Whole Home Repipe in Albuquerque for properties with polybutylene, Kitec, or corroded galvanized plumbing
Replace Failing Pipes Before They Burst
Polybutylene pipes installed throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s are prone to sudden catastrophic leaks caused by chemical degradation from chlorine in municipal water, and if your home contains this defective material, you're at constant risk of burst pipes that flood rooms without warning. Reliable Climate Control Solutions specializes in whole home repipes for Albuquerque properties with polybutylene, Kitec piping that poses a high risk of premature failure and sudden bursting, and galvanized pipes in older downtown homes where internal corrosion has reduced water flow and contaminated supply with rust particles. These three materials have all been proven defective, and repiping eliminates the uncertainty of when the next failure will occur.
A whole home repipe involves removing every branch line, riser, and supply connection made from the defective material and replacing it with modern PEX or copper pipe rated for residential water pressure and safe for potable water. The work includes cutting access points in walls and ceilings where necessary, installing new hot and cold lines to every fixture, pressure testing the entire system, and patching the access openings once the plumbing passes inspection.
Request a detailed estimate based on your home's current piping material and layout to determine the full scope of the replacement.
Why Defective Pipes Require Complete Replacement
Polybutylene pipes degrade internally when exposed to chlorine and oxidants in treated water, causing the material to become brittle and crack without visible exterior damage until a sudden rupture floods the area. Kitec piping uses brass fittings that corrode prematurely due to high zinc content, creating weak points that fail under normal household pressure. Galvanized steel pipes in century-old homes downtown corrode from the inside out, narrowing the bore and contaminating the water with rust until flow drops to a trickle and leaks develop at joints and seams.
After the repipe is finished, you'll have consistent water pressure at every faucet and fixture, no discolored water from rust or sediment, and no risk of waking up to a flooded room from a pipe that burst overnight. Walls and ceilings are patched and ready for paint, though final cosmetic finishing is typically handled separately once you've confirmed the new system operates without leaks.
The repipe extends from the water heater and main shutoff to every fixture connection in the home, including sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines, and outdoor hose bibs. It does not include the mainline from the house to the meter unless that section also requires replacement, nor does it address drain lines unless you've specifically requested that Orangeburg drainpipes from the 1940s through 1970s be replaced at the same time, as this defective material also fails and collapses over time.
Homeowners facing repipe projects want to know how the work is carried out, what disruption to expect, and how the new plumbing compares to the defective material being removed.
Answers to Frequent Service Questions
How do I know if my home has polybutylene or Kitec piping?
Polybutylene pipes are typically gray or blue plastic with copper or aluminum fittings, often visible near the water heater or under sinks, while Kitec is identified by blue and orange PEX-style tubing with brass fittings stamped with the Kitec brand name.
What happens to the walls and ceilings during a repipe?
Access points are cut where needed to reach existing pipe runs and install new lines, then patched with drywall or plaster once the plumbing is complete and tested, leaving surfaces ready for finishing but not fully painted or textured.
How long does a whole home repipe take?
Most single-story homes are repiped in two to three days, while two-story homes or properties with complex layouts may take up to a week, depending on the number of fixtures, accessibility of existing pipe runs, and whether drain lines are also being replaced.
Why can't I just repair the leaking section?
Defective materials like polybutylene and Kitec fail systemically throughout the house, so patching one leak leaves you vulnerable to the next failure days or weeks later, and insurance claims for water damage caused by known defective piping are often denied or limited.
Will the new plumbing last longer than the old material?
Modern PEX and copper pipes are tested and certified for decades of use without the chemical degradation, zinc corrosion, or internal rusting that caused the original materials to fail prematurely, and both are backed by manufacturer warranties when installed correctly.
Reliable Climate Control Solutions has repiped hundreds of Albuquerque homes with polybutylene, Kitec, and galvanized plumbing, and we coordinate the work to minimize disruption while ensuring every connection meets current code. Contact us to schedule an inspection and receive a comprehensive scope of work based on your home's specific piping material and fixture layout.