Water lines & fixtures
Repair a pipe when the problem is one section; repipe when the whole system is failing, such as corroded galvanized steel, gray polybutylene or repeated pinhole leaks in old copper. Most repipes use copper or PEX and need a permit. Get a site visit and a written scope before accepting a price, because wall access and pipe routes change the cost.
Repair or repipe?
| What you're seeing | Usually |
|---|---|
| One leak or one corroded section | Repair that section |
| Low pressure throughout the house, rusty water | Galvanized pipe narrowing inside: repipe |
| Gray plastic pipe, often stamped PB2110 | Polybutylene: repipe |
| Repeated pinhole leaks in copper | Repipe |
| A pipe that froze and split | Repair the section, then reroute or insulate |
| Lead service line from the street | Replace the line |
Repiping historic Baltimore homes
Rowhomes and older houses in neighborhoods such as Bolton Hill, Mount Vernon, Roland Park, Catonsville and Old Ellicott City often have plaster-and-lath walls, original galvanized supply pipe and cast-iron drain stacks. A plumber experienced with older homes will route new lines through closets, chases and basement ceilings to keep plaster openings to a minimum. Ask whether wall patching is included or needs a separate plasterer, and whether the drain stack should be replaced while the walls are open. Historic district rules mainly cover exterior changes, but check before adding new vents through a front facade.
Lead service lines
Some older Baltimore-area homes still have lead pipe bringing water in from the street. If you're not sure what yours is made of, a plumber can check where the line enters the house. Baltimore City publishes information about its lead service line program; ask your water utility what applies at your address.
Copper or PEX?
Both are code-approved. PEX is flexible, needs fewer joints and is faster to run through finished walls, which often makes it cheaper for repipes. Copper is durable, familiar to inspectors and preferred by some owners of older homes. Cost, access and the rest of your system usually decide it.
Bathroom and kitchen remodel plumbing
A remodel is the cheapest time to replace old pipes, because the walls are already open. A plumber handles the rough-in for moved fixtures, new shower valves and drains, then the finish work: sinks, faucets, toilets, dishwashers and ice makers. Permitted remodels are usually inspected at rough-in, before walls are closed, so coordinate the plumber's schedule with your contractor.
New construction and additions
For additions, basement bathrooms and new builds, the plumber lays out supply, drain and vent lines, arranges the inspections and sets fixtures at the end. Basement bathrooms below the level of the sewer line usually need an ejector pump. Bring your plans to the first visit so the quote reflects the full scope.
How to get repiping and pipe replacement in Baltimore
- Call 443-863-5471. Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7.
- We connect you. You're put through to a licensed, independent local plumber who handles this kind of job in your area.
- Get a clear quote. The plumber explains the problem and the price before any work starts.
- You decide. Approve the work, and the plumber completes it with any permit your city or county requires.
Plumbers in Baltimore Today is a free referral service; we don't perform plumbing work ourselves. How it works.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
Often a few days for a typical house. Larger or historic homes with plaster walls usually take longer.
Will repiping damage my walls?
Some openings are needed, but an experienced plumber routes new pipe through basements, closets and existing chases to keep them small. Ask what patching is included.
Do I need a permit to replace a faucet?
Generally not for a like-for-like fixture swap. New lines, moved fixtures, water heaters and repiping usually do. See our permits guide.