When you need it
Repiping is a big decision, so it should rest on evidence rather than a single pinhole. These are the patterns that point toward replacing the system:
- Galvanized steel supply lines giving low pressure and rusty water
- Grey polybutylene (Poly-B) piping, which insurers often flag
- Pinhole leaks that keep popping up in aging copper, mostly on the hot side
- A major renovation that already opens most walls and ceilings
If your concern is specifically Poly-B, our Poly-B replacement page and the guide to identifying Poly-B go into more depth.
How we do the job
We plan the routes before cutting anything. Supply lines can often be fished through basement ceilings, closets and stacked plumbing walls, which keeps openings small.
- Walk the house and map every fixture, the main shut-off and the water heater.
- Agree on materials, usually PEX or copper, and the access points.
- Run a new main trunk and branch lines while the old system stays live.
- Switch fixtures over in stages to limit the time without water.
- Pressure-test the new system before closing walls.
- Remove or cap old lines and label new shut-offs.
Most families stay at home during the work. Water is off for short periods, not for days.
What affects the work
The number of bathrooms, the number of storeys, and how much of the basement is finished drive the scope. A bungalow with bare basement joists goes far faster than a three-storey semi with a finished lower level. Drywall patching after the plumbing is done is a separate trade; we can make openings neat and rectangular so the patcher has an easy job.
Brampton specifics
Brampton grew fast in the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, which is the era when Poly-B was popular in Ontario. Neighbourhoods such as Heart Lake, Professors Lake and parts of Fletchers Creek have many homes from that window. Older pockets downtown and in Peel Village may still have galvanized steel feeding some fixtures. Peel's water is moderately hard, and scale build-up inside old galvanized pipe is a common reason for poor pressure. If pressure is the only complaint, read our low water pressure guide first. The supply line from the street may need attention too; see water line replacement.
A note on cost planning
Every house is different, so we give a written scope after the walk-through rather than a number over the phone. That scope lists each fixture, the material, the access points and what is left for the drywall trade. Comparing quotes is easier when every contractor prices the same list, and we are happy for you to share ours.
Asked at the shop counter
PEX or copper for a repipe?
Both are approved and reliable. PEX is faster to route through finished homes with fewer openings; copper suits exposed runs and some owners' preferences.
How long does repiping take?
A typical detached Brampton home takes a few working days for the plumbing, plus time for patching.
Will my water be off the whole time?
No. We build the new system alongside the old one and switch over in stages.
Questions about this job? Call (365) 413-9125 and talk to a plumber.