What Whole-House Repiping Really Means for an Older Home
Is It Time to Repipe Your Home?
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a good chance it's still running on galvanized steel, cast iron, or even asbestos-wrapped pipe — materials that were standard decades ago but are well past their reliable service life today. Corrosion, mineral buildup, root intrusion, and simple age cause these systems to degrade quietly, often showing up as low water pressure, discolored water, unexplained leaks, or sudden pipe failures that cause real property damage.
At Mako Plumbing and Sewer, we've handled exactly these kinds of systems. We don't flinch at old construction — we've replaced 40-year-old pipe systems, cleared root intrusion from sewer lines, and tackled cast iron and asbestos pipe that other contractors turn down. Our team brings the tools and the experience to do it properly.
Our Repiping Process, Step by Step
- Free Estimate & Walkthrough — Roger or one of our senior technicians visits your home, assesses the scope of the project, and gives you a verbal quote the same day.
- Sewer Camera Inspection — We run a camera through your lines so you can see exactly what we're seeing. No mystery diagnoses.
- Pipe Replacement — We replace the deteriorated sections or the full system, depending on what your home actually needs — not what pads a bill.
- Cleanup & Final Walkthrough — Our crew leaves your home clean and explains everything that was done, so you know what you have and what to watch for going forward.
Why Older Homes Need Special Attention
Whole-house repiping in an older home isn't just a swap — it often involves navigating original construction layouts, coordinating with your water main, and making decisions about material upgrades that will serve you for decades. Mako's family-owned team treats every home the way they'd treat their own. As brothers Chris and Jimmy have built this business on: "a handshake still means a handshake."
| Pipe Type | Common Issues | Typical Age Range |
|---|
| Galvanized Steel | Rust, low pressure, blockages | 40–70 years |
| Cast Iron | Corrosion, cracks, root intrusion | 50–100 years |
| Polybutylene | Brittleness, leaks at fittings | 25–40 years |
| Copper (aged) | Pinhole leaks, corrosion | 50+ years |
What Our Customers Are Saying
Mako Plumbing and Sewer holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating across 173 Yelp reviews — not because we're perfect, but because we show up, communicate honestly, and do the work right. Here's what real customers say about working with us.
- 4.9 / 5 Stars
- Across 173 Yelp reviews from Bay Area homeowners — one of the highest-rated plumbing companies in the region.
- "If I could, I would give Mako 10 stars"
- "The fellas do excellent work — old-school pride in their work. They replaced and relocated my water main (40 foot). The price was very reasonable." — Vern J.
- "A company where a handshake still means a handshake"
- "Chris & Jimmy are great people and a rarity… a company where a handshake still means a handshake!!" — Joshua Robertson
- Same-Day Quote, Next-Day Appointment
- "Roger came out within the hour to give me an estimate. I had a quote by the afternoon and an appointment the next day." — Yelp Reviewer
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole-House Repiping
How do I know if my home actually needs repiping vs. a spot repair?
That's exactly what our free estimate and camera inspection are designed to answer. We look at the full picture before recommending anything. If a targeted repair will solve your problem for years to come, we'll tell you that. We don't push whole-house projects when they aren't warranted.
What types of old pipe can you replace?
We've worked on galvanized steel, cast iron, asbestos-wrapped pipe, and aged copper systems. Older construction doesn't scare us — it's a significant portion of the work we do.
Will the job require tearing up my floors or walls?
It depends on your home's layout and the scope of the project. We use a camera inspection first so we can plan the least invasive approach possible. We walk you through what access will be needed before any work begins — no surprises.
How long does a whole-house repipe typically take?
Scope varies by home size and pipe system complexity. After our walkthrough and camera inspection, we'll give you a clear project timeline before you commit to anything.
Do you offer free estimates for repiping projects?
Yes — free estimates are standard at Mako. Roger or one of our senior technicians will come to your home, assess the system, and give you a verbal quote the same day. Multiple reviewers have confirmed this process is fast, honest, and pressure-free.