Hands-on Experience
Hands-on Experience | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Philadelphia
From century-old rowhomes in Fishtown to sleek new builds in Center City, HEP’s seasoned technicians bring true hands-on expertise to every twist and turn of your waterlines. We’ve spent years in Philadelphia basements and utility rooms replacing corroded galvanized pipes, upsizing undersized supply lines, and future-proofing plumbing systems so they meet today’s pressure, flow, and code requirements.
Whether you’re chasing better water quality, planning an addition, or preparing your property for resale, our pipe upgrades deliver lasting performance without disruptive surprises. Expect transparent quotes, neat workmanship, and a team that treats your home like their own—because in Philly, reputation travels faster than water through new copper. Call us when you’re ready to hear your faucets run smoother than the Schuylkill after a storm.
FAQs
When should I consider upgrading the pipes in my Philadelphia home or business?
You should think about a pipe upgrade if your building still has galvanized steel or polybutylene piping, if you experience recurrent leaks, rusty-colored water, reduced water pressure, or if the plumbing is 40+ years old. Philadelphia’s hard water and cold winters accelerate corrosion, so older pipes often fail sooner here than the national average. An inspection by our licensed technicians can confirm whether a full upgrade or targeted replacement is the best solution.
What pipe materials do you recommend for replacements in the Philadelphia area?
For domestic water lines, we most often install Type L copper or PEX-A tubing because both meet Pennsylvania plumbing code, handle freeze-thaw cycles well, and have long service lives (50+ years for copper, 25-40 for PEX). For drain, waste, and vent lines we typically use PVC or cast-iron no-hub, depending on building type and sound-dampening needs. During your consultation we explain the pros, cons, and costs of each material so you can choose what fits your budget and performance goals.
How long does a typical whole-house pipe upgrade take?
Most single-family homes are completed in three to five working days, including final pressure testing and city inspection. Larger residences and commercial buildings can range from one to three weeks. We use detailed phasing plans to keep at least one bathroom and kitchen sink operational whenever possible, and we schedule inspections with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) in advance to avoid delays.
Will new pipes really improve my water pressure and quality?
Yes. Old galvanized and corroded copper pipes develop internal scale that restricts flow and introduces rust particles into the water. Replacing them restores full pipe diameter, which noticeably boosts pressure at fixtures. New NSF-certified copper or PEX lines also eliminate metallic taste, rust discoloration, and potential lead contamination from failing solder joints, giving you cleaner, clearer water.
Do you take care of permits and code compliance for Philadelphia?
Absolutely. Pipe replacements require an L&I plumbing permit, possible street-opening permits if the water service line is involved, and on-site inspections. Our master plumbers are licensed with the City of Philadelphia, and we file all paperwork, pay permit fees, schedule rough-in and final inspections, and provide you with a Certificate of Approval once the job passes code.
What does a pipe upgrade cost and are financing options available?
Pricing depends on pipe material, building size, and accessibility, but most whole-house upgrades in Philadelphia range from $6,000 to $15,000. We provide a detailed, fixed-price proposal after the walk-through so you know exactly what to expect. For qualified customers we offer zero-interest same-as-cash plans for 12 months or low-interest financing up to 60 months through our lending partners, making it easier to spread the investment over time.