Galvanized pipe repiping for homes with rusty water and low pressure
Galvanized steel pipes rust from the inside out. Over the years the buildup chokes your water flow, turns the water brown, and starts leaking one spot at a time. A whole-home repipe pulls out the worn supply lines and runs new PEX or copper to every fixture. Call now and talk it through with a local repipe contractor.
- Repiping is the work we focus on, not one job among fifty
- New PEX and copper systems for the whole home
- Local contractors serving homeowners across the country
- Talk to a real person by phone today
Why galvanized pipes fail
Galvanized pipe is steel dipped in a zinc coating. The zinc holds off rust for a few decades, then wears through. After that the steel corrodes, and mineral scale builds up inside the pipe walls.
As the opening narrows, pressure drops at the shower and the faucets. Rust breaks loose and tints the water yellow or brown, usually worst on the hot side. Thin spots turn into pinhole leaks that show up in one place, get patched, then reappear somewhere else. Most homes still on galvanized pipe were built before 1970, so the original plumbing is now well past its working life.
Signs your home may need a repipe
- Brown, yellow, or cloudy water, especially first thing in the morning
- Weak pressure that gets worse when two fixtures run at once
- Repeat pinhole leaks in different spots
- Visible rust or flaking on exposed pipe
- An older home with its original galvanized plumbing
What failing galvanized pipes can cost you
Worn pipe is more than a nuisance. It carries a health risk and a real bill, and both grow the longer the pipe stays in the walls.
The health side
Galvanized pipe rusts from the inside, and where it sits downstream of old lead lines it can absorb lead and release it into your water later. That is why the EPA now classifies many galvanized service lines as requiring replacement. Being galvanized does not by itself mean lead is present, but the risk is real enough that federal rules now treat these lines seriously.
The EPA and CDC say there is no safe level of lead, and children are the most at risk, with effects on the developing brain and nervous system.
- Zero is the EPA health goal for lead in drinking water, because no level is considered safe (EPA).
- The EPA estimates as many as roughly 9 million lead service lines still feed homes across the country (EPA).
The money side
Failing pipe leaks, and leaks get expensive fast. The pinhole leaks common in old galvanized are exactly the kind of plumbing failure behind water damage, which is one of the most frequent home insurance claims in the country. Hidden drips also run up your water bill month after month.
- Water damage and freezing claims average about $13,954 each (Insurance Information Institute).
- Just one inch of water inside a home can cause up to $25,000 in damage (FEMA).
- Household leaks waste close to 1 trillion gallons of water a year nationwide, about 10,000 gallons per home (EPA).
See the difference inside the pipe
Drag the handle to compare a new, full-flow line with a corroded galvanized bore. Same pipe size, very different flow.
How a whole-home repipe works
Repiping replaces the water supply lines, from the point where water enters the house out to every sink, tub, shower, toilet, and appliance. Here is what the job looks like from your first call to the final wall patch.
You call and describe the problem
Tell us what you are seeing: the rusty water, the weak pressure, the leaks. We connect you with a local repipe contractor who works your area.
A contractor checks the plumbing
They look at your pipe material, layout, and access, then confirm whether a full repipe or a partial repipe is the right fix for your home.
New lines go in
Floors and belongings get covered. The contractor opens limited access points and runs new PEX or copper to each fixture, keeping the water on as much as possible.
The system is tested and inspected
New lines are pressure-tested for leaks and inspected to local code before anything is closed up.
Walls are patched and cleaned
Access holes are patched, the work area is cleaned, and you are back to clear water and full pressure.
PEX or copper: which pipe is right
Both are code-approved and last for decades. The better choice depends on your home, your water, and your budget. A repipe contractor will walk you through it, and here is the short version.
| Pipe | Strengths | Trade-offs | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEX | Flexible, fewer fittings, resists scale and freezing, lower material cost, faster to install | Should be kept out of long direct sunlight, newer to the market than copper | 40 to 50 years |
| Copper | Long track record, rigid and heat-tolerant, does not hold bacteria, adds resale appeal | Higher material cost, more labor, can corrode in acidic water | 50 or more years |
What affects the cost of a repipe
Every home is different, so a repipe is priced after a contractor sees it in person. Cost comes down to the size of the job and how hard the pipe is to reach. These are the factors that move the number.
We do not post a price online, because the right one depends on your home. Call and a local contractor can give you real numbers for your house.
- Home size and number of bathrooms
- One story versus two
- Pipe material you choose
- Slab, crawlspace, or attic access
- Plaster versus drywall walls
- Whole-home versus partial repipe
- Local permit requirements
- Extra lines, like a water main run
Repiping and pipe replacement we handle
Old galvanized is the most common reason homeowners call, but worn pipe comes in several forms. Pick the one that matches your home.
Whole-house repiping
Every supply line replaced with new PEX or copper.
Learn moreGalvanized pipe replacement
Swap corroded galvanized steel for modern pipe.
Learn morePEX repiping
Flexible, corrosion-resistant, budget-friendly.
Learn moreCopper repiping
The long-proven premium repipe material.
Learn morePolybutylene replacement
Gray poly pipe that insurers now flag.
Learn morePartial repiping
Replace the failing runs without redoing the whole home.
Learn moreStop patching a pipe that keeps failing
If you are calling a plumber for the same leaks and the same brown water, you are paying to keep a worn system alive. A repipe ends the cycle. Talk it through with a local contractor now.
Common questions about repiping
How do I know if my home has galvanized pipes?
Find an exposed section, often near the water heater or in the basement, and scratch it with a coin or screwdriver. Galvanized steel looks dull silver-gray and stays dull under the scratch, and a magnet sticks to it. Copper scratches to a penny color, and PEX is plastic. Homes built before 1970 most often have galvanized. If you are not sure, a contractor can identify it on a quick look.
Is repiping better than fixing one leak at a time?
Once galvanized pipe starts leaking, the whole system is near the end of its life. Patching one spot buys a little time before the next thin section goes. A repipe replaces every worn line at once, so you stop paying for repeat repairs and get back full pressure and clear water. Call and a contractor can tell you whether your pipes are at that point.
Should I choose PEX or copper?
PEX costs less, installs faster, and resists scale and freezing, which is why many repipes use it. Copper has a longer track record, handles heat well, and can help at resale. Your water chemistry, your home, and your budget decide the better fit. A local contractor will recommend one after seeing the house.
How long does a whole-home repipe take?
Most homes are repiped in a few days, depending on size, the number of bathrooms, and how the pipe is routed. Water is kept on for as much of the job as possible, and wall patching is part of the work. Your contractor gives you a timeline for your specific home.
Can old pipes affect my home insurance?
They can. Some insurers raise rates or decline coverage on homes with galvanized or gray polybutylene pipe, because both are known to fail. Replacing them can remove that obstacle. Call to talk through your pipe type and what a repipe would involve.