Should you fix the leaking pipe or repipe the house?
Repair the pipe if you have one leak or one bad section and the rest of the pipe is in good shape: cut out the damaged piece and put in new. Think about repiping if leaks keep showing up in different places, the water comes out brown, or the pressure has dropped at every tap. Those can mean the whole system is wearing out, but they can have other causes too. Mike looks at what your pipes are made of and how they are holding up, then puts the price in writing before any work starts.
Plumbing repairs are often handled by skilled residential plumbers who know how to restore the full functionality of your pipes. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in fixing pipes.
01Identifying the Issue
- Determine the location and nature of the problem. This could be a leak, a burst pipe, corrosion, blockage, or any other issue affecting the plumbing system.
02Shutting off Water Supply
- Before beginning any repairs, it's crucial to shut off the water supply to the affected area or the entire system. This prevents further damage and ensures a safer working environment.
03Draining the System
- If necessary, drain the water from the pipes to reduce pressure and make the repair process more manageable.
04Locating the Leak or Damage
- Use appropriate tools and methods to locate the specific point of the issue. This may involve visual inspection, pressure testing, or using specialized equipment such as leak detectors.
05Repairing or Replacing the Pipe
- The repair method depends on the nature and extent of the damage. Common repair techniques include:
- Patch or epoxy repair: For small leaks or cracks.
- Pipe clamps or sleeves: For temporary fixes.
- Cut and replace: Removing the damaged section and installing a new pipe.
- Joint repairs: Fixing issues at pipe joints.
Re-pipes require thorough analysis of your existing system. Prior to any job, a plumber must do a good assessment in order to do a correct Repiping job. Determine the material of the existing pipes (e.g., copper, galvanized steel, PEX) as it will impact the repiping process. Check for regulations, secure permits and locate all shut-off valves is a must win doing a repiping project. We dispose of all old materials and ensure that your new system is working properly before completing the job.
Page updated October 2026