Houston's older neighborhoods like the Heights and Montrose contain many 1940s-1970s homes built with galvanized steel supply lines. These pipes corrode faster in the area's subtropical humidity and occasional hard water from municipal sources, leading to reduced flow and pinhole leaks. Slab foundations common in Midtown and Downtown make access difficult, so we often reroute new lines through attics or exterior walls to avoid major concrete work. Homeowners in River Oaks and nearby Katy frequently see issues first in upstairs bathrooms where gravity and age combine.
We use PEX or copper for replacements depending on the home's layout and water pressure demands. In Pearland and Sugar Land properties with crawl spaces, we inspect for soil movement that can stress joints after repiping. Edge cases include shared walls in townhomes near Minute Maid Park where noise and access restrictions change the schedule. We always pressure-test the new system at 100 psi for several hours before closing walls, catching any fitting issues that humid air can mask during installation.
Local code in Harris County requires backflow prevention updates during major repipes, and we coordinate with inspectors to keep the project moving. Homeowners often underestimate how quickly galvanized lines fail once one section shows rust; replacing only the worst run usually leaves other lines vulnerable within a few seasons of hot, humid summers.
Technician insight
In Houston the thing that catches most people out with Galvanized Pipe Replacement is how fast the remaining galvanized sections fail once you open the system in a 1960s Heights or Montrose house. The subtropical humidity keeps interior pipes damp longer than people expect, and any low spots in the original layout collect rust that travels downstream after we tie in new lines.
Heights Bungalow Supply Upgrade
A 1958 Heights home showed dropping pressure at the upstairs shower. We found multiple pinholes in the original galvanized lines running under the slab. We rerouted new PEX through the attic to the existing fixtures, pressure-tested the system, and restored insulation without opening the concrete.
Galvanized Pipe Replacement Services We Offer
✓Whole-House Galvanized Repipe
Complete removal of galvanized supply lines and installation of new PEX or copper throughout the home, routed to minimize drywall damage in slab homes common in the Heights.
✓Kitchen Galvanized Line Replacement
Targeted replacement of corroded galvanized pipes feeding sinks and appliances, often combined with new shutoff valves to improve water quality in older Montrose kitchens.
✓Bathroom Supply Line Upgrade
Replacement of galvanized lines to tubs, showers, and vanities with new tubing sized for modern fixtures, addressing low pressure issues frequent in River Oaks homes.
✓Slab Leak Galvanized Repair
Access and replace leaking galvanized sections under concrete slabs using trenchless methods where possible, common in Midtown and Downtown properties.
✓Attic Reroute From Galvanized
Move new supply lines into attics to bypass failing underground galvanized pipes, a practical solution for many single-story homes in Pearland and Sugar Land.
Galvanized Pipe Replacement Cost in Houston, TX
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-House Galvanized Repipe | $7,500–$14,000 | Varies with square footage, slab vs crawlspace, and number of bathrooms in Heights or Montrose homes. |
| Kitchen or Bath Selective Replacement | $1,800–$3,500 | Price moves with pipe length and whether drywall repair is included. |
| Slab Access and Repair | $2,200–$4,800 | Higher when concrete cutting or restoration is required in Midtown properties. |
| Attic Reroute Add-On | $1,200–$2,600 | Common in single-story homes in Pearland and Sugar Land to avoid slab work. |
Ranges are typical for Houston, TX and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Inspection
We map all visible galvanized lines, test water pressure at multiple fixtures, and note slab or foundation details in homes across Harris County.
- 2
Material and Route Planning
Choose PEX or copper based on home age and layout, then mark new routes through attics or walls to limit disruption in neighborhoods like Montrose.
- 3
Old Pipe Removal
Cut and extract sections of galvanized pipe while protecting floors and finishes, often working around existing electrical and HVAC in older Heights homes.
- 4
New Line Installation and Testing
Install the replacement system, pressure test, and restore access points before final walkthrough.
Pricing
Whole-house galvanized repipes in Houston typically range from mid-five to low-six figures depending on home size, access, and whether rerouting through attics is needed.