- HEP Plumbing
- Hidden Corrosion

Hidden Corrosion
Hidden Corrosion | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Reliance
Tiny leaks and silent corrosion can lurk out of sight, staining walls, spiking water bills, and threatening the value of your Reliance home. HEP’s specialists use advanced imaging and pressure-testing to reveal weak spots before they burst, then recommend targeted pipe upgrades that swap aging metal or brittle PVC for PEX and other long-life materials—all with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
From the first inspection to the final flush, you’ll see why customers trust HEP for courteous technicians, transparent pricing, and workmanship backed by robust warranties. Take control of your plumbing future today and let hidden corrosion become a worry of the past.
FAQs
What is “hidden corrosion” in plumbing and how can I tell if it’s affecting my pipes?
Hidden corrosion is the gradual decay that occurs on the inside or concealed portions of metal supply and drain lines. Because the damage happens behind walls, in ceilings, or under slabs, you often won’t see it until a leak forms. Common warning signs include metallic-tasting water, unexplained drops in water pressure, rusty or discoloured water, frequent pin-hole leaks, damp patches on walls or floors, and higher-than-normal water bills. A Reliance technician can perform a camera inspection and conductivity testing to confirm the presence and extent of hidden corrosion.
Why should I upgrade the entire plumbing system instead of just repairing corroded sections?
Spot repairs may seem cheaper, but they rarely address the root cause—system-wide pipe degradation caused by age, water chemistry, or poor installation. Replacing only the visibly damaged sections can create weak points where old and new pipes meet, leading to future leaks and repeated repair costs. A full pipe upgrade ensures consistent pipe material and diameter throughout the property, restores proper water pressure and quality, and provides a long-term warranty, saving you money and disruption in the long run.
What pipe materials does Reliance use for upgrades, and what advantages do they offer?
We typically install Type L copper or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) depending on building code, application, and customer preference. Type L copper is durable, UV-resistant, and has a 50-year design life. PEX is flexible, resists scale and chlorine, reduces water hammer, and can be installed with fewer fittings, lowering labour costs. Both materials are lead-free and NSF-certified for potable water. We will recommend the best option after evaluating your water quality, pressure, and budget.
How disruptive will a whole-house or commercial pipe upgrade be to my daily routine?
Reliance schedules work in phases to keep water downtime to a minimum—usually only a few hours at a time. Our crews use wall-cavity fishing, minimal-cut drywall techniques, and protective floor coverings to reduce dust and debris. For most single-family homes, the job is completed in 2–5 days; larger or multi-storey buildings can take 1–2 weeks. We coordinate with you to protect valuables, isolate noisy tasks to daylight hours, and provide daily clean-ups so you can remain in the property if desired.
What does a pipe upgrade cost and are financing options available?
Pricing depends on pipe length, number of fixtures, accessibility, and material selected. In Southern Ontario, a typical three-bedroom home ranges from $6,000–$12,000, while commercial projects are quoted after an on-site survey. Reliance offers transparent, up-front fixed pricing along with 0% financing for up to 12 months or low-interest plans up to 60 months (OAC). You’ll receive a detailed proposal outlining labour, material, permits, and cleanup so there are no surprises.
Do pipe upgrades come with a warranty and ongoing maintenance support from Reliance?
Yes. All repipe projects include a manufacturer’s material warranty—25 years for PEX, 50 years for copper—plus Reliance’s 10-year labour warranty. We register all permits and provide you with compliance certificates for insurance or resale purposes. After completion, you can enrol in our optional Plumbing Protection Plan, which covers annual system inspections, emergency priority service, and discounts on future plumbing work.