Whole-home repiping in St. Paul, MN
When the water pipes in an older home keep leaking or the pressure keeps dropping, replacing the piping can be the lasting fix. Krinkie’s plumbers inspect your system and tell you plainly whether repiping makes sense.
When repiping makes sense
Many older Twin Cities homes still have galvanized steel water lines. Over decades, the inside of these pipes rusts and builds up scale. The opening gets smaller, so pressure drops, and rust can flake off into the water.
Repiping is worth a look when you see repeated leaks in the same piping, low pressure at several fixtures, or brown or rust-colored water, especially when you first turn on the tap. One leak is a repair. A pattern of leaks usually means the pipe is near the end of its life.
Common piping materials
Most repipes today use copper or PEX. Copper is rigid metal pipe joined with soldered or pressed fittings. PEX is a flexible plastic tubing that can run in longer lengths with fewer joints. Both are widely used for home water lines.
The right choice depends on your home, where the lines run and what the job needs. We explain the options and why we recommend one for your house.
Lead service lines in St. Paul
The service line is the pipe that brings water from the main in the street into your home. The EPA notes that a lead service line is usually the largest source of lead in drinking water for homes that have one, and lead pipes are more likely in homes built before 1986.
St. Paul Regional Water Services runs a lead service line replacement program. SPRWS replaces the public portion, from the main to the property line, in eligible areas at no cost to the owner. The private portion, from the property line to the meter, belongs to the property owner. Look up your address on the SPRWS service line map to see what your line is made of and whether your area is eligible. If you are served by a different water utility, contact it first. Check current program details with your utility before you plan any work on the private side.
What a repipe involves
We start by inspecting the visible piping, checking pressure and asking where you have had problems. Then we lay out the scope: which lines we would replace, where we would need access, and how long the water would be off. Before work begins, you know what is planned.
Plumbing work in Minnesota must meet the Minnesota Plumbing Code, and many repiping jobs require a permit and inspection. Who issues the permit depends on your city. When a permit is required, we handle the request and the inspection. Ask about current coupons when you call.
Signs your home may need repiping
- Leaks keep showing up in the same piping
- Low water pressure at several faucets and showers
- Brown or rust-colored water, especially at first use
- Visible rust or crusty buildup on exposed pipes
- Galvanized steel water lines in an older home
- Your utility’s records show a lead or unknown service line
Common questions
How do I know if I have galvanized pipe?
Galvanized steel is a dull gray metal pipe with threaded joints. A magnet will stick to it, unlike copper or plastic. We can identify the piping during a visit.
Do I have to replace all the piping at once?
Not always. Sometimes a section can be replaced first. If the pipes are failing throughout the house, replacing everything at once can avoid repeated repairs. We explain the options for your home.
How do I find out if my service line is lead?
If you are a St. Paul Regional Water Services customer, look up your address on the SPRWS service line map. If the record says unknown, SPRWS can schedule a check. Customers of other utilities should contact their water utility.
Who pays to replace a lead service line?
In the SPRWS program, the utility replaces the public portion in eligible areas at no cost. The private portion is the owner’s responsibility. Program rules can change, so confirm current details with your water utility.
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