Lawrenceville Pipe Repair & Replacement

When you choose us for pipe repairs or replacements, you can expect:

• Free diagnostics and estimates. There is no upfront cost associated with the diagnostic process. We can determine what’s wrong with your pipes and provide a thorough and free estimate to help you make an informed decision.
• Honest information. No confusing language, hidden costs, or contradicting statements here. We can explain our findings and answer questions until you’re confident in our recommendations and plan for repairs.
• Affordable pricing. We have homes and families of our own, so we know that every dollar counts. Our pricing is competitive, and we also offer financing options and payment plans.
• Respectful workers. We are guests in your home or business and will treat your property with the respect and professional courtesy it deserves.
• Efficient solutions that last. Our plumbers work to minimize disruptions by providing pipe services as quickly as possible without compromising the quality of our work.

If you think you may need pipe repair and replacement in Lawrenceville or anywhere in our service area, schedule a free inspection by calling (770) 589-0977 or contacting us online.

What Should I Do If a Pipe Bursts?

Burst pipes are major plumbing emergencies. They can cause massive damage to your property extremely quickly, so it’s important to act fast.

If you’ve discovered or suspect a burst pipe, take the following steps:

• Call our team at Rapid Response Plumbing. Do not attempt to repair a burst pipe yourself. This could make the problem worse and could also be dangerous. We are available 24/7 to assist with these emergencies.
• Turn off the water supply. This will prevent the leak from getting worse and mitigate the damage. Your water main shutoff valve may be located in your basement, near your water heater, under your kitchen sink, or outside near a hose spigot. 
• Shut off electricity in the affected areas. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If it is safe to do so, go to your breaker panel and turn off the power to any area with standing water or where the leak is occurring. We strongly advise that you avoid touching any standing water until you confirm the power is off.
• Document the damage. Take photographs and videos of the burst pipe, the flooded area, and all damaged possessions before you start cleaning up. This documentation will be crucial when you file your insurance claim.
• Start clearing water. Once you confirm the water and electricity are off, you can start to remove water to help prevent secondary damage like mold. Use wet/dry vacuums, mops, and buckets to clear the area, and try to move any affected furniture or valuables to a dry location.

What Causes Burst Pipes?

The underlying causes of burst pipes usually involve gradual stress that finally pushes the material beyond its breaking point. These pressures can stem from forces within the pipe or from external factors that cause material degradation and failure over time.

Some of the most common causes of burst pipes include:

• Freezing temperatures. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause pipes to burst.
• Age. Older pipes are more likely to burst than newer pipes. The materials used to make old pipes tend to be more likely to corrode and weaken over time.
• External damage. Pipes can be damaged by a number of things, including tree root intrusions, heavy rain, and nearby construction. 

When Should I Replace Pipes Instead of Repairing Them?

Replacing pipes is generally a better long-term decision than making repairs when the existing plumbing system shows systemic and widespread failure, rather than just an isolated leak. You should seriously consider a full repiping if your current pipes are near or past their expected lifespan, which varies by material.

If you experience frequent leaks, meaning you're calling a plumber to patch different sections multiple times a year, it indicates the material is deteriorating throughout your system, and repairs are just temporary fixes delaying the inevitable. Furthermore, if you notice severe issues like low water pressure throughout the home, discolored or foul-smelling water, or visible corrosion on exposed pipes, the pipe interior is likely compromised by rust or mineral build-up, making replacement a more cost-effective solution than continuous repairs.

You should also repipe your home or business if your plumbing system uses materials known to be problematic or obsolete. For example, polybutylene piping (used from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s) is prone to flaking and failure from common water disinfectants like chlorine, and it should be replaced immediately upon discovery. Old lead pipes pose a serious health risk and require replacement regardless of their physical condition to protect your family's safety. Galvanized pipes were installed in many homes before the mid-1960s and should be replaced, as they are prone to rust. 

Our plumbers can provide straightforward and transparent guidance on whether you need to repair or replace damaged piping. We can conduct a thorough inspection to determine the root cause of the issues you are dealing with, not just the symptoms. If the damage is a simple, isolated incident on a pipe that is otherwise in good condition and has years of life left, we can recommend a cost-effective repair. Conversely, if we observe systemic issues, such as multiple signs of advanced corrosion, note repeated failures across different pipe sections, or if the material itself is known to be hazardous or defective, we can explain why replacement is the safer and smarter choice in the long run. 

We never push for replacement when repairs will suffice. Our team can present a clear breakdown of the costs, benefits, and risks associated with both options, allowing you to make an informed decision with confidence.

How Can I Tell If My Older Home has Polybutylene or Galvanized Pipes?

You may be able to determine if your home uses polybutylene or galvanized pipes through a simple visual inspection. Look for exposed pipes under your sinks, in your utility room, or in your basement. 

Polybutylene pipes are made from a flexible plastic resin. This piping is usually light gray or occasionally light blue, and unlike rigid metal pipes, it is often curved or runs in long, continuous segments. The most definitive confirmation is finding the code "PB2110" stamped onto the surface of the pipe.

Galvanized steel pipes are metallic, with a distinctive dull gray or silver color, and they connect using threaded fittings. To confirm, you can lightly scratch an unpainted section. If the metal underneath is a bright silver-gray and a magnet sticks to it, you have galvanized pipes.

When in doubt, we are happy to inspect your piping, confirm its material, and review your repair and replacement options. Call (770) 589-0977 or contact us online today.