Menu

Call This Monday to Get $50 OFF

The Cost to Replace Plumbing in an Old House
The Cost to Replace Plumbing in an Old House
4.8 RATING

The Cost to Replace Plumbing in an Old House

The charm of an old house is usually in its architecture, large lot, and lower price tag. However, the cost of an old house can…

October 12, 2026
The Cost to Replace Plumbing in an Old House

The charm of an old house is usually in its architecture, large lot, and lower price tag. However, the cost of an old house can be more than its purchasing price as plumbing issues are common in these properties. Necessary repairs and even replacements are likely. Even if the plumbing is not necessarily damaged, the material with which they are made can be a threat in itself. In this article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey, we will go over some things related to the plumbing systems in older homes. Whenever you need a qualified plumber, you can put your faith in Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Common Damage

First, there is the natural law. Pipes are made of material that is naturally predisposed to certain damage. Corrosion, rust, and natural deterioration will wear out pipes to the point where they will need to be replaced. Luckily, depending on the material, these pipes can last anywhere between fifty and a hundred years before natural events break them down. This means you have plenty of time to act and make the necessary replacements without dealing with flooding and water damage. Still, you should be proactive and act quickly to deal with any issues before they become headaches.

Specific Threats Require Immediate Replacements

Lead pipes were common in the early 1900s. Though there are very few homes that still have lead pipes, you should make sure that your old house is not one of them. These pipes have a life expectancy of around a hundred years, but their natural deterioration can leach lead into your drinking water and pose a serious health hazard. As you may know, lead is a toxic material to ingest. When exposed to lead, children can suffer brain damage and have problems with leaing, development, and behavior.
Another common material used in older homes is polybutylene. These pipes were fairly common for roughly 20 years, between 1975 and 1996. Though they do not pose a serious health hazard like lead pipes, polybutylene pipes are especially prone to damage. Even the chlorine in treated municipal water can interact with the polybutylene pipes and make them brittle and leak-prone.

The Cost of No Replacement

Property owners are quick to worry about the cost of a pipe replacement but overlook the cost of NOT replacing the pipes. Old pipes can leak or burst, exposing your property to severe water damage and mold or mildew growth. Sewer line leaks can contaminate groundwater, leaving you with legal liability. There are also the health hazards such as lead contamination as well as harmful bacteria, pathogens, and microbes.

Affordable Plumbing Replacement

Whether you need a simple repiping or a whole plumbing replacement, your friends at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey offer honest and competitive pricing. We even have a host of additional coupons and discounts on our website. Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get in touch with a friendly representative to get your free price estimate upfront before scheduling your flexible appointment.
 

Latest Updates & Blog Posts

The Danger of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Sep 25, 2026

The Danger of Chemical Drain Cleaners

When a sink starts draining slowly, it can be tempting to reach for a bottle of bleach or a chemical drain cleaner. It may seem like an easy way to break down whatever is causing the clog. Unfortunately, pouring bleach or harsh chemicals down a blocked drain can create additional problems instead of solving the original issue. Understanding why chemical solutions can be risky can help homeowners choose safer and more effective ways to deal with clogged drains.

Read More
Rust, Rumbling, or Red Water: What Your Water Heater Is Trying to Tell You
Sep 21, 2026

Rust, Rumbling, or Red Water: What Your Water Heater Is Trying to Tell You

Your water heater works quietly in the background, so unusual noises, rusty water, or changes in water temperature can be easy to overlook. However, these signs may indicate that your water heater needs attention. Recognizing potential problems early can help homeowners address minor issues before they develop into larger plumbing concerns. If your water heater is making strange sounds or producing discolored water, knowing what those symptoms may mean is an important first step.

Read More
The 10-Year Mark: Should You Replace Your Water Heater Before It Breaks?
Sep 09, 2026

The 10-Year Mark: Should You Replace Your Water Heater Before It Breaks?

Your water heater is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. It provides hot water for showers, laundry, dishwashing, and everyday cleaning, often without receiving much attention until something goes wrong. But as a water heater approaches the 10-year mark, homeowners may begin asking an important question: Should you replace it before it breaks?

Read More
Preventing the Unthinkable: Simple Steps to Keep Sewer Backups Out of Your Basement
Sep 06, 2026

Preventing the Unthinkable: Simple Steps to Keep Sewer Backups Out of Your Basement

Few plumbing problems are more stressful than discovering dirty wastewater backing up into your basement. Sewer backups can cause extensive property damage, create unpleasant odors, and expose your household to potentially harmful contaminants. Fortunately, homeowners can take several proactive steps to reduce the risk. With routine maintenance and help from a qualified plumber in Asbury Park, NJ when needed, you can protect your basement and keep your home's plumbing system working properly.

Read More
The Anatomy of a Sewer Line Collapse: What Actually Happens Underground?
Aug 30, 2026

The Anatomy of a Sewer Line Collapse: What Actually Happens Underground?

Most homeowners never think about what is happening beneath their property until a sewer problem makes itself known. A sewer line collapse can be one of the more serious plumbing issues a home can experience, potentially causing backups, unpleasant odors, slow drains, and costly property damage. Understanding what happens underground can help homeowners recognize warning signs and know when to call a professional.

Read More
4 Warning Signs Your Water Filter Is Crying Out for Professional Maintenance
Aug 23, 2026

4 Warning Signs Your Water Filter Is Crying Out for Professional Maintenance

A home water filter can make a noticeable difference in the quality, taste, and appearance of your household water. Like other plumbing equipment, however, a water filtration system requires regular care to continue working properly. When maintenance is overlooked, the filter can become less effective or even contribute to plumbing problems. Recognizing the warning signs early can help homeowners protect their water supply and avoid unnecessary repairs. Here are four signs that your water filter may need professional maintenance.

Read More
Can High-Pressure Water Really Blast Through Tree Roots?
Oct 08, 2026

Can High-Pressure Water Really Blast Through Tree Roots?

Tree roots and underground plumbing may seem like they should be completely separate, but they can become a serious problem when roots find their way into sewer lines. Small cracks and loose joints can provide an opening, allowing roots to enter in search of water and nutrients. Once inside, they can grow, collect debris, and restrict wastewater flow. Fortunately, professional hydro-jetting with Mr. Rooter Plumbing can be an effective way to tackle stubborn root intrusion.

Read More
What New Jersey Winters Do to Your Underground Sewer Line
Oct 03, 2026

What New Jersey Winters Do to Your Underground Sewer Line

New Jersey winters can be tough on residential plumbing systems. Freezing temperatures, fluctuating weather, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can put additional stress on aging underground sewer lines. Because these pipes are hidden beneath your property, problems may develop for months before obvious symptoms appear inside your home.

Read More