Repiping & Pinhole Leak Repair in McLean, VA
Second pinhole leak this year, rusty water or weak pressure everywhere? We fix the leak today and tell you honestly whether a partial or whole house repipe makes sense.
- Pinhole leak repair
- Partial or whole house
- PEX or copper
A pinhole leak is a tiny hole in a copper pipe caused by corrosion from the inside. It usually starts as a drip or a damp spot on a basement ceiling. Fixing one is simple. The problem is that pinholes rarely come alone. We repair the leak you have now, check the rest of the system and give you a straight answer about whether more are likely. Our guide to pinhole leaks in copper pipes explains the causes in more depth. If you cannot see where water is coming from, start with leak detection.
What our repiping service includes
- Same-visit repair of active pinhole leaks.
- Inspection of exposed supply pipe for corrosion, crusting and past repairs.
- Pressure checks and a review of water pressure into the house.
- Partial repipes of a single run, bathroom or floor.
- Whole house repipes with PEX or copper.
- New fixture shutoff valves and a new main shutoff where needed.
- Pressure testing before walls are closed.
- Small, clean access openings left ready for drywall finishing.
Signs you may need a repipe
| Sign | What it points to |
|---|---|
| Two or more pinhole leaks within a year | Corrosion along a copper run |
| Green or white crusty spots on copper | Slow seepage at pinholes or joints |
| Rusty or brown water from cold taps | Corroding galvanized steel |
| Low pressure at most fixtures | Galvanized pipe narrowed by rust inside |
| Gray plastic pipe stamped "PB" | Polybutylene, used in many homes built from the late 1970s to mid-1990s |
| Many patched sections | A system near the end of its life |
How a repipe works
- Assess. We look at pipe material, age, past repairs and pressure, and map where the lines run.
- Plan the route. New lines often run through basement ceilings, closets and attics to keep wall openings small.
- Quote. You get a written scope and price for partial and whole house options.
- Install in stages. We run new lines and switch fixtures over a section at a time.
- Test and inspect. We pressure test the new system before walls are closed and schedule any county inspection.
- Leave it ready to patch. Openings are cut neatly and left ready for drywall repair.
Pipe materials compared
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| PEX | Flexible, fewer joints, quieter, resists freeze splitting better than rigid pipe | Not for direct sunlight; needs proper supports |
| Copper (Type L) | Long track record, rigid, thicker walls than Type M | More joints; can still corrode in some water conditions |
| Galvanized steel (existing) | Common in older homes | Rusts inside, narrows, should be replaced |
| Polybutylene (existing) | Found in some 1978–1995 homes | Known to fail without warning |
What affects the cost
- Number of bathrooms and fixtures.
- Partial versus whole house.
- PEX versus copper.
- Access through a basement, crawl space or attic, versus finished walls.
- Drywall patching and finishing.
- Fairfax County permit and inspection.
DIY vs calling a pro
A repair clamp can stop a pinhole drip for a short time until a plumber arrives. Turn off the water to that line and catch drips with a bucket. Soldering in finished walls is a fire risk, and a repipe needs a permit, so leave permanent repairs and repipes to a plumber.
Permits and water quality notes
Fairfax County requires a residential plumbing permit to replace or repair plumbing equipment and fixtures, so a repipe is permitted work. In 2024, the Town of Vienna completed an inventory of water service lines in its system and found no lead or galvanized lines on its side. Your home's interior pipes are a separate question we can help you check.
What a repipe looks like day to day
Most families stay in the home during a repipe. Work happens in stages, one area at a time, so water is off only for part of each work day. Furniture near access points is moved and covered. Openings are cut in closets, basement ceilings and behind fixtures where possible, then left clean for drywall patching. When the new lines are in, every fixture is reconnected and the whole system is pressure tested.
Local note
Mid-century copper in Falls Church, North Arlington and older Vienna neighborhoods is where we look first for pinholes. Homes built from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s in Reston and Herndon are worth checking for polybutylene.
Repiping questions
What causes pinhole leaks in copper pipes?
Pinhole leaks come from corrosion that starts inside the pipe. Water chemistry, high water velocity, sediment, poor soldering and thin-walled pipe all play a part. Once one appears, more often follow on the same run.
How many pinhole leaks before I should repipe?
There is no fixed number. If you have had two or more leaks in a year on the same type of pipe, or the pipe shows green or white crusty spots in several places, a partial or whole house repipe is worth pricing.
PEX or copper for a repipe?
Both work. PEX is flexible, needs fewer joints and is usually faster to install through finished walls. Copper is rigid and long-proven. We explain how each fits your home before you choose.
How long does a whole house repipe take?
Many homes take a few days of plumbing work, plus drywall patching afterward. Size, number of bathrooms and access through basements, attics and closets change the timeline.
Will I have water during a repipe?
We plan the work so water is off for parts of each work day and the house is usable overnight, wherever the layout allows.
Do I need a permit to repipe in Fairfax County?
Fairfax County requires a residential plumbing permit to replace or repair plumbing equipment. A repipe needs one. We tell you what is required before work starts.
Sources
- Fairfax County Land Development Services — Residential Plumbing Permit
- Town of Vienna — Water and Sewer Services
- U.S. EPA WaterSense — Fix a Leak Week
Last reviewed 2026-11-07. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Read how we research and check pages in our editorial policy.
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Helpful guides
Leaks & DetectionPinhole Leaks in Copper
Why copper pipes develop pinholes, how to spot them early and when to repair or repipe.
Leaks & DetectionWhat Is a Slab Leak?
How to tell if a pipe is leaking under your concrete floor, and what fixing it involves.
Water & Sewer LinesWater Meter Leak Test
Use your meter's leak indicator to confirm a leak and narrow down where it is.
Tired of pinhole leaks? Call about repiping in McLean.
Call McLean Plumber Works any time, day or night. A plumber picks up and talks you through next steps.