Seasoned Experts
Seasoned Experts | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Philadelphia
From century-old Philly rowhomes to shiny Center City condos, HEP’s seasoned experts know how to breathe new life into tired plumbing. Our craftsmen combine decades of local experience with cutting-edge materials to deliver seamless pipe upgrades that boost pressure, improve water quality, and future-proof your property against hidden leaks.
Whether you’re planning a remodel or reacting to a sudden pinhole burst, we’ll map, replace, and test every line with minimal disruption—often finishing the job before the cheesesteaks get cold. Reach out today and discover why homeowners and businesses across Philadelphia trust HEP for dependable service, honest pricing, and pipes that last as long as your love for the Eagles.
FAQs
Why should Philadelphia homeowners consider a full pipe upgrade instead of spot repairs?
Many Philadelphia homes were built before 1960 and often still rely on galvanized steel or even lead supply lines. These materials corrode internally, reduce water pressure, and risk contaminating drinking water. A full upgrade to modern copper or PEX piping eliminates hidden restrictions, improves flow, meets current plumbing codes, and adds long-term value to your property, whereas repeated spot repairs only delay inevitable failures and can cost more over time.
Which pipe materials do you recommend for replacements in our region’s climate, and why?
We typically recommend L-type copper or PEX-A tubing. Copper is time-tested, highly durable, and resists UV damage—ideal for exposed basement or boiler-room runs common in Philadelphia rowhomes. PEX-A is flexible, freeze-resistant, and faster to install behind finished walls, minimizing demolition in older houses with plaster or historical finishes. In many projects we use a hybrid system: copper for the main trunk lines and PEX branches to fixtures, balancing longevity, cost, and installation speed.
Do I need permits and inspections for a pipe upgrade in Philadelphia?
Yes. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) requires a plumbing permit for any pipe replacement beyond simple like-for-like fixture swaps. After our team submits engineered drawings, L&I reviews them for compliance with the latest Philadelphia Plumbing Code (based on IPC 2018). Rough-in and final inspections are mandatory. Hiring a licensed Master Plumber ensures all paperwork, fees, and on-site inspections are handled correctly, preventing fines or project delays.
How long does a whole-house repipe generally take, and will I be without water?
A typical 2-bathroom rowhome repipe takes 3–5 working days, while larger single-family properties can take 1–2 weeks. We use a phased approach: new piping is installed parallel to the old lines, keeping your existing water service active until final switchover. Water is usually shut off for only a few hours on the last day, so you’ll have minimal disruption to daily routines.
What is the ballpark cost for a professional repipe in Philadelphia?
Costs vary with home size, material choice, and accessibility, but for most city rowhomes expect $8,000–$12,000 for a full interior water-supply repipe and $3,000–$6,000 for drain and vent replacements. Hybrid copper/PEX systems land near the middle of that range. We provide fixed-price proposals after an on-site evaluation so you know exact costs before work begins—no surprises.
Can you coordinate lead service line replacement with the Philadelphia Water Department?
Absolutely. If we find or suspect a lead service line feeding your home, we’ll help you apply for the Philadelphia Water Department’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program. We handle all excavation, trenchless pulling where possible, and schedule water main tie-ins with PWD inspectors. Upgrading both the public and private portions of the line at the same time ensures a completely lead-free water path and can qualify you for partial city reimbursement.