Water Line Repair and Replacement in Akron, OH

According to Today’s Homeowner, an online platform committed to providing reliable home improvement information, advice, and resources, around 40% of homeowners will need to replace minor plumbing components, such as faucet handles, drain stoppers, pipe fittings, and toilet flappers, within the first 5 years of owning their home. Those who remain in their homes longer are at an increased risk of encountering even more serious plumbing problems, some of which may require repairing or replacing the home’s water line.

Buddy’s Plumbing Excellence

Based on 267 reviews

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I can’t say enough good things about Buddy’s Plumbing Excellence. After another highly rated local plumbing company failed to clear my grease-clogged kitchen drain—leaving me with more frustration than results—I called Buddy’s, and they got the job done.

Unlike the first company, Buddy’s wasn’t afraid to access the clean-out, and they used a smart combination of augering and jetting to clear the blockage properly. What’s more, they completed the job in less time than the previous company, who had charged me more for achieving absolutely nothing.

Fast, efficient, knowledgeable, and professional—I’ll be calling Buddy’s for any future plumbing needs without hesitation.

Jacquiline Stadelman

I would like to thank Kevin he was amazing he did what it needs to be done and straight forward to all my questions and he only did what we talk about what it need fix.he actually did more of what i expected. Hes Friendly he did find a way to made me laugh and ease my mind.. with my issues with my plumbing ... I will definitely recommend Kevin and Plumbing excellent. And call u guys next time I need plumbing done.
Kevin suggested that i don't touch plumbing ever again 🤣

And to the person who answer my call and made it happen thank you

Joey Crookshanks

We called Buddy's to replace a water heater that was leaking. They send out a repair person very quickly to get us a quote. They were very reasonably priced. Once we agreed on the heater we wanted they were back the next morning to install. Ryan, the technician was very kind and helpful . He answered all of our questions with a smile on his face. He went above and beyond to make sure everything was in working order. Overall excellent experience, and we will be using them for any plumbing needs we have in the future! Thank you Ryan and Buddy's!!!

cherie mcclain

I was very pleased with the work done by Buddy’s Plumbing Excellence. Kevin, the tech who installed my water softener, was kind and very knowledgeable about the work being performed. And he completed the job within the timeframe he said he would. I am so glad I found this plumbing company. I will definitely use them in the future!

Doug Corwon

Came home from a trip and found our sump-pump battery back-up system had failed. Even though it was late in the day, Evan worked through the evening to complete the repair! Anthony has a great crew working for him!

David M

Have used them a couple times and both times I have had quick reliable service ! Staff have always been super nice and informative. Work has held up and have never had any issues with completed jobs. Price seems fair, and I plan on using them for all my future jobs ! A+++

Ted Fellowes

I discovered an inch of (clean) water in mother-in-law's basement and did not hear the sump pump running - after heavy rains for days.

I called Tony (owner) and he sent Evan - who was very professional, knowledgeable, and informative. He not only explained that the (very) old sump pump had completely failed, he showed me why: the very very old iron outlet pipe had cracked and then sheared off, forcing the pump to work non-stop 24x7 until it burned out. Evan removed the old pump, float and pipes and then installed the new pump, float, and pipes. The water, now 3 inches deep, was all pumped out in under an hour.

The price was reasonable, and I have confidence in the work in part due to the effective explanations Evan provided.

Fortunately, a year before we had emptied the basement and there was nothing on the floor to be ruined by the storm water.

Janet Hanna

Anthony worked with me on the price which I really appreciated. Jocelyn made my appointment and was so pleasant to talk to. Jonathan knew exactly what to do to bring a natural gas line out from my basement to my deck. He did a great job! I highly recommend this company.

Ann Herideen

We had two different plumbing companies telling us that they fixed the problem. They didn't! We didn't get any refund either. Plumbing Excellence found the problem and resolved the issue. Very professional and would recommend them to anyone!!

Eric Barnes

I had water back up through my downstairs toilet. Called a different plumber who snaked the line and ran a camera to find a belly in my line. They said fixing it would likely involve tearing up my concrete basement floor, but wanted to charge me $564.44 to "camera and locate" the belly just to give me an estimate on the repair. That sounded crazy expensive to me to pay almost $600 to get an estimate after they had allegedly already identified the belly.

