Plumber in San Juan Capistrano, CA

When does a San Juan Capistrano home need a repipe?

A repipe is worth a look when leaks keep popping up, water pressure drops or the water turns rusty. We inspect the pipes in San Juan Capistrano homes and tell you if a repair or a repipe fits better.

Every pipe has a life span. Some materials hold up well for a long time, while others corrode from the inside or wear thin. A single leak doesn't always mean the whole system is done. But a pattern of leaks usually does. Our guide on signs you need a repipe walks through what to watch for.

What are pinhole leaks?

Pinhole leaks are tiny holes that form in a pipe wall, often in copper. They may start as a slow drip inside a wall that you only notice as a stain or a musty smell. When one shows up, others often follow. See the glossary entry on a pinhole leak.

Why is my water pressure low?

Low pressure can come from a failing pressure regulator, a hidden leak, or mineral buildup inside older pipes. Galvanized steel pipes in particular can rust inside and narrow over time. Our low water pressure page explains how we narrow it down.

What does a whole house repipe involve?

We replace the water supply lines throughout the house, connect every fixture to the new pipe and test the system under pressure. Most of the work runs through walls and the attic or crawlspace.

Here's how a typical repipe goes:

• We walk the house with you and plan the new pipe routes.
• We protect floors and furniture in the work areas.
• We open small sections of wall where we need access.
• We run the new lines and connect each fixture.
• We pressure test the system and check every faucet.
• We clean up the work area before we leave.

Learn more on our whole house repiping page.

How much does a repipe cost?

A whole house repipe runs $18,000 to $30,000, depending on the number of bathrooms. Financing is available with terms up to 10 years. Our repipe cost guide breaks down what goes into the price.

Does a repipe need a permit?

We pull the permit when one is required. You can read more in do you need a permit for a repipe.

How long will the water be off?

We plan the work so you're not without water any longer than needed. Most of the new pipe goes in while the old lines still run. We shut off the water when we switch fixtures over to the new lines, and we'll tell you ahead of time when that will be. At the end of each day, we try to leave you with working water.

Should I pick PEX or copper?

Both work well. PEX is flexible, quieter and usually quicker to install. Copper is rigid and long-lasting. We'll explain the trade-offs for your home before you choose.

PEX is a plastic tube that bends around corners, so it needs fewer fittings. Fewer fittings means fewer places for a leak to start. Copper has a long track record and holds up well to heat. The right pick depends on your budget, your plans for the home and the layout of your walls.

Which one resists mineral buildup?

PEX doesn't corrode, and scale has a harder time sticking to its smooth walls. Copper can develop scale and, in some water conditions, pinhole leaks. Compare them on our PEX vs. copper page.

Can Done-Rite fix one pipe instead of repiping?

Often, yes. If the rest of the system is in good shape, we can repair the leaking section and get you back to normal for far less.

We look at the age of the pipe, how many leaks you've had and the condition of the pipe around the leak. If a repair makes sense, we'll say so. If the pipe is failing everywhere, we'll explain why a repipe saves money over time. Our burst pipe repair service covers sudden breaks, and leak detection helps us find leaks you can't see.

What questions should I ask before deciding?

Ask how many leaks the home has had, where they were and what the pipe looked like around them. Ask whether the water pressure has changed. It also helps to think about how long you plan to stay in the home. A repair costs less today, while a repipe can end the cycle of leaks. We'll answer these with you during the visit, in plain words.

What else can you help with?

We also clear drains, service water heaters, repair sewer lines and install fixtures. Drain cleaning starts at $99, and that price includes a camera inspection on one qualifying drain.

How do I book a repipe consult in San Juan Capistrano?

Call (714) 605-2950 or reach out on our contact page. We'll set a time to look at your pipes in San Juan Capistrano with no trip charge.

We're open 6:00am to 7:00pm every day, and we offer 24/7 emergency service with a 1-hour response when a pipe bursts. You get $100 off any replacement when we supply the material. Our labor comes with at least a 1-year warranty, and Done-Rite is licensed, bonded and insured.