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Pipe Repair and Replacement in East Bay Area

Many homes in the East Bay Area area were once piped with galvanized and/or copper water supply lines. Older pipes like these deteriorate as time goes on, resulting in discolored water, decreased pressure or even small pinhole leaks. RB Travis Plumbing is happy to help you explore options for pipe replacement.

Water leak on a pipe

Common Pipe Repairs

  • Cracked Pipe: Pipes crack most often due to very cold conditions, motion underground or because the materials are old. Cracks can lead to leaks and significant water damage if not repaired right away.
  • Corrosion: With time, metal pipes can corrode, weakening them and leaving them vulnerable to developing leaks. Corrosion might be the cause of leaks if you notice discolored water or a drop in water pressure.
  • Serious clogs: If large amounts of debris, grease or foreign objects prevent the flow of water, clearing the pipe may require specialized cleaning or repairs.
  • Bellied pipe: A pipe belly occurs when a portion of the pipe sinks due to heavy soil conditions or ground motion. The waste settles in a low spot where it may be unable to flow out.
  • Tree roots are growing through the lines: Adult trees have roots strong enough to pierce sewer lines and pipes as they seek moisture. Scheduled checks and maintenance are necessary to prevent the serious damage associated with root intrusion.

Warning Signs You Need Repiping

  • Yellowish water—If you have noticed your water turning yellow in color, it’s smart to consider replacing your old pipes.
  • Rust-like discoloration—Metal flakes in your water are indicative of rusting galvanized pipes.
  • A drop in water pressure—When the water pressure drops throughout the home, this can often be explained by rust building up in the fixtures.
  • Stains in sinks/tubs—Rust and other substances will start to leave behind stains and brownish rings in your tubs, sinks and toilets.

Advantages of Repiping

  • Get rid of galvanized piping—even though it’s not easy to keep an eye on hidden pipes as they age—because replacing the pipes ensures they don’t have a chance to break and cause trouble. Because of the calcium and magnesium in our water supply, the deterioration of galvanized pipes is a matter of when, not if.
  • Many horizontal (in the attic) pipes are made of copper. Copper pipes frequently produce small pinhole leaks, which are harder to find. Pinhole leaks take longer to find and may not even be large enough to see at first, leading to more water damage to walls or floors and costly repairs.

Types of Repiping Offered

  • Horizontal repiping—This type of repiping covers horizontal pipes usually found in the attic or any crawl spaces. Repiping projects for horizontal pipes are more common since damage accumulates here more often.
  • Vertical repiping—This can be done to sections of your home or a complete vertical repiping. These projects only refer to plumbing that runs vertically throughout the home. Incisions are made in the Sheetrock to facilitate the replacement, and these incisions are usually repaired by another contractor.
  • Whole-house repiping—As you can imagine, whole-house repiping projects cover all pipes above the slab, both horizontal and vertical.

Replacement Materials

RB Travis Plumbing uses Wirsbo PEX piping to replace your current plumbing system. PEX piping is versatile, durable and more cost effective than other kinds of water line materials. PEX piping is available in red (for hot water lines), blue (for cold water lines) or clear options. Wirsbo PEX comes with a 25-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

If your home has already been dealing with issues with old pipes or you are planning on replacing your old piping, call RB Travis Plumbing. Our exceptional plumbers are ready and waiting to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

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