Damaged, leaking or ageing pipework — repaired or replaced
Pipework problems are rarely dramatic on the surface — a damp patch, a slow drip inside a cupboard, a noise when the water's running — but they're usually a sign the pipe underneath needs attention before it fails properly. We repair and replace domestic pipework across Greater Manchester, on copper, plastic and old lead or galvanised runs.
Signs your pipework needs looking at
- A damp or discoloured patch on a ceiling or wall with no obvious other cause
- A slow drip inside a cupboard, under a floor, or in the loft
- Green or white staining on copper pipe joints
- Banging, knocking or vibrating noises when taps or the toilet are used
- A visible split, pinhole leak or corroded section of pipe
- Old lead or galvanised pipework still in place in a period property
- Reduced water pressure that's got worse gradually rather than suddenly
- A musty smell in a cupboard or under a sink that won't go away
Clear quote before any work starts. A call-out fee may apply — always confirmed on the phone before we travel.
How we deal with pipework issues
The type of pipe, its age and where it runs all change the right fix — we don't apply one solution to everything.
- 01
Trace the source, not just the symptom
A damp patch on a ceiling can come from a pipe several feet away, following a joist before it drips. We trace the actual leak point before opening anything up, rather than cutting into the nearest wall. - 02
Assess the pipe type and condition
Copper, plastic push-fit, old lead and galvanised steel all fail differently and need different repairs. Pinhole leaks in copper often mean the whole run is due for replacement, not just a patch at one point. - 03
Repair or replace the affected section
Where a single joint or short section has failed, we repair it in kind. Where corrosion or age means more of the run is likely to fail soon, we'll say so and quote for replacing the section properly rather than fixing the same leak twice. - 04
Address noisy or badly clipped pipework
Banging pipes (water hammer) and vibration are usually down to loose clips or unsupported runs rather than a fault with the water system itself — often a straightforward fix once we can see the route. - 05
Pressure test before closing anything up
Any section we've opened, chased into a wall or boxed in gets tested under pressure before it's covered again, so you're not finding out about a bad joint after the plasterboard's back up.
What we see most in Oldham and Manchester housing stock
A lot of the terraced and semi-detached properties across this area still have sections of original lead or galvanised steel pipework, particularly on the cold mains run from the street. These pipes are well past their intended lifespan, and galvanised steel in particular corrodes from the inside, which is why pressure can drop for years before a section finally gives way.
Copper pipework installed decades ago is generally sound, but pinhole leaks do appear where the water is naturally aggressive or where dissimilar metals have been joined without the right fittings — a small point of corrosion that takes years to show as a leak, then appears all at once as a wet patch.
Where pipework has been boxed in or chased into a wall, we try to work with the existing route where it's safe and sensible to do so, rather than opening up more of the property than necessary. If a full re-route or replacement run genuinely is the better long-term answer, we'll explain why and quote it clearly rather than assume.
Is this an emergency, or can it be booked in?
Both are fine — but it helps us prioritise if you know which one you're describing.
- A pipe has split and water is actively flowing
- A ceiling is bulging or wet and could come down
- Water is tracking near electrics or a fuse board
- A leak is inside a wall cavity and getting worse
- A small, stable damp patch that's not actively growing
- Noisy pipes that aren't leaking
- Old pipework you'd like assessed before it fails
- A slow drip that's been contained with a bucket or towel
Emergency? Here's what to send us
A photo or short video helps too. The more we know before setting off, the less time is wasted when we get there.
Your postcode
So we can tell you straight away whether you're inside the radius we cover.
What the problem is
In your own words — where the water is coming from and how long it's been going on.
A phone number
The best number to reach you on when we're close, so nobody is left waiting at the wrong door.
House or flat
Flats, shared risers and upstairs neighbours change how a leak has to be isolated.
Pipework Repairs — common questions
Do I need to replace all my old pipework at once?
Not necessarily. We can often repair the failed section now and flag which other parts of the run are worth planning to replace, rather than forcing a full re-pipe you didn't budget for.
Is lead pipework dangerous?
Old lead supply pipe is a known health concern for drinking water, particularly on the cold mains. If we find it during a repair, we'll point it out and you can decide whether to replace that section — it's your call, but we won't leave it unmentioned.
Will you need to cut into my walls or ceiling?
Sometimes, to reach the affected section. We'll always tell you before opening anything up and try to minimise the disruption — a small access point rather than an entire wall wherever the leak location allows it.
What causes banging pipes when I turn a tap on?
Usually water hammer from a fast-closing valve, or a pipe that isn't clipped securely and is knocking against a joist or wall. Both are generally straightforward to fix once we can see the run.
How is a pipework repair priced?
You get a clear quote once we've traced the fault and can see what's actually needed. A call-out fee may apply, and that's confirmed with you on the phone before we travel out.
More answers on our plumbing FAQ page and in how it works.
Related jobs we take on
Areas we cover for this
Plumbing emergency right now?
Call and speak to the plumber who will be doing the job — not a call centre. Lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.
You get a clear quote before work starts. A call-out fee may apply — confirmed on the phone before we travel.