St. Louis, MO · plumbing service
Repiping in St. Louis, MO
Galvanized supply lines in century-old brick homes corrode and restrict flow. Call to be connected with an independent, licensed plumber who handles repiping in St. Louis; they diagnose the problem and quote the work before starting.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent plumbing contractor serving your area. Calls may be recorded for quality and training. The call and referral are free, and you are never obligated to hire.- Licensed local plumbers
- Free call and referral
- You approve the quote first
Common signs
- Rusty water
- falling pressure
- repeated pinhole leaks
Repiping services in St. Louis
- RepipingReplacing old galvanized, polybutylene or failing copper lines.
- Pipe RepairLeaks, corrosion, cracked lines and low pressure from damaged pipes.
- Leak DetectionHidden leaks behind walls, ceilings or floors, or a bill that suddenly jumps.
- Water Line RepairLeaks and breaks in the main line from the meter.
- Water Pressure ProblemsDiagnosing low or high water pressure.
Problems repiping fixes
- Rusty or discolored water
- Pinhole leaks in different places
- Falling water pressure
- Galvanized or polybutylene supply pipe
Why repiping comes up in St. Louis
Galvanized supply lines in century-old brick homes corrode and restrict flow.
With 87% of St. Louis's housing built before 1980, a large share of homes still has original galvanized steel or early copper supply lines. Galvanized pipe rusts from the inside, which is why repiping questions here usually start with brown water or falling pressure.
- Typical home built
- 1938
- Homes before 1980
- 87%
- Winter freezes
- Regular hard freezes
How the work is done
- 1Survey the systemIdentify the pipe material, its condition and the fixture count.
- 2Plan the routeChoose PEX or copper and plan wall openings to keep them small.
- 3Permit and installRepiping usually requires a permit; fixtures are reconnected in stages.
- 4Pressure test and patchTest before inspection; openings are patched afterward.
What affects the price
The plumbing company sets the price after seeing the job; ask for it in writing before work starts.
- Size of the home and number of fixtures
- PEX or copper
- Access through walls, attic or crawlspace
- Drywall repair
- Permit and inspection
Plumbing work we connect St. Louis homeowners with
Repiping in St. Louis: questions
Who pays to replace a lead water service line in St. Louis?
St. Louis property owners own and currently pay to replace their service lines. The City is pursuing grant funding and developing a zero-interest loan program to help.
How do I report my water service line material to the City of St. Louis?
Use the Water Division's online survey, email LSLInventory@stlwater.com, or call (314) 771-2255.
Why is repiping a common call in St. Louis?
Galvanized supply lines in century-old brick homes corrode and restrict flow.
How old are most homes in St. Louis?
The median home in St. Louis was built in 1938, and 87% of homes were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey).
Should old pipes in a St. Louis home be repaired or replaced?
One leak in otherwise sound pipe is usually repaired; when galvanized or failing pipe leaks in several places, repiping costs less over time. In St. Louis: galvanized supply lines in century-old brick homes corrode and restrict flow.
Who supplies water in St. Louis?
City of St. Louis Water Division. Past the meter, plumbing is the owner's.
More plumbing services in St. Louis
- Sewer Line Repair in St. Louis, MOSewer Line Repair in St. Louis, MO: about 87% of homes predate 1980, many with original clay or cast iron laterals.
- Sewer Backup Cleanup in St. Louis, MOSewer Backup Cleanup in St. Louis, MO: heavy storms push water back through basement floor drains in older neighborhoods.
- Emergency Plumbing in St. Louis, MOPlumbing emergency in St. Louis, MO? Who to call (City of St. Louis Water Division or a plumber), what to shut off first, and the emergencies most likely in St. Louis homes.
- All plumbing services in St. LouisEvery plumbing service available to St. Louis homes.
Local rules and details for St. Louis
St. Louis facts behind this page
- The median home in St. Louis was built in 1938. [1]
- About 87% of St. Louis's housing units were built before 1980, the era of galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals. [1]
- The City of St. Louis Water Division treats water from two rivers: the Chain of Rocks plant on the Mississippi and the Howard Bend plant on the Missouri. Treatment includes softening. [2]
- The City of St. Louis Water Division says water service lines are entirely owned by the property owner, and property owners are currently responsible for replacing them. City ordinances do not allow water-rate revenue to replace privately owned lead service lines; the City is pursuing grant funding with eligibility requirements and developing a zero-interest loan program for owners replacing lead lines at their own expense. [3]
- The City of St. Louis Water Division is updating its inventory of water service line materials and asks property owners to report what their service line is made from by responding to its online survey, emailing LSLInventory@stlwater.com, or calling the Water Division at (314) 771-2255. The City also offers a video guide to help identify service line material. [3]
St. Louis rules and programs for repiping
- The City of St. Louis Water Division says water service lines are entirely owned by the property owner, and property owners are currently responsible for replacing them. City ordinances do not allow water-rate revenue to replace privately owned lead service lines; the City is pursuing grant funding with eligibility requirements and developing a zero-interest loan program for owners replacing lead lines at their own expense. [3]
- The City of St. Louis Water Division is updating its inventory of water service line materials and asks property owners to report what their service line is made from by responding to its online survey, emailing LSLInventory@stlwater.com, or calling the Water Division at (314) 771-2255. The City also offers a video guide to help identify service line material. [3]
Other common plumbing calls in St. Louis
- Sewer Line Repair: about 87% of homes predate 1980, many with original clay or cast iron laterals.
- Sewer Backup: heavy storms push water back through basement floor drains in older neighborhoods.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- City of St. Louis Water Division, Water Treatment · checked 2026-10-01
- City of St. Louis Water Division, Lead Service Line Upgrades FAQ · checked 2026-10-19