Plumber fitting a supply pipe beneath insulated flooring

Pipes

Pipe repair and repiping

A single leak in otherwise sound pipe gets a spot repair. When pipe has repeated leaks, is galvanized with low pressure, or is polybutylene (gray plastic, common 1978–1995), repiping the house is usually the lasting fix.

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At a glance

Common sign
More than one leak in a year
First step
Identify materials

Pipe material tells most of the story. Copper can pinhole from water chemistry. Galvanized steel rusts from the inside and chokes water pressure. Polybutylene fittings and pipe become brittle and fail without warning.

PEX is the most common repipe material: flexible, freeze-tolerant and fast to run through existing walls with small openings.

Pipe Repair & Repiping at a glance

What it is: A single leak in otherwise sound pipe gets a spot repair.
Service category: Pipes
Related: Leak Detection, Main Water Line Repair, Low Water Pressure Diagnosis

Signs you need pipe problem help

More than one leak in a year
Gray plastic supply pipes stamped PB2110
Rust-colored water or low pressure (galvanized)
Green or white crust on copper joints
Pipes that froze and split

The visit

What a pipe repair visit involves

1
Identify materials
Check pipe type throughout — crawl space, water heater, under sinks.
2
Repair or repipe plan
A spot repair quote and, if warranted, a repipe plan with access points marked.
3
Work
Repipes are typically done room by room, restoring water each night where possible.
4
Pressure test and inspection
System is pressure-tested and inspected under permit.

What affects the cost of pipe repair

Material (PEX vs. copper)
Number of fixtures
Crawl space vs. slab vs. multi-story
Drywall patching scope

Check pipe repair coverage near you

Use your location or ZIP code to see whether pipe repair & repiping is covered where you are, and the nearest service area.

Location is only used to find the service area nearest you. It stays on your device and isn't stored.

Water actively leaking, overflowing or backing up? That's a job for 24-hour emergency service, not a scheduled visit.

Pipe Repair: common questions

Should I replace polybutylene pipe?

Most plumbers and many insurers recommend it. Polybutylene was widely used 1978–1995 and is prone to sudden failure. Some insurers limit coverage for homes that still have it.

PEX or copper?

Both are reliable when installed correctly. PEX costs less, installs with fewer wall openings and tolerates freezing better. Copper is rigid, long-lasting and UV-proof for exposed runs.

Do plumbers help with frozen pipes?

Yes. A plumber can safely thaw a frozen line and repair any split. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.

How do I know if my house needs repiping?

Repeated leaks, low pressure throughout the house, rusty or discolored water, and original galvanized or polybutylene supply pipe are the main signs. One leak in otherwise sound pipe usually just needs a spot repair.

How long does it take to repipe a house?

Many single-family homes are repiped in a few days, often with water restored each evening. Size, number of bathrooms, access and inspection scheduling all affect the timeline.

What is a pinhole leak in copper pipe?

A pinhole leak is a tiny hole corroded through copper pipe from the inside, often caused by water chemistry or high water velocity. One pinhole can be repaired; several in the same system suggest wider corrosion.

How do I thaw a frozen pipe safely?

Open the faucet the pipe feeds, then warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, heating pad or space heater kept away from anything flammable. Never use an open flame, and shut off the main first if you see a split.

How can I tell if I have polybutylene pipe?

Polybutylene is flexible gray plastic supply pipe, often stamped PB2110, used roughly from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. Look at the water heater connections, under sinks and where lines come through the floor.

Does repiping need a permit?

Yes. Repiping is permitted, inspected work; licensed plumbers normally pull the permit.

Sources: InspectAPedia: polybutylene piping; Mecklenburg County: residential projects that need a permit. Prices are national estimates, not quotes.

Service area

Pipe Repair across the Charlotte metro

Specific pipe repair services

Leak Detection

Plumbers find hidden leaks by isolating sections of plumbing and testing them, then pinpointing the spot with acoustic listening, thermal imaging and moisture meters — so only a small, targeted opening is needed for the repair..

Learn more