As Orlando’s trusted repipe specialists, Matt’s Plumbing frequently helps homeowners decide between spot pipe repairs and whole-house repiping. Understanding the differences between these options can save you time, money, and prevent future plumbing headaches. In this guide, we’ll share our expert insights on when to repair and when to repipe.
Understanding Pipe Repair: When It Makes Sense
Pipe repair addresses isolated plumbing issues without replacing the entire system. As experienced repipe specialists, we recommend considering pipe repair in these scenarios:
When Pipe Repair Is Appropriate
- Isolated leaks in otherwise healthy plumbing systems
- Single pipe damage from freezing, accidental drilling, or minor impacts
- Small sections of corroded pipe while the rest of the system remains in good condition
- Temporary fixes when you’re planning to repipe in the near future but need immediate solutions
- Specific joint failures where the pipes themselves remain structurally sound
Common Pipe Repair Methods
Our repipe specialists utilize several techniques for effective pipe repairs:
- Pipe patching – For small holes or cracks in accessible pipes
- Joint resoldering – For copper pipe connection failures
- Section replacement – Removing and replacing a damaged segment
- Pipe lining – Creating a new pipe within the existing pipe using epoxy coatings
- Compression fittings – Quick solutions for certain types of pipe leaks
Matt’s Plumbing Pro Tip: Even a small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water monthly and cause significant structural damage. Never ignore leaks, no matter how minor they might seem!
Understanding Repiping: When It’s The Better Investment
Repiping involves replacing most or all of the water supply pipes in your home. As repipe specialists who’ve served Orlando for years, we recommend repiping in these situations:
Clear Signs You Need Repiping
- Multiple leaks occurring throughout your plumbing system
- Discolored water (brown, yellow, or reddish) indicating pipe corrosion
- Low water pressure affecting multiple fixtures due to internal pipe corrosion
- Lead or polybutylene pipes which are outdated and potentially hazardous
- Frequent repairs becoming increasingly expensive and disruptive
- Homes over 50 years old with original plumbing that’s reaching end-of-life
- Visible corrosion, flaking, or dimpling on exposed pipes
Repiping Options
As repipe specialists, we typically recommend these modern piping materials:
- Copper – Durable, long-lasting, and naturally antimicrobial but more expensive
- PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) – Flexible, resistant to scaling, and more affordable
- CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) – Heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective
Each material has advantages depending on your home’s specific needs, water chemistry, and budget. Our repipe specialists can help determine the best solution for your Orlando home.
Comparing Costs: Repair vs. Repiping
Understanding the financial implications helps make the right decision:
While repairs cost less upfront, repeated repairs can quickly exceed the cost of repiping. As repipe specialists, we often see homeowners who regret not repiping sooner after spending thousands on repeated repairs.
The Repiping Process: What to Expect
When you choose Matt’s Plumbing as your repipe specialists, here’s our proven process:
- Thorough Inspection – We evaluate your entire plumbing system and discuss your needs
- Custom Plan – We create a detailed repiping strategy specific to your home
- Material Selection – Together, we select the best piping material for your situation
- Protection Preparation – We take measures to protect your home and belongings
- Strategic Installation – Our repipe specialists install new lines with minimal wall openings
- Quality Testing – We pressure test all new lines to ensure perfect installation
- Clean Restoration – We patch any necessary wall openings ready for paint
- Final Walkthrough – We explain the work completed and answer any questions
Most whole-house repipes can be completed in 2-5 days, with water available for use each evening.
Making the Right Decision for Your Orlando Home
When deciding between repair and repiping, consider these factors:
- Age of your home – Homes over 50 years old typically benefit more from repiping
- Frequency of leaks – Multiple repairs in a year suggest systemic issues
- Water quality concerns – Discoloration or metallic taste often indicates repiping is needed
- Future plans – Planning to stay in your home long-term justifies the investment in repiping
- Budget considerations – Weigh immediate costs against long-term expenses
As Orlando’s trusted repipe specialists, we provide honest assessments without pushing unnecessary work. Sometimes a repair is genuinely the best solution, and we’ll tell you when that’s the case.
Key Takeaway: Repiping is an investment in your home’s infrastructure that provides decades of reliable service, improved water quality, and enhanced property value. While repairs offer quick fixes for isolated issues, they don’t address underlying problems in aging plumbing systems.
Consult With Matt’s Plumbing Repipe Specialists
Unsure whether repair or repiping is right for your Orlando home? Our repipe specialists offer free consultations to assess your plumbing system and provide expert recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
Call us at 813-269-7370 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation. With Matt’s Plumbing, you’ll get honest advice, quality workmanship, and peace of mind knowing your plumbing is in expert hands.
