Water Line Replacement vs. Repair: Pros and Cons

We all depend on our home’s water line connections to provide ready-to-use water for cooking or showering. But if there’s something wrong with a home’s water line piping system, it can become an immediate concern. As you get ready to address the problem with the help of a technician, you start to weigh out whether it’s best to invest in water line replacement vs. repair.

At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’re used to seeing water line problems and have the experience and tools to fix them. Yet, we understand how frustrating it can be for a homeowner experiencing these issues. For over 15 years, we’ve helped repair and replace water lines in homes all over the area, from the Santa Clarita Valley to Orange County.

Both a water line repair and a full-scale replacement can benefit a house, but different factors can determine which option is better suited for a homeowner. These options include,

• The severity of the water line problem
• Age and condition of water line connections
• Water line repair frequency

We’ll use these factors to determine the pros and cons of water line repair vs. replacement. By the end of this article, you can decide which water line fix is the best choice for your home.

Let’s dig right in!

Should I Repair My Water Line Pipes?

If you’re considering water line pipe repair or replacement, you’re probably experiencing a problem. Common water line issues include leaks, wear and tear, tree roots, clogs, or any other problem preventing your home’s fixtures from utilizing the water.
Whatever the issue is, it’s highly recommended to contact a professional plumber to come and inspect the situation. A technician’s diagnosis can help determine what the exact problem is and what options are available to fix it.

Advantages of Water Line Repairs

• Cost-efficient, money saving
• Less invasive
• Less disruptive
• Quicker solution

Water line repairs are pipe replacements on a smaller scale. If a water line issue is isolated to a single location in a home, such as a kitchen or bathroom, then.

Repairing the water lines is the better option. Daily water usage is crucial to any home, so water line repairs offer a quicker turnaround so homeowners don’t have to worry about being without water for an extended time.

Digging is common for water line repairs and replacement because technicians may need to access the water line pipe connections underneath a home. Even with digging involved, repairing water lines is less invasive and disruptive than full-on replacements.

On the pricing end, water line repairs are less expensive than total replacements. For example, a kitchen water line repair can cost under $5,000. On the other hand, water line replacements can sometimes cost over $10,000, depending on various factors.

Although it may make sense to commit to water line repairs, there are some instances where they may not be the best option.

Although it may make sense to commit to water line repairs, there are some instances where they may not be the best option.

Disadvantages of Water Line Repairs

• Temporary solution
• It may not address the issue
• Risk of bad repair

Choosing to go with water line repairs instead of replacement may result in a short-term solution that may not have fixed the underlying problem. In some cases, the repairs can cause further damage if a homeowner chooses to hire a plumber who offers to restore the water line pipes at a low cost but lacks the skills or resources required to repair the issue.

A bad repair job could result in further repairs needed, which can quickly become expensive. Even if the repair addresses the water line piping problems, other issues could arise. If one section of a water line pipe is corroded and repaired, chances are the rest of the water line network is in a similar condition and at risk of leaking or bursting.

When these issues become apparent, it’s best to consider replacing the water line.

Should I Replace My Water Line Pipes

Water line pipe repairs are usually homeowners’ go-to choice, but there are pros and cons of going a step further and replacing a home’s entire water line pipes.

Advantages of Water Line Replacement

• Long-term solution
• It may improve water pressure
• Reduces risk of other issues
• Can help with water conservation

A full-home water line replacement can help modernize a house’s water line piping network. Most older homes in Los Angeles use copper or cast iron pipes to transfer water. Many homes can benefit from having corroded, older pipes with newer water line pipes made out of PEX plastic, which is flexible and more affordable than other pipe materials.

Some homes may experience low water pressure and small leaks due to older pipes. With a water line replacement, homes can improve water pressure while helping to conserve water.

Water line replacement for an entire home can also lower the chance of other issues that aren’t addressed with smaller-scale repairs. By replacing old water lines, homes can help prevent such problems as invading roots from damaging the plumbing.

As appealing as full-home water line replacements may be, there are a few cons worth noting before you make a final decision.

Disadvantages of Water Line Replacement

• Pricier option
• More time consuming
• Can disrupt day-to-day water use

A water line replacement can take longer to complete, cost more, and disrupt daily water usage. Homeowners cannot use their kitchen, bathroom, or other fixtures running water until their water replacement is completed.

Most whole-house water line replacements can be completed within a day but sometimes take longer, depending on other factors such as accessibility. Even if these services cost more than a small-scale repair, most plumbing companies offer financing to make these repairs more accessible to any homeowner throughout Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Is a Water Line Repair or Replacement Right for Me?

Most homeowners only consider choosing a water line repair or replacement after dealing with an unexpected issue such as a pipe burst. In these scenarios, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of water line repairs vs. replacement. Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of water line repairs vs. replacement, you can decide which is best for your home.

At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric, we’ve helped repair and replace water lines in homes all over Los Angeles. Although each home is different, we understand that there are similar factors to consider when it comes to plumbing repairs vs replacement. We understand how big of a decision it can be, so we offer our expertise to help present options for homeowners unsure about a repair or a full-home water line replacement.

If you need help with water line problems, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment directly through our online scheduler for plumbing services.