Ageing Copper
Ageing Copper | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Winchester
Time-worn copper pipes can turn a charming Winchester home into a maze of leaks, discoloured water and frustrating pressure drops. HEP’s seasoned engineers specialise in seamless pipe upgrades, swapping fatigued lines for modern, durable alternatives that protect your décor, improve flow efficiency and boost overall water quality. From careful diagnostics to spotless clean-ups, we work with the precision your period property—or contemporary build—deserves.
Choose us to future-proof your plumbing and enjoy quieter operation, lower utility bills and complete peace of mind. We schedule work around your lifestyle, keep disruption to an absolute minimum and back every installation with transparent warranties and friendly local support. Let’s revitalise your water system today, so the only thing ageing gracefully is your home’s heritage.
FAQs
How can I tell if the copper pipes in my Winchester property are nearing the end of their service life?
Look for recurring pin-hole leaks, green or bluish stains on fittings, unexplained drops in water pressure, and water that looks rusty after sitting in the line overnight. Homes built before the mid-1980s often have copper pipe that is now 40+ years old—the point at which internal corrosion accelerates. If you see any of these signs, or if a plumber has already made several spot repairs, it usually indicates the system is due for a full upgrade.
What problems are typically associated with ageing copper plumbing?
Older copper pipes can suffer from dezincification and pitting, which lead to pin-hole leaks. Mineral-rich Hampshire water can also cause scale to build up, narrowing the pipe bore and reducing flow. If your system was installed before 1970, lead-based solder may have been used, posing a health risk. Finally, constant vibration from water hammer can fatigue thin-walled Type M copper, making failures more likely.
Which pipe materials do you recommend for a modern replacement, and why?
For most Winchester homes we suggest Type L copper, PEX-A cross-linked polyethylene, or high-quality CPVC. Type L copper provides long life and is familiar to local inspectors, while PEX-A is flexible, freeze-resistant, and quicker to install, often lowering labour costs. CPVC is cost-effective for hot-water lines and is approved by the UK Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). We discuss the pros and cons of each option during the survey so you can choose the best match for budget and performance.
How long does a typical whole-house repipe take, and will we be without water the entire time?
A two-bathroom semi-detached usually takes 2–3 working days; larger properties can run 4–5 days. We schedule shut-offs in short windows—normally 2–4 hours at a time—so you still have water for most of the project. Occupants can stay in the home, and we protect floors and furnishings with dust sheets and plastic sheeting. Final pressure tests and commissioning are done before we leave each day to ensure everything is watertight.
Will upgrading my pipes add value to the house or lower insurance costs?
Yes. Surveyors increasingly flag ageing copper plumbing as a risk for hidden water damage. Replacing it with a modern, code-compliant system can raise the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) score and improve saleability. Many insurers apply higher excesses or premiums to houses with outdated plumbing; supplying proof of a professional repipe often qualifies you for standard rates and may drop your premium 5-10 %.
What local permits or regulations apply to a repipe in Winchester?
In Winchester and the wider Hampshire area, domestic plumbing alterations must comply with the Building Regulations (Part G—Sanitation and Water Efficiency). Work should be carried out by a WaterSafe-registered plumber, and larger projects require notification to Southern Water at least 48 hours before commencing. All materials must be WRAS-approved. Upon completion we issue a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate, which you should keep with your house documents.