Repiping makes sense when the problem is the pipe material itself, not one bad joint. Galvanized steel rusts from the inside until flow drops; polybutylene can fail without warning. Fixing these one leak at a time means paying repeatedly for the same root cause.
Many Gastonia homes built before the 1960s started with galvanized supply. Crawl-space construction helps: new lines can usually run under the floor and come up into walls with modest openings.
Whole-House Repiping at a glance
- Service
- Whole-House Repiping (Leaks & Pipes)
- Fixes
- Galvanized steel corrosion; Polybutylene breakdown; Pinhole leaks across aging copper
- How it's done
- Survey and plan → Permit → Run new lines → Connect, test, patch
- Urgent?
- Usually schedulable; call now if water is leaking or sewage is backing up
- Where
- Gastonia and nearby Gaston County, NC
- Last reviewed
- 2026-10-06
Signs you need whole-house repiping
- Low pressure at most fixtures
- Brown or rusty water, especially after being away
- Several leaks in different places
- Gray plastic polybutylene supply pipe
- Insurer or inspector flagged the pipe
Common causes
- Galvanized steel corrosion
- Polybutylene breakdown
- Pinhole leaks across aging copper
- Previous mismatched repairs
PEX vs. copper for a repipe
| PEX | Copper | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Flexible; fewer fittings and wall openings | Rigid; more fittings and soldered joints |
| Freeze tolerance | More tolerant of expansion | Can split when frozen |
| Cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Considerations | Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources | Can pinhole in aggressive water over time |
What a repipe day looks like
Most single-family repipes take a few days. Water is usually restored each evening, so you can often stay in the home.
- Furniture and floors near the work are protected
- Small, planned openings are made in walls and ceilings, often in closets
- New PEX or copper lines are run from the main to each fixture
- Fixtures are reconnected and new shutoff valves installed
- The system is pressure tested and inspected
- Wall openings are patched, ready for paint
PEX or copper?
PEX is flexible, resists freeze splits better, needs fewer fittings and costs less to install, which is why it's the most common choice for repiping older Gastonia homes with crawl spaces. Copper lasts a long time and resists rodents and UV, and some homeowners prefer it in exposed areas. Either is a big upgrade from galvanized or polybutylene.
How a plumber handles it
- 1Survey and planFixture count, routes and access points are mapped.
- 2PermitRepipes are permitted and inspected.
- 3Run new linesNew supply runs through crawl space or attic to each fixture, often fixture by fixture so water is off only briefly.
- 4Connect, test, patchLines are pressure-tested, old pipe is abandoned or removed, and openings are closed.
How much does whole-house repiping cost in Gastonia?
There's no honest flat price without seeing the job; a licensed plumber should quote before starting. These factors move the number most:
- Number of fixtures and bathrooms
- Crawl space vs. slab access
- Pipe material chosen
- Wall patching
- Permit
What you can safely check, and what to leave alone
Safe to do
- Identify your pipe material at the water heater
- Check pressure at several fixtures
Stop and call
- Mixing materials without proper transition fittings
Whole-House Repiping across Gastonia and Gaston County
Licensed plumbers handle whole-house repiping in every Gastonia neighborhood and the surrounding Gaston County towns. What a job involves depends a lot on the age of the home, so the area guides below explain what to expect where you live. Areas where whole-house repiping comes up most: York-Chester, Loray Mill Village, Downtown Gastonia, Forest Heights, Highland, Belmont, Mount Holly, Cramerton, McAdenville, Lowell, Ranlo, Dallas, Bessemer City.
Gastonia neighborhoods
Before you call, these guides answer the most common questions: polybutylene pipe: what homeowners should know; why water pressure drops; how to find your main water shutoff; signs of a hidden plumbing leak; how to prevent frozen pipes. For a quick symptom lookup, use the plumbing problem finder.
This page is part of pipe repair in Gastonia.
Whole-House Repiping FAQs
How do I know if I have galvanized pipe?
Galvanized steel is dull gray metal with threaded fittings. A magnet sticks to it, unlike copper or plastic.
How long does a repipe take?
Many single-family repipes take a few days, depending on size, access and how much wall patching is needed.
Can I live in the house during a repipe?
Usually yes. Water is shut off for limited periods while fixtures are switched to the new lines.
Is polybutylene pipe dangerous?
It isn't toxic, but it has a history of failures and many insurers flag it. Replacement is common, especially before selling.
