Why Do I need a Whole-House Repipe?
If you live in the Sacramento area and your home still has old galvanized pipes or Kitec plumbing, chances are you’ve already seen the signs — low water pressure, rusty water from your taps, or little leaks that keep coming back.
I’ve worked on a lot of homes like that. And in most cases, the best long-term fix isn’t another patch — it’s a full repipe.
At Golden Valley Plumbing, we specialize in whole-house repipes using modern PEX or copper piping. That means no more corrosion, no more guesswork — just clean, strong water lines that’ll last for decades.
Here’s what usually tips the scale for my customers:
- Weak water pressure? That’s often buildup inside old pipes choking the flow.
- Brown or discolored water? That’s usually rust from aging galvanized lines.
- Recurring leaks? Kitec pipes are infamous for failing — sometimes behind walls where you don’t notice the damage right away.
- Want peace of mind? New pipes mean better water quality, stronger flow, and less risk of surprise repairs.
PEX or Copper? I’ll Help You Choose
Both are solid choices — it just depends on your home and your goals.
- PEX is flexible, affordable, and resists corrosion. I use it a lot in repipes — especially in tight spaces or homes with complex layouts.
- Copper lasts for decades and handles heat well. It’s great for higher-end installs or homeowners who want the classic option.
You Have a Pinhole Problem?
Pinhole leaks are tiny holes that develop in copper pipes, usually from corrosion inside the pipe. They can cause slow, hidden water damage that goes unnoticed until it becomes costly to repair. In Folsom, CA, many homeowners have experienced clusters of pinhole leaks, prompting a city investigation. If you notice small drips, water spots, or reduced water pressure, it’s important to have your pipes inspected quickly.
Recently the residents of city of Folsom experienced many pinhole leak in copper pipes, which resulted the city to look into the reason for the leaks. For more information you can look into Pinhole Leaks investion at https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/pinhole-leaks-investigation.
Do You Have Kitec Pipes?
Kitec pipes were installed in California approximately between year of 1995 and 2007. The kitec pipe was easy to install and cheaper then copper. These pipes were made of aluminum and plastic, however, kitec was made of aluminum and plastic and not designed to withstand temperatures above 180F. By the mid 2000s reports of Kitec plumbing failures began to spread including: galvanic corrosion, dezincification, heat damate and installation issues. When Kitec pipes fail, the results are expensive — water damage, mold growth, and full plumbing replacements in many cases. Insurance companies often view homes with Kitec as higher-risk, which can mean higher premiums or policy refusals.
In 2011, homeowners filed a class-action lawsuit against IPEX Inc., claiming the company knew about the defects but didn’t warn consumers. The case settled in 2013 for $125 million, with a claim deadline of January 9, 2020.
While the settlement is closed, many homes still contain Kitec piping today — and experts warn that a 100% failure rate is expected over time.
How can I tell if my home has Kitec pipes?
Kitec pipes are often labeled with brand names like “Kitec,” “KTC,” or “PlumbBetter” and may include ASTM codes such as F1281 or F1282. Hot water lines are typically orange, and cold water lines are blue, though other colors exist. If you’re unsure, a plumber can check exposed piping under sinks, at the water heater, or in mechanical rooms to confirm.
When we do a repipe, we walk you through every step — no pressure, no upsell. We’ll look at your current setup, recommend what makes sense, and get it done cleanly, quickly, and right the first time.
What to Do if Your Home Has Kitec Plumbing
If your home has Kitec pipes (often labeled with “Kitec,” “KTC,” or “ASTM F1281/F1282”), replacing them is the safest option. The most common replacement materials are copper or modern PEX piping that meets today’s durability standards.
A professional plumber can inspect your system, confirm if it’s Kitec, and give you a clear replacement estimate before problems happen.
FAQs:
Q: How do I know if I need to repipe my home?
A: Signs include rusty water, low pressure, recurring leaks, or if your home still has galvanized pipes.
Q: How long does a whole-house repipe take?
A: Most homes can be repiped in 2–5 days, depending on size and layout.
Q: Do I need to leave the house during the repipe?
A: In most cases, no. We work in sections to keep disruptions minimal.
Q: Do you use copper or PEX piping?
A: We offer both and will help you choose based on your home’s layout, budget, and preferences.
Q: Do I need to pull out a permit from city or county for re-pipe?
A: Yes, we can apply for a permit or the owner can do it. Owner can opt out from pulling out a permit as well.
We proudly serve residential and commercial clients throughout Sacramento and the surrounding areas, including Roseville, Elk Grove, Rocklin, and Folsom.
