The quality of your home’s pipes directly impacts your plumbing system’s function and reliability. As they age, pipes can become corroded or damaged. This can lead to leaks, low water pressure, and other problems.
Fortunately, Albemarle Heating & Air provides expert piping and repiping services throughout the Charlottesville area. Whether you’re looking for dependable plumbing pipe installation services or need to replace failing piping, we can help.
Repiping is the process of replacing your home’s water supply pipes. That includes both your hot- and cold-water lines that feed your baths, showers, sinks, and appliances.
The process involves removing the existing pipes and installing a new network of plumbing pipes. This job is typically done during a home remodel or addition or if your water supply pipes have severely deteriorated.
As with any plumbing problem, it can be difficult to determine when repiping is necessary before a catastrophic failure. Below are signs of pipe failure that you shouldn’t ignore:
Your home has lead pipes: Before 1986, homes were fitted with lead pipes or lead soldering on copper pipes, which present a significant hazard when lead seeps into your water supply, making repiping necessary.
Your home has cast iron or galvanized steel pipes: Cast-iron and galvanized steel pipes are more prone to corrosion. These materials haven’t been installed in homes since the 1960s, so they’re likely deteriorated if you still have them.
Your home has polybutylene pipes: Polybutylene pipes have a short life span and crack when exposed to heat. They’re no longer installed in homes, and they’re not worth repairing this material when other materials last much longer.
You need frequent pipe repairs: If your plumbing system consistently develops leaks or other problems warranting repeat service, it’s likely time for repiping.
Your home is being remodeled: If you’re remodeling a bathroom or kitchen or adding to your home, it’s a great time to update outdated plumbing pipes.
Not all issues with your plumbing system necessitate pipe replacement. Some issues are localized to one area and simply need a professional pipe repair.
Professional plumbers like those at Albemarle Heating & Air can assess your plumbing, identify the problem, and determine if a repair or replacement is necessary.
Below are indicators something is wrong and your plumbing system should be inspected by a professional:
No water
Low water pressure
An unexplained increase in water bills
Water stains on walls or ceilings
Red or brown water
Sediment in your water
If your home uses an outdated piping material, like cast iron, galvanized steel, or lead, we’ll almost always recommend replacement if you’re having issues.
Over the last century, homes were built with pipes made of different materials, many of which are no longer used. Below are pipe materials found in homes and their typical life spans:
The dense red clay in the Charlottesville area expands and contracts significantly with moisture changes, which can put enough pressure on buried pipes to cause them to crack or shift. Over time, this soil movement can lead to “bellies” in your sewer line or sudden fractures in your main water line that require professional repiping.
Many older homes in Staunton still have original galvanized steel pipes that corrode from the inside out, leading to low water pressure and “rusty” or metallic-tasting water. Because this corrosion happens internally, these pipes can look fine on the outside while being almost completely blocked or thin enough to burst at any moment.
A partial repair fixes a single leaking section, while a whole-home repipe replaces the entire aging system with modern, durable materials like PEX or copper. If your home has had multiple leaks in a short period, a full repipe is usually more cost-effective because it prevents the inevitable damage and high cost of future emergency repairs.
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24/7 Emergency Service
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What a pleasure it was turning on the shower last night and having immediate hot water! Also, using the much more comfortable and clean toilets! Once again, we are very pleased with the work your crew did!
I love Albemarle Heating and Air. Every single person we have ever had has been polite, concerned, efficient and knowledgeable. We have had them service both our furnace and our air conditioner and I felt good about every interaction ...
Albemarle Heating and Air has been servicing our HVAC for going on 10 years now. Always reliable, easy to deal with, and professional. Highly recommend!!
The technicians are always punctual, polite, and knowledgeable and take the time to explain their recommendations.
The technician was personable and knowledgeable on the repair. Great experience. I would use AH&A again!
The technician conducted a routine checkup of my HVAC system. He called me before he arrived, early in the four-hour window. He made sure to wear coverings on his feet. Told me what he was doing as he worked ...
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