Pipes fail for a few reasons: age and corrosion, freezing, physical damage, and joints that loosen over decades. In a neighborhood where the median house was built in 1959, we see all of them. We repair supply and drain pipe and give you a straight read on whether the rest of the system is likely to follow.
Signs of a pipe problem
- Visible leaks, drips or corrosion on exposed pipe in the basement
- Rusty or discolored water, especially after the water has been off
- Low water pressure at several fixtures
- Water stains on ceilings below bathrooms
- Banging or rattling pipes when a valve closes
- A pipe that froze and split, often in an exterior wall, crawlspace or near a hose bibb
Pipe types we see in local homes
- Galvanized steel supply pipe, common in homes built before the 1960s. It corrodes from the inside, narrowing the pipe and lowering pressure, and fails at threaded joints.
- Copper supply pipe, used widely from the mid-century on. It generally lasts, but pinhole leaks and failed solder joints happen.
- Cast iron drain and vent pipe in older homes, which can crack or rust through, especially at the bottom of horizontal runs.
- PEX and CPVC in remodeled areas, where the failures are usually at fittings.
Repair vs. repipe
A single failure on otherwise sound pipe is a repair. A pattern (several leaks in a year, low pressure everywhere, rusty water from galvanized pipe) is a sign the system is at the end of its life. We’ll tell you which one you’re looking at and won’t push a repipe you don’t need.
What affects cost
- Pipe material, size and how much needs replacing
- Access: open basement ceiling vs. finished walls and ceilings
- Transitions between old and new materials
- Permit and inspection where required
Local notes
- Permits: Prairie Village requires a building permit to repipe, re-plumb or move a drain, and treats replacing defective concealed pipe as new work needing a permit. PV Permits · PV Code. Overland Park requires a Plumbing Miscellaneous Permit for repairs under floors or that change materials. OP. Fairway requires a permit to install or replace building water piping or the drainage system. Fairway.
- Housing age: 57% of Prairie Village housing units, 81% in Fairway and 77% in Roeland Park were built before 1960 (Census ACS 2020–2024, table B25034).
Pipe Repair: common questions
How do I know if I have galvanized pipes?
Galvanized steel supply pipe is gray, threaded at the joints, and a magnet will stick to it (copper and PEX won't hold a magnet). It was common in homes built before the 1960s. Low pressure, rusty water and leaks at threaded joints are typical signs it's wearing out.
Should I replace all my galvanized pipe at once?
Not necessarily. If one section has failed, a repair can be reasonable. If you're seeing low pressure everywhere, discolored water or repeated leaks, planning a larger replacement (a repipe) is usually the better long-term value. We'll show you what we find.
Does pipe replacement need a permit?
In Prairie Village, repiping, re-plumbing or moving a drain needs a building permit, and replacing a defective concealed pipe with new material counts as new work. In Overland Park, repairs that change pipe materials or are under floors need a Plumbing Miscellaneous Permit. Fairway requires a permit to install or replace building water piping or the drainage system.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve immediately, turn off power to wet areas, move valuables, and call us at (913) 305-5013.
Related services
Leak Detection & Repair
Hidden leaks behind walls, under floors and in supply lines, found and fixed.
Same-Day & Urgent Plumbing
Burst pipes, backups, leaking water heaters and no-water calls during our business hours.
General Plumbing Repair
Everyday repairs: valves, hose bibbs, noisy pipes, leaks and the small jobs that add up.
Sewer Line Repair & Replacement
Root-damaged, broken or sagging sewer laterals, repaired or replaced.
Pipe Repair near you
We handle pipe repair in Prairie Village and nearby: Fairway, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Overland Park, Roeland Park, Shawnee, and Westwood. See all service areas.