Outdated Or Faulty Piping
Outdated Or Faulty Piping | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Elora
Elora’s charm may be timeless, but the same can’t be said for the plumbing hidden behind its century-old walls. If your taps spit rust, your water pressure struggles, or you’re tired of surprise leaks staining fresh renos, it’s likely the original piping is sounding its last gurgling gasp. Outdated galvanized steel and brittle copper can harbour sediment, lower efficiency, and even compromise water safety—problems that only grow costlier the longer they’re ignored.
HEP’s licensed technicians specialize in seamless pipe upgrades that swap out corroded lines for today’s durable, high-flow materials while preserving the character of your home. We map every run, schedule work around your routine, and leave each space cleaner than we found it, so you enjoy reliable water, stronger pressure, and peace of mind without the renovation headache. Book your free in-home assessment and discover how effortless modern plumbing can be.
FAQs
How can I tell if my Elora home’s plumbing pipes are outdated or at risk of failure?
Homes in Elora built before the mid-1980s often contain galvanized steel, poly-butylene (Poly-B) or even lead service lines. Common warning signs include rusty-coloured water, recurring pin-hole leaks, poor water pressure, unexplained spikes in water bills, or visible corrosion on exposed pipe sections. If your shut-off valves or supply lines have a dull gray colour that scratches shiny, they may be lead. A licensed plumber can perform a video inspection and water-quality test to confirm the pipe material and its current condition.
What types of pipe materials are commonly used to replace old galvanized or Poly-B lines?
The two most popular options are cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and Type L copper. PEX is flexible, resists freeze damage, installs quickly with fewer fittings, and typically costs 20–40 % less than copper. Type L copper is time-tested, has a 50+-year life span, and is fire-resistant, making it preferred for exposed basement or boiler applications. In some cases, schedule 40 CPVC is also acceptable, but PEX or copper will meet or exceed current Ontario Building Code requirements.
Will upgrading my pipes improve water pressure and quality?
Yes. Replacing corroded galvanized or scaled copper removes internal buildup that reduces flow, instantly restoring normal pressure. New piping eliminates the metallic taste and orange staining caused by rust or lead leaching. Because new PEX or copper has smooth, non-reactive walls, you will also notice quieter water flow and fewer temperature fluctuations during simultaneous fixture use.
How disruptive is a whole-home repipe and how long does it usually take?
A typical 2-bathroom bungalow can be fully repiped in 2–3 days, while a larger two-storey home may take up to a week. We plan the project in stages so you always have at least one functioning bathroom at the end of each day. Access holes are cut in drywall or ceilings directly where pipes run, then patched and primed afterward. Flooring, cabinetry and structural members are left intact, and we use drop sheets and negative-pressure fans to control dust.
Do I need a permit in Centre Wellington (Elora) for pipe replacement work?
Yes. Any alteration to your plumbing system—including repiping, adding new fixtures, or moving supply lines—requires a plumbing permit from the Township of Centre Wellington Building Department. As your contractor we prepare the drawings, submit the application, pay the fees, and coordinate all mandatory rough-in and final inspections to ensure the work is fully code-compliant before the walls are closed.
Are there financing or rebate options available for plumbing upgrades in Elora?
While there are currently no federal rebates specifically for pipe replacement, many homeowners pair a repipe with energy-efficient fixture upgrades that may qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Grant. We also partner with local lenders who offer 0 % interest for 6 months or low-interest plans up to 10 years. Seniors (65+) may be eligible for the Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit, which provides a 25 % refundable tax credit on eligible renovation expenses, including plumbing improvements up to $10,000 of costs per year.