Pipe Repair & Replacement

Pipe Problems? We’ve Seen It All.

Leaking pipes, corroded fittings, frozen lines — pipe problems come in many forms, but they all have one thing in common: they get worse if you ignore them. A small leak today becomes water damage tomorrow. A corroded pipe eventually fails.

Acme Plumbing & Heating has been repairing and replacing pipes throughout Portland since 2008. We handle everything from simple leak repairs to complete whole-house repiping, and we’ll always explain your options before we start.

Common Pipe Problems We Fix

Leaking Pipes

Leaks can happen anywhere in your plumbing system:

• Joint leaks — Fittings loosen over time or were improperly installed
• Pinhole leaks — Small holes develop from corrosion, especially in copper pipes
• Cracked pipes — Caused by freezing, age, or physical damage
• Slab leaks — Leaks under your foundation (serious, but fixable)

We locate leaks using modern detection equipment and repair them with minimal disruption to your home.

Frozen Pipes

Maine winters are hard on plumbing. Signs of frozen pipes:

• No water flow from faucets
• Frost visible on exposed pipes
• Strange odors from drains (trapped sewage)

If you have frozen pipes, don’t wait. Frozen pipes often burst when they thaw. Call us immediately — we can often prevent a burst with careful thawing techniques.

Corroded Pipes

Older Portland homes often have:

• Galvanized steel pipes (pre-1970s) — Rust from the inside out
• Copper pipes — Can develop pinhole leaks in certain water conditions
• Polybutylene pipes (1980s) — Known to fail; should be replaced

Corrosion reduces water pressure, causes discolored water, and eventually leads to leaks. If your home has older pipes, we can assess their condition and recommend whether partial or full replacement makes sense.

Low Water Pressure

Not all water pressure problems are pipe problems, but many are. Common causes:

• Corroded or clogged pipes
• Undersized pipes for your home’s needs
• Multiple leaks reducing system pressure
• Failing pressure regulator

We diagnose the actual cause before recommending solutions.

Our Pipe Services

Pipe Repair

For localized problems, repair is usually the best option:

• Cut out damaged section
• Replace with new materials
• Test for proper flow and no leaks
• Patch any walls or access points

Most pipe repairs take a few hours and cause minimal disruption.

Pipe Replacement (Repiping)

When repairs aren’t enough, we offer partial or whole-house repiping:

Partial Repiping

• Replace only the affected sections
• Good for isolated problem areas
• Less invasive than full replacement

Whole-House Repiping

• Replace all supply lines
• Best for homes with galvanized or failing pipes
• Modern materials (PEX or copper)
• Improves pressure and water quality
• Typically takes 2-4 days

Materials We Use

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

• Flexible, easy to install
• Resistant to freezing
• Lower cost than copper
• 25+ year lifespan
• Color-coded for hot/cold

Copper

• Traditional, proven material
• Long lifespan (50+ years)
• Naturally antimicrobial
• Higher material cost
• Excellent for exposed locations

We’ll recommend the best material for your situation and budget.

Signs You Need Pipe Work

Call us if you notice:

• Visible leaks — Under sinks, in walls, or in your basement
• Water stains — On ceilings or walls
• Low water pressure — Throughout the house or specific fixtures
• Discolored water — Brown, yellow, or rust-colored
• Frequent leaks — More than one leak in the past year
• Noisy pipes — Banging, hammering, or gurgling
• High water bills — With no change in usage
• Wet spots in yard — Could indicate underground leaks

What Repiping Costs

Pipe repair and replacement costs depend on:

• Scope of work (single repair vs. whole house)
• Accessibility (exposed vs. in walls/floors/ceiling)
• Materials (PEX vs. copper)
• Size of home
• Complexity of layout

We provide detailed written estimates before starting. For repiping projects, we break down the cost by area so you can make informed decisions.

The Repiping Process

If you need whole-house repiping, here’s what to expect:

1. Assessment — We inspect your current system and discuss options
2. Proposal — Detailed scope of work and pricing
3. Preparation — We plan access points to minimize damage
4. Installation — Our team replaces all supply lines
5. Testing — Pressure testing to verify no leaks
6. Restoration — Patching access holes (we handle drywall, not painting)
7. Inspection — Work meets local code requirements

Most homes take 2-4 days. You’ll have running water throughout most of the process.

Frozen Pipe Prevention

Maine homeowners should take these precautions:

• Insulate exposed pipes — Especially in unheated spaces
• Seal air leaks — Around pipes entering from outside
• Keep heat on — Maintain at least 55°F, even when away
• Open cabinet doors — Let warm air reach pipes under sinks
• Let faucets drip — Moving water is harder to freeze
• Disconnect hoses — Before winter, drain and store outdoor hoses

If you have pipes that freeze every winter, we can suggest permanent solutions like heat tape or rerouting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a slab leak?

Signs include: unexplained high water bills, warm spots on floors, sound of running water when nothing is on, cracks in foundation, or mold/mildew smell. We use specialized equipment to locate slab leaks without destructive investigation.

How long does repiping take?

Most homes can be repiped in 2-4 days. Larger homes or complex layouts may take longer. You’ll have water available throughout most of the process.

Should I repipe with copper or PEX?

Both are excellent choices. PEX costs less and resists freezing better. Copper lasts longer and some homeowners prefer it for exposed locations. We’ll explain the trade-offs for your specific situation.

---

Dealing with pipe problems?

Whether it’s a small leak or you’re considering repiping, we can help. Contact us or call (207) 555-7890 for a free assessment.