Water Pipe Replacement & Repiping
Professional water pipe replacement throughout Muskoka. Replace old galvanized pipes, copper to PEX conversions, and complete repiping services for improved water quality and pressure.
Get Free AssessmentWhen Water Pipes Need Replacement
Water supply pipes don't last forever. Older pipe materials like galvanized steel corrode from the inside, restricting water flow and contaminating your water. Many Muskoka homes and cottages built before 1960 still have original galvanized pipes that are failing.
Even copper pipes, while long-lasting, can develop leaks from corrosion (especially in areas with acidic water). If your home has old pipes, low water pressure, rusty water, or frequent leaks, it's time to consider repiping with modern materials.
Signs Your Pipes Need Replacement
Rusty or Discolored Water
Brown, red, or yellow water (especially first thing in morning) indicates severe pipe corrosion. The rust is contaminating your water supply.
Low Water Pressure
Gradual decrease in water pressure throughout the house suggests pipes are corroding and closing up internally. This only gets worse over time.
Frequent Leaks
If you're constantly patching leaks in different locations, your pipes are failing. It's time to replace the system, not keep patching.
Pipe Age
Galvanized pipes over 50 years old are living on borrowed time. Even if working now, failure is imminent. Proactive replacement prevents emergencies.
High Water Bills
Unexplained increases in water bills suggest hidden leaks in your water supply lines. Old pipes develop pinhole leaks that waste water continuously.
Water Damage Signs
Stains on ceilings or walls, musty odors, or soft spots indicate water leaking from pipes inside walls or under floors. Needs immediate investigation.
Water Pipe Materials: Old vs New
❌ Galvanized Steel (1920s-1960s)
Steel pipes with zinc coating. The zinc eventually corrodes, then the steel rusts from inside. Creates rust buildup that restricts flow and contaminates water.
Problems:
- • Severe corrosion after 40-50 years
- • Rust contamination in water
- • Progressive flow restriction
- • Frequent leaks at joints
- • Must be replaced eventually
⚠️ If You Have Galvanized Pipes:
Replacement should be a priority, especially if over 50 years old. The pipes are corroding from inside even if they look fine from outside. Plan for replacement before catastrophic failure.
⚠️ Copper (1960s-Present)
Long-lasting and generally reliable. Can last 50+ years in good conditions but vulnerable to acidic water, electrolysis, and pinhole leaks. Still used but being replaced by PEX in many applications.
Issues:
- • Pinhole leaks (especially in soft/acidic water)
- • Expensive material and labor
- • Rigid - difficult to route
- • Can freeze and burst
- • Requires soldering skill
When to Replace Copper:
If you're getting pinhole leaks, have acidic water, or are doing major renovation. Otherwise copper can last decades. We can test water to assess risk.
✅ PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) - RECOMMENDED
Modern flexible plastic piping that's become the standard for residential plumbing. Excellent for both new construction and repiping projects.
Advantages:
- ✓ Flexible - easy to route
- ✓ Won't corrode or rust
- ✓ Resistant to freeze damage
- ✓ Faster installation
- ✓ Fewer joints = fewer leak points
- ✓ Lower material and labor costs
- ✓ Color-coded (red hot, blue cold)
Why We Recommend PEX:
PEX is ideal for Muskoka homes and cottages. It handles freezing better than copper, installs faster (less renovation disruption), costs less, and performs excellent for decades. It's the smart choice for most repiping projects.
Approved & Proven:
Code-approved, tested, and proven reliable. Used in millions of homes for 30+ years.
Complete Repiping Process
What to expect during whole-house water pipe replacement
Comprehensive Assessment
We inspect your current plumbing system, test water quality and pressure, identify pipe types and age, locate all fixtures, and plan the most efficient route for new pipes.
System Design
Create detailed plan for new pipe routing. Decide on pipe sizes, manifold systems, and access points. Plan minimizes wall/ceiling disruption while ensuring code compliance.
Preparation & Protection
Protect your home with drop cloths and plastic sheeting. Move furniture if needed. Create access openings in walls/ceilings for pipe installation.
Old Pipe Removal
Shut off main water supply. Drain system. Remove old pipes (or leave in place if not accessible). Cut and cap old lines properly.
New Pipe Installation
Install new PEX (or copper if preferred) supply lines to all fixtures. Run hot and cold lines, properly support and secure piping, install manifolds if using, ensure proper routing and protection.
Connection & Testing
Connect all fixtures, test each for leaks under pressure. Run water to flush system. Check all connections thoroughly.
Wall & Ceiling Repair
Patch and repair any access holes created. Depending on project scope, we coordinate with drywall professionals for finishing.
Final Inspection & Cleanup
Complete system pressure test, verify no leaks, test all fixtures, final cleanup, and walkthrough to demonstrate your new system.
PEX vs Copper: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | PEX | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | ⭐ Much lower | Significantly higher |
| Installation Time | ⭐ 30-50% faster | Slower (requires soldering) |
| Freeze Resistance | ⭐ Can expand without bursting | Bursts when frozen |
| Corrosion | ⭐ Cannot corrode | Can corrode in acidic water |
| Flexibility | ⭐ Very flexible, easy routing | Rigid, many fittings needed |
| Noise | ⭐ Quieter operation | Water hammer can be louder |
| UV Exposure | Cannot be exposed to sunlight | ⭐ Can be exposed |
| Lifespan | 50+ years expected | ⭐ 50-70+ years in good conditions |
| Best For | Most homes, cottages, renovations | Specific situations, some preferences |
💡 Our Recommendation for Most Projects:
PEX is the best choice for most Muskoka repiping projects. It's faster to install (less disruption), costs significantly less, handles freezing better (important for cottages), and performs excellently. We still install copper when requested or when specific situations require it.
Partial vs Complete Repiping
Partial Repiping
Replace only problematic sections or specific areas.
Good for:
- • Isolated leak repairs
- • Single bathroom renovation
- • Specific problem areas
- • Budget constraints
- • Most pipes still in good condition
Considerations:
- • May need additional work later
- • Mixing old and new pipe materials
- • Temporary solution if pipes are old
Complete Repiping
Replace all water supply pipes throughout home.
Good for:
- • Homes with galvanized pipes
- • Multiple leak locations
- • Low pressure throughout
- • Major renovation projects
- • Long-term solution desired
Benefits:
- ✓ Complete peace of mind
- ✓ Consistent modern materials
- ✓ Improved pressure throughout
- ✓ Done once, done right
- ✓ Increases home value significantly
Timeline & What to Expect
Typical Repiping Timeline:
2-3 Days
Small cottage or single floor
4-5 Days
Average 2-3 bedroom home
6-7 Days
Large multi-story home
Timeline includes pipe installation only. Add 1-2 days if we're coordinating drywall repair and painting.
During the Project:
- • Water will be shut off during working hours (typically 8am-5pm)
- • We restore water each evening so you have water overnight
- • Some wall/ceiling access holes will be created (repaired afterward)
- • Your home remains livable throughout the project
- • Expect some dust and noise during work hours
- • We clean up thoroughly each day
After Completion:
- • Better water pressure throughout home
- • Cleaner, better-tasting water
- • No more rust or discoloration
- • Decades of worry-free operation
- • Increased home value
- • Peace of mind knowing plumbing is modern and reliable
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services
Request Water Pipe Replacement Quote
Ready to Replace Old Pipes?
Get a free assessment and quote for water pipe replacement. Improve water quality and pressure throughout your Muskoka property.