5 days. Our team creates strategic wall or ceiling access points—no need to demolish entire surfaces. We protect floors and furnishings, and most clients remain in their homes with only brief water shut-offs each day. After the new system is pressure-tested and inspected, we repair drywall, texture, and paint the access areas to a “like-new” finish. Larger or multi-story homes may add an extra day or two.
Will upgrading my plumbing add value to my property or affect insurance?
Yes. Modern piping minimizes the risk of water damage, which insurers view favorably; many carriers offer premium reductions once galvanized or polybutylene pipes are removed. From a real-estate standpoint, prospective buyers often request plumbing disclosures, and a recent repipe can raise your home’s market value and shorten time on market. Energy-efficient fixtures installed during the upgrade can also lower utility bills.
Do you offer financing, warranties, or ongoing maintenance plans for pipe upgrades?
Reliance Plumbing provides interest-free financing for up to 12 months and low-APR options up to 60 months (subject to credit approval). All repipes come with a 25-year material warranty (lifetime on PEX) and a 10-year labor warranty. We also offer annual maintenance plans that include water-quality testing, valve inspections, and priority scheduling should any issue arise.