Piping & Repiping

How Do I Know If My Home Needs Repiping?

If you think the piping in your home may be older or worn out, here are some things to watch for:

• Low Water Pressure Throughout Your House: If your showers feel weak and faucets barely trickle even when nothing else is running, your old pipes are probably clogged with mineral buildup or corrosion. This whole-house pressure problem usually means it's time for new pipes.
• Discolored or Rusty Water: Brown, yellow, or reddish water coming from your taps is a sure sign that your pipes are corroding from the inside out. This rusty water isn't just unappetizing - it can stain your clothes, dishes, and fixtures.
• Frequent Pipe Leaks & Repairs: If we're out to your place fixing pipe leaks every few months, you're probably dealing with old pipes that are failing bit by bit. At some point, repiping becomes cheaper than constant repair calls.
• Strange Tastes Or Smells In Your Water: Metallic, musty, or chemical tastes and odors often come from old pipes that are breaking down and contaminating your water supply. Fresh pipes mean fresh-tasting water from every faucet.
• Visible Corrosion On Exposed Pipes: If the pipes you can see in your basement or crawl space are covered in rust, green corrosion, or mineral deposits, you can bet the hidden pipes throughout your house are in the same shape.
• Your Home Was Built Before 1970: Houses built with galvanized steel or old copper pipes are living on borrowed time. These materials typically need replacing after 40-50 years, and waiting too long just leads to more problems.

What Types Of Pipe Does C&M Install?

We've always believed in using the right tool of the job, and the same goes for choosing which type of pipe is best for each situation.

PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are workhorses that have been proving themselves reliable for decades now, especially for drain lines and some water supply applications. They don't rust, corrode, or react with chemicals, which makes them perfect for areas with hard water or acidic soil conditions. PVC is also budget-friendly and relatively easy to work with, which can help keep your repiping costs down without sacrificing quality. The main downside is that PVC can become brittle over time, especially if it's exposed to sunlight or extreme temperature changes, and it's not suitable for hot water lines. We typically recommend PVC for drain systems, vent lines, and cold water supply in certain situations where its durability and cost-effectiveness make the most sense for your particular home and budget.

PEX Pipes

PEX piping has become our go-to choice for most whole-home repiping projects because it combines reliability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in ways that make both homeowners and plumbers happy. This flexible plastic tubing can bend around corners and obstacles without needing as many joints and fittings, which means fewer potential leak points and faster installation times. PEX handles both hot and cold water beautifully, resists freezing better than rigid pipes, and won't corrode or develop mineral buildup like metal pipes can. It's also quieter than other pipe materials, so you won't hear water hammering through your walls. The main consideration with PEX is that it's relatively new compared to traditional materials, though it's proven itself reliable over the past couple of decades. We've found PEX works especially well for repiping older homes where running new lines through tight spaces can be challenging.

Copper Pipes

Copper has been the gold standard for residential plumbing for generations, and there's good reason why it's still popular with homeowners who want time-tested reliability. Copper pipes can last 50-70 years when properly installed. They handle both hot and cold water without any problems, and they won't leach chemicals into your water supply. Copper also has natural antimicrobial properties that help keep your water clean and safe. The main drawbacks are cost - copper is significantly more expensive than other options - and the fact that it can corrode in certain water conditions or react with acidic water. Copper installation also takes more time and skill, which can add to labor costs. We still install copper pipes for customers who specifically want them, especially in high-end homes or situations where longevity and traditional materials are priorities, but we always discuss the cost differences upfront so you can make an informed decision.