Pipe repair covers the many ways a supply or drain line can fail: corrosion, cracks, punctures from a nail or screw, freeze damage and worn joints. We repair the damaged section with appropriate materials and test it before closing up.
The causeWhy it happens
Galvanized steel rusts from the inside until flow drops and the pipe leaks at the threads. Copper develops pinholes. Polybutylene, the gray plastic used in some homes from the 1980s and early 1990s, becomes brittle and splits at fittings. CPVC grows brittle with age and can crack when handled. And any pipe can be punctured during remodeling or split by a freeze.
DiagnosisWhat we check first
- 01Pipe type
- Copper, PEX, CPVC, galvanized, polybutylene and cast iron each require different repair methods and transitions.
- 02Damage extent
- We expose enough pipe to confirm the section around the damage is sound.
- 03Supports and protection
- Pipes that rub against framing or lack nail plates are prone to repeat damage. We correct that.
- 04System pressure
- We test static pressure to make sure it is not contributing to failures.
The optionsWhich repair fits, and when
We lay out the choices plainly, explain what each involves and leave the decision with you.
Spot repair
A single damaged section is cut out and replaced with matching or compatible pipe.
Section replacement
A longer run is corroded or brittle. Replacing it from fitting to fitting avoids repeated repairs.
Material transition
Old galvanized or polybutylene is replaced with PEX or copper for the affected run.
Local conditionsPlumbing Pipe Repair on the west side of San Antonio
Homes built around San Antonio in the 1950s through the 1970s often still have galvanized supply lines, and some 1980s homes on the west side used polybutylene. Both materials are past their expected service life. If we repair one section and the rest of the system is the same material, we will tell you plainly what to expect.
From the jobOpen wall with new PVC drain and supply rough-in
A few things that help
Shut off the water to the affected line or the whole house if needed. If the pipe is in a wall or ceiling, move furniture and cover the floor.
QuestionsCommon questions about plumbing pipe repair
What kind of pipe will you use?
Usually PEX or copper, depending on the location and what connects to it. We use proper transition fittings between different materials.
Can you repair polybutylene pipe?
We can repair a section, but polybutylene tends to fail elsewhere. Replacing it is usually the better long-term choice.
Is galvanized pipe dangerous?
It is not unsafe to have, but it corrodes from the inside, reduces flow and leaks at the threads as it ages.
Related workServices that often go with it
Talk it through with usOpen 7 AM to 11 PM every day. Se habla español.
(210) 761-4788