Water Pipe Repair & Replacement

No water pipe lasts forever. Copper lines can last up to 50 years (sometimes more in ideal conditions); PVC may give out after 24 years or even less.

Orange County’s water is far from ideal for plumbing. California is notorious for its water hardness, which wreaks havoc on your pipes and shortens their life.

Call us for an inspection if your Orange County home is more than 40 years old and has never been repiped. Nothing dampens memories of your Maui vacation more than returning to a flooded home.

Water pipe inspection is much cheaper than recovery from a plumbing disaster.

New technologies like trenchless repiping and cure-in-place relining let us use existing plumbing to install new lines, giving your old home an all-new plumbing system in a surprisingly short time.

A leaking pipe

Signs of Water Pipe Corrosion & Failure

Do you have:

  • Low water pressure?
  • Particles in your water?
  • Discolored or foul-smelling water?
  • Slow-warming water?
  • Inconsistent water temperatures?
  • A musty odor in your home?

These are some (but not all) signs of corrosion and water pipe failure. Call us as soon as you notice any of them.

How We Detect Water Pipe Corrosion & Leaks

  • Video pipe inspection lets us view the interior of your pipes in real-time to find the exact damage locations.
  • Hydrostatic pressure testing identifies weak spots in your plumbing system before they become disasters.
  • Thermal imaging technology detects temperature changes — clues of underlying plumbing issues — to see problems without invasive procedures or destructive demolition work.
  • Ground microphones and listening discs help us pinpoint the direction and location of leaks.
Yellow water from the tap

Your Pipe Repair & Replacement Options

In days of plumbing yore, pipe repair was dirty, noisy, invasive, and destructive.

No more! Although we may have to dig if the pipes are too far gone (another reason to call us early).

We offer:

  • Trenchless pipe replacement: No digging required! We use existing access points to pull new pipes through.
  • Cure-in-place relining: We’ll line your old pipe with a durable, high-performance epoxy and mesh that seals leaks and prevents further corrosion.
  • Standard repiping: In some cases, we may have to dig. But luckily, Orange County’s sandy soil makes this less complicated than in other regions (unless you built your home on clay).
  • Spot repair: If the water line is in good condition, we’ll repair the problem area only.

We Recommend Copper for Your Exposed Water Piping

Copper piping is durable, more resistant to corrosion than galvanized steel, and impervious to pests. PVC is cheaper, but we know of homeowners in Orange County who had to repipe their PVC lines every few years due to pest damage.

Rats, squirrels, and other critters won’t chew through your copper water pipes.

We want our first repiping job with you to be your last.

We’ll talk about your options, outline a plan, and recommend the type of repair and piping materials that make the most sense for you.

Selecting copper pipes

We Hire Only Certified & License Plumbing Professionals

Orange Coast Plumbing has been in business since 1977. We’re family-owned and operated, with family members employed at various company levels.

We train all plumbers, regardless of experience, to do things the OCP way. Every new hire must spend at least a year working with veterans on our crew before we send them out on their own.

We treat team members like family and consider our customers as family. Every job we perform comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

A friendly OCP plumber

The Orange Coast Plumbing Standard of Service

Orange Coast Plumbing’s certified service technicians will explain the problem in plain language and give you a competitive estimate in writing so you can make truly informed decisions — no confusing double-talk or surprise charges. Not only will your home and water be safer, but even a relatively minor repiping can prevent major problems and significantly enhance the resale appeal of your home.

Gas heater icon

Not sure if your pipes are failing?

Give us a call, we’ll come inspect your home and provide you with your best options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Water Pipe Repair & Replacement

Can you fix a leaky pipe without replacing the pipe?

Yes. In many cases, we can fix the leak without replacing the pipe. Our team uses the latest plumbing technology and is trained in various repair methods, including spot repairs and cure-in-place relining.

What's the best way to repair a leaking pipe?

The solution depends on the type of pipe and its location. For example, metal pipes are usually repaired by cutting out and replacing the damaged section with new piping. Plastic pipes may require patching or relining with a high-quality resin.

We always inspect our repairs cameras to ensure that you have no further issues.

Do I need to replace all my water pipes?

Not necessarily. We’ll assess your plumbing system and recommend an approach that fits your budget. Only certain areas of your home may need repiping or repairs.

How long does water pipe replacement take?

That depends on the size of the project and the access points available for our crew. For example, trenchless repiping typically takes two days or less from start to finish. Standard repiping may take up to four days, depending on how much ground we have to dig.

Who is responsible for water leaks outside the house?

In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for water line repairs outside the home. If a city or county utility owns and maintains your water lines, they’ll typically handle any repairs or replacements.

Where do most home water leaks occur?

Leaks are most likely to occur at connections and fittings. The entire line may need replacing if your pipes are old and corroded. We’ll check all piping and advise you on the best course of action.

 

Do I really have to replace my water pipe?

It depends on the severity of the damage and how long you plan to stay in your home. A cure-in-place relining or a standard repiping job will last for years, but it’s up to you to decide if that’s worth the cost. Our team is always happy to discuss options with you.

Can a water leak stop on its own?

No. Water leaks don’t stop on their own and can quickly cause extensive damage. Call a professional at the first sign of any water leak, no matter how small.

Can Orange Coast Plumbing repair all types of piping?

Yes! We repair all water pipes and plumbing materials. But we install only the highest quality materials in our repiping. Some materials are being phased out of plumbing because they don’t hold up well.

How can you tell where a water leak is coming from?

We use a combination of video pipe inspection, hydrostatic pressure testing, thermal imaging technology, ground microphones, and listening discs to pinpoint where a water leak is coming from. Sometimes, it may involve digging or tearing out parts of the wall.

Can a leaky water pipe burst?

Yes. If left unchecked, water pipes can burst and cause severe property damage. We recommend calling a professional at the first sign of any leak to avoid this problem.

What is the best pipe material for exposed piping?

We recommend copper for exposed piping because it’s durable, resistant to corrosion, and impervious to pests. PVC is cheaper but may need replacing every few years due to pest damage in Orange County’s climate.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us today.