Residential plumbing ยท Denver Metro, Colorado
Pipe repair: copper, PEX and galvanized
Water supply pipes fail in predictable ways: pinholes in copper, corrosion inside galvanized steel, and failed fittings on any material. We repair the leak and tell you honestly whether a spot repair is enough or the section around it should be replaced.
Most homes in the metro have copper, PEX or galvanized steel supply lines, and many older homes have a mix from decades of repairs. Each material has its own failure modes and repair methods. The copper repair pictured here, a soldered tee and elbow, is typical of the work.
Copper
Copper lasts a long time, but pinhole leaks can develop, often in clusters, and fittings can corrode. Repairs use soldered or approved press fittings. When pinholes keep appearing in the same run, replacing that run is usually smarter than patching each one.
Galvanized steel
Common in older homes, galvanized pipe corrodes from the inside. The bore narrows, pressure drops, water can run rusty, and the threads at fittings rust through. Repairs replace sections with copper or PEX using proper transition fittings. If much of the house is galvanized, we'll talk about replacing it in stages.
PEX
Newer homes and many repairs use PEX. It resists freezing better than rigid pipe but isn't immune. Repairs replace damaged sections with approved fittings. PEX shouldn't be exposed to sunlight or installed too close to heat sources.
Older plastic pipe
Some homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s have gray polybutylene supply pipe, which is known for failing, especially at fittings. If you have it, it's worth having looked at before it leaks.
Pressure matters
High water pressure stresses every pipe and fixture. Many homes have a pressure-reducing valve at the main; when it fails, pressure climbs. If you're seeing multiple leaks, we check pressure too.
Signs your pipes are near the end
- Leaks appearing in the same area months apart
- Rusty water that clears after running
- Pressure dropping at several fixtures over time
- Corrosion or crust on many fittings, not just one
- Visible pitting or thinning on copper
- Gray plastic supply pipe from the late 1970s to mid-1990s
Replacing pipe in stages
Repiping a whole house at once isn't always necessary. A practical approach is to replace the runs causing trouble first, often the main line to the water heater and the risers to bathrooms, then work through the rest as budget and access allow, ideally during other projects when walls are already open. Each stage should end with proper transition fittings and a pressure test.
Copper, PEX or something else for the repair?
The repair material depends on what's already there and where it runs. Copper is often used to repair copper in exposed basement runs. PEX is flexible, tolerates freezing better and can be easier to route through finished walls. Where galvanized is being replaced, either works with the right transition fitting. We'll explain the choice for your situation.
Signs your pipes need repair
- Pinhole spray or drip
- Green or white crust on fittings
- Rusty water
- Low pressure throughout the house
- Water bill increase
- Banging pipes
How a visit goes
- Find the leakAnd look at the pipe around it.
- Check pressureIf there are multiple leaks.
- Repair or replace the sectionWith the reason explained.
- TestUnder pressure before we leave.
What's different here
- Freeze risk. Rigid pipe in exterior walls and crawl spaces is the most vulnerable in cold snaps.
- Older housing stock. Many pre-1960 metro homes still have some galvanized supply pipe.
- Mixed materials. Decades of repairs often leave copper, galvanized and PEX together; transitions must be done properly.
What affects the cost
Every home is set up differently, so we price the job after we've seen it. These are the things that move the number.
- MaterialCopper, PEX or galvanized.
- AccessExposed vs. finished walls.
- LengthSpot repair vs. run replacement.
- TransitionsJoining different materials.
- Pressure valveIf pressure is high.
- Number of leaksOne or several.
Questions we hear
Why do I keep getting pinhole leaks?
Water chemistry, velocity and age can all contribute. Repeated pinholes in one run usually mean replacing that run.
Should I replace galvanized pipe?
If it's causing low pressure, rusty water or leaks, replacing it, often in stages, is worth considering.
Is PEX better than copper?
Both are good. PEX is flexible and resists freeze damage better; copper is rigid and durable. The right choice depends on the job.
What is polybutylene pipe?
Gray plastic supply pipe used from the late 1970s to mid-1990s, known for failing at fittings. Have it checked.
Can high water pressure cause leaks?
Yes. A failed pressure-reducing valve can push pressure high enough to stress pipes and fixtures.
Do you repair pipes inside walls?
Yes. We'll discuss access before cutting and keep openings small.
Do I need to repipe my whole house?
Not always. Replacing the worst runs in stages often solves pressure and leak problems.
How do I know if my pipes are galvanized?
Galvanized steel is gray, threaded at fittings, and a magnet sticks to it. Copper is reddish-brown and non-magnetic.
Can you join PEX to my old copper or galvanized pipe?
Yes, with approved transition fittings. Joining dissimilar metals directly can cause corrosion, so the fitting matters.
Why do my pipes bang when I shut off a faucet?
That's water hammer, often from high pressure or loose pipe straps. A pressure check and securing the pipe usually helps.
How long does a pipe repair take?
A single exposed leak is often a short visit. Finished walls, multiple leaks or replacing a run take longer. We'll tell you before starting.
Do pinhole leaks mean my water is bad?
Not necessarily. Age, water chemistry and flow velocity all play a part. Your provider's annual water quality report describes the water; repeated pinholes in one area point to that run of pipe.
Related services
Faucets, Toilets & Fixtures
Dripping faucets, running toilets, tired shower valves and new fixtures you've picked out.
Leak & Pipe Repair
Pinhole leaks, failed fittings, frozen and split pipes, leaking shutoff valves and supply lines.
Pipe repair: copper, PEX and galvanized near you
We're based in Thornton and work across the Denver Metro:
Emergency plumber by city
Water leaking now? Shut off the main, then call.
Something leaking, dripping or cold?
Call and tell us what's going on, or pick a time online. If it's not something we handle, we'll say so.