Aging Pipes
Aging Pipes | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Cowan
When the original copper in Cowan’s older homes starts to flake or the galvanized lines in long-standing businesses fill with rust, HEP’s Aging Pipes team steps in with smart, budget-friendly pipe upgrades that restore full flow and peace of mind. Our licensed plumbers trace hidden leaks with thermal cameras, replace brittle sections with high-performance PEX or seamless copper, and finish every job with water-quality testing so you can taste the difference the moment you turn on the tap.
Whether you’re planning a remodel, adding a bathroom, or simply tired of low pressure and discolored water, let us future-proof your property before small issues become emergency floods. Call, click, or stop by the Cowan office today and discover how fast, clean, and surprisingly affordable modern pipe upgrades can be with HEP on your side.
FAQs
How can I tell if the pipes in my Cowan home are reaching the end of their service life?
Common signs include frequent leaks, discoloured or rusty water, reduced water pressure, unexplained spikes in water bills, and visible corrosion on exposed pipework. Homes in Cowan built before the late 1990s often used galvanised steel or older copper piping that can corrode internally over time. A professional camera inspection can confirm the pipe’s condition without invasive work.
What pipe materials do you recommend when upgrading aging plumbing?
For most Cowan properties we recommend either Copper Type L or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping. Copper is extremely durable, resists ultraviolet light and has a 50-plus-year lifespan. PEX is flexible, faster to install, cost-effective and highly resistant to scale build-up. In some cases, a hybrid system—copper for the main supply lines and PEX for branch lines—offers the best balance of durability and value.
Will my walls and floors need to be demolished to replace old pipes?
Not necessarily. Where feasible, we use minimally invasive techniques such as pipe relining, ceiling cavity reroutes and external wall chases. When full replacement is required, we plan strategic access points to limit disruption and always restore affected surfaces once the upgrade is complete. We’ll outline the exact scope after an on-site assessment.
How long does a typical whole-house pipe upgrade take in Cowan?
A standard three-bedroom, two-bathroom home usually takes three to five working days. Smaller homes or partial upgrades can be completed in one to two days, while larger or multi-storey properties may require up to seven days. We provide a detailed timeline before work begins and keep you updated daily.
What costs should I expect for a pipe upgrade, and do you offer financing?
Pricing depends on pipe length, material choice, accessibility and any required restorations. In Cowan, full replacements start around $6,000 for smaller homes and can exceed $15,000 for larger or complex layouts. We provide fixed-price quotes and offer interest-free payment plans up to 24 months to spread out the investment.
Are permits or inspections required for plumbing upgrades in Cowan?
Yes. Northern Beaches Council and NSW Fair Trading regulations require a licensed plumber to submit a ‘Notice of Work’ (NoW) and organise mandatory inspections for major plumbing alterations. We handle all paperwork, schedule inspections and supply you with a Certificate of Compliance upon completion to ensure your new pipework meets Australian Standards and maintains your home insurance validity.