I called Plumbing Excellence for a second opinion. Jocelyn answered the phone and was very pleasant and helpful. She got me on the schedule the very next morning. The technician, Justin, arrived on time and ran the camera, identified the issue AND the location, and only charged me the $89 service call fee. The issue is not under my basement but in the yard and won't require them to tear up my basement floor. The estimate was very reasonable for the size of the job. They also gave me a narrated video of the camera work that explained the issue and what needed to be fixed.

I was very pleased with my experience with Plumbing Excellence. I highly recommend them. They will be getting my plumbing business from now on.

Water Lines and What Homeowners Should Know About Them

For those unaware, water lines are the pipes that deliver potable water from a well or public water source into a home. They are responsible for directing clean water to sinks, bathtubs, showers, water heaters, faucets, washing machines, and toilets. Since the water that flows through water line pipes is safe for everything from cooking and cleaning to drinking, they represent a critical component of a home’s plumbing system. Water line problems can damage plumbing pipes, which can, in turn, weaken water flow and water pressure. Along with noticeably weaker water flow and water pressure, other signs of water line problems can include the following:

Damp drywall or ceilings with wet rings
Damp spots on floors, especially near walls
Diminished water quality, including a strange taste or odor
Discolored water coming out of faucets
Frequent clogs or backed-up plumbing
Gurgling, bubbling, or hissing sounds
Leaky pipes
Mold and mildew growth
Unusually high water bills
Water bubbling in the street
Water pooling in the yard
Wet spots around sinks, bathtubs, or toilets

What Causes Water Line Damage?

Materials used in water line pipes can vary from one home to the next. Popular pipe materials in most homes today include copper, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), polyvinyl chloride (PVC ), and, in older homes, galvanized steel. PEX and PVC piping are both subject to degradation over time. Galvanized steel and copper piping, over time, can both corrode. Degradation and corrosion are two of the most common causes of water line damage, and many things can contribute to both. Some of the more notable include the following:

Exceptionally high or low water velocity
Exposure to rain, humidity, temperature variations, and pollutants in exposed pipes
Hard Water
High levels of dissolved inorganic and organic substances in water
High levels of dissolved oxygen in water
High water temperatures
Low pH levels, which go hand in hand with high acidity in water
Microorganisms in water
Poor soil conditions and the presence of salts or chemicals in buried pipes

In addition to degradation and corrosion, tree roots, soil movement, blockages, and mineral deposits left behind after water has flowed through pipes are also common contributors to water line damage. The same holds for general wear and tear. Water lines naturally wear down with age and use. And as they do, they lose their structural integrity and become more susceptible to damage.

Is It Better To Replace or Repair Damaged Water Lines?

Because so many things can contribute to water line damage and the severity of that damage, homeowners must consider several things when weighing whether to repair or replace their damaged water lines. Some of those considerations should include the extent of the damage. Small leaks, for example, can be repaired. Meanwhile, large cracks or completely broken pipes may warrant replacing portions of the water line or the entire water line.

The age of the pipes should also influence a homeowner’s decision to replace or repair damaged water lines. If the pipes in a home are relatively new and have only minor damage, making repairs will usually suffice. If the pipes in a home are old, replacing the entire water line might be worth considering. For reference, water line pipes last 50 to 70 years on average. Homeowners should also consider the existing water line materials when deciding whether it’s worth repairing or replacing damaged water lines.

For example, even if there are no signs of plumbing problems, homeowners should proactively replace older lead or galvanized steel pipes with modern copper or PEX pipes. That’s because older lead and galvanized steel pipes can leach lead and other harmful chemicals into a home’s water supply. The same applies to homes with ductile iron pipes, which are pipes made from ductile cast iron.

Benefits of Repairing Damaged Water Lines

In addition to being more cost-efficient, repairing damaged water lines preserves current or existing water line materials, can be done relatively quickly, and contributes to lower water bills.

Benefits of Replacing Damaged Water Lines

Although more costly, several benefits come from replacing damaged water lines, some of which include the following:

Helps increase water pressure in the home
Improves taste and overall water quality
Increases the durability of the entire water line and plumbing system
Reduces leaks and other inefficiencies that can contribute to higher-than-usual water bills

In summary, repairing or replacing damaged water lines in your home offers numerous benefits, such as minimizing or preventing water damage, improving water quality, and helping to lower your monthly water bill. To learn more or for help deciding which option is right for you and your family, contact Buddy’s Plumbing Excellence, your fixed-right-the-first-time-plumbers, today.