Drain Line & Water Line Replacement in Los Angeles

Rusty water, pinhole leaks, weak showers, or drains that back up again and again usually mean the pipe itself is worn out. Hi-Tech Plumbing Services Inc. replaces old water lines and drain lines for homes and small buildings across Los Angeles, from our shop in Winnetka. We find the problem with a camera and pressure test, show you the price before we start, pull the city permit, and patch the walls we open.

Signs Your Water or Drain Lines Need Replacing

One problem can be a simple repair. Two or more usually means the pipe is near the end of its life.

Seeing two or more of these? Book a Camera Inspection – Find Out for Sure – Not sure if it’s a hidden leak or the whole system? Start with our leak detection service.

Old cast-iron stack replaced with ABS — cleanout added in Glendale
Trenchless pipe bursting setup for sewer lateral — BOE S-Permit
PEX-A home run manifold repipe — labeled shutoffs, West LA

Water Line Replacement

Your water lines bring clean water from the city meter into your home and to every faucet, shower and appliance. When they fail, you get leaks, rust and weak pressure. Hi-Tech replaces the part that’s failing, or all of it if that saves you money over time.

Main Water Line Replacement (Meter to House)

The main water line, also called the service line, runs underground from your water meter to the house. Older homes often have galvanized steel lines that rust and leak under the yard. We dig a narrow trench (or use a trenchless method where the ground allows), install new copper or PE pipe, and add a new main shut-off valve. We call 811 DigAlert two business days before any digging so we don’t hit gas or power lines. We also check your water pressure; if it’s over 80 psi, California code calls for a pressure regulator (PRV) to protect your new pipes and fixtures.

Inside Water Lines (Supply Lines)

These are the pipes inside your walls, attic and under the floor. We usually replace them with PEX-A, which bends around framing, so we make fewer and smaller holes in your walls. For exposed runs or where you prefer it, we use Type L copper. Want the whole house done at once? See our whole-house repiping service.

OR

Drain Line Replacement

Your drain lines carry used water from sinks, tubs, toilets and the washer out to the city sewer. Old cast iron and galvanized drains crack, rust and catch grease and roots, which causes slow drains, backups and bad smells.

Cast Iron and Galvanized Drain Replacement

Most homes built before the 1970s have cast iron or galvanized drains. After 50–60 years they crack, scale up inside and leak under the house. We replace them with ABS pipe, the code-approved standard for drain, waste and vent (DWV) lines in Los Angeles. It doesn't rust, and its smooth inside keeps waste moving.

Trenchless Sewer and Drain Replacement

Don't want your lawn, driveway or patio torn up? With trenchless pipe bursting, we pull a new HDPE pipe through the old one using two small access holes. It usually takes 1–2 days instead of a week of digging. A camera inspection tells us if your line is a good fit.

Sewer Line Replacement (House to Street)

The sewer lateral runs from your house to the city sewer main. Tree roots, shifting soil and old clay pipe are the usual problems. We run a camera first and show you the video, so you see exactly what’s wrong. Sometimes a hydro jetting cleaning is enough; if the pipe is cracked, collapsed or has a sag (a “belly”), replacing it is the lasting fix. Work in the street needs a City of LA BOE S-Permit, which we handle.

Repair or Replace? An Honest Answer

We don’t push full replacement when a repair will do. Here’s how we decide with you:

Your situation

Usually best

Why

One leak, pipes under 30 years old

Repair

The rest of the pipe is still healthy

Second or third leak this year

Replace that section or system

More leaks are coming; repairs add up

Brown water from galvanized pipe

Replace water lines

Rust is inside the whole pipe, not one spot

Slab leak in an older home

Reroute the line through the attic or walls

Avoids breaking the concrete floor

Drain clogs again weeks after cleaning

Camera, then replace the bad section

Cleaning can’t fix cracks, sags or scale

Pipe in good shape but rough inside

Ask about pipe lining

Can work for some drains; not for every pipe

Think you have a leak under your concrete floor? Read how to spot a slab leak or call us for a test.

OR

Pipe Replacement for San Fernando Valley Homes

Hi-Tech is based in Winnetka, so most of our replacement jobs are right here in the Valley. Many homes in Winnetka, Canoga Park, Reseda and Northridge were built in the 1950s and 60s with galvanized water lines and cast iron drains, so they are now past their life span. Most sit on concrete slabs, which is why we often reroute water lines overhead instead of breaking floors.

The Valley also has hard water, which builds scale inside pipes and water heaters. After a repipe, many customers add a water softener to protect the new lines. We also work in Van Nuys, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Burbank and across Los Angeles.

PEX vs. Copper vs. ABS: Which Pipe Is Right for You?

Pipe

Best for

Why homeowners pick it

Typical life

PEX-A

Inside water lines, whole-house repipes

Bends around framing (fewer wall holes), faster install, handles hard-water scale well

40–50 years

Type L copper

Exposed lines, main water line, high-heat runs

Very durable, proven for decades

50–70 years

ABS

Drain, waste and vent lines

Code standard in LA, won’t rust, smooth inside

50+ years

HDPE

Trenchless sewer and drain lines

Joint-free, flexible, root-resistant

50+ years

How Hi-Tech Replaces Your Pipes: Step by Step

01

Inspection

We camera-inspect drains, pressure-test water lines and look for leaks, so we know exactly what needs replacing.

02

Written price and plan

You get one clear price before work starts, with the pipe type, timeline and what's included. No surprise charges.

03

Permits and home protection

We pull your LADBS permit, then cover floors and furniture with drop cloths and plastic.

04

Replacement in sections

We work one area at a time, so you have water most evenings and can stay home.

05

Testing and inspection

We pressure-test new water lines and water-test or air-test new drains, then the city inspector signs off.

06

Wall patching and cleanup

We close the holes we made haul away old pipe and leave your home clean.

How Much Does Water Line or Drain Line Replacement Cost in Los Angeles?

Your price depends on the size of your home, how many fixtures you have, the pipe you choose, and whether we can reach the pipes easily. These are typical ranges from our jobs:

Project

Typical price

Time

Replace one section or one fixture line

$650 – $1,800

Same day – 1 day

Main water line, meter to house

$500 – $2000

1–2 days

Inside water lines only (drains left alone)

$3,500 – $9,000

1–3 days

Drain lines only (cast iron/galvanized to ABS)

$2,500 – $8,000

1–3 days

Sewer line, dig and replace

$4,000 – $12,000

1–3 days

Sewer line, trenchless

$6,000 – $16,000

1–2 days

Whole house, PEX (1,500–2,000 sq ft)

$6,500 – $13,000

2–4 days

Whole house, copper (1,500–2,000 sq ft)

$11,000 – $22,000

4–6 days

What changes the price: number of bathrooms, one-story vs. two-story, slab vs. raised foundation, length of the main line, concrete or landscaping in the way, and permit fees. Our diagnostic visit is $75 and is credited toward your job financing, e.g. “Ask about monthly payment options. For more on pricing, see our Los Angeles plumber cost guide.

OR

Permits and Code: We Handle It

LADBS permit for most pipe replacement work. We file it and schedule the inspection.

BOE S-Permit for sewer work in the street or public right-of-way.

811 DigAlert called two business days before we dig.

Want the details? Read our summary of the Los Angeles plumbing code.

Need plumbing help? Now’s the perfect time to save! Use our special coupon and get a discount on your next service.

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Why Los Angeles Chooses Hi Tech Plumbing Services

Licensed, bonded and insured

your home and your repair or installation stay fully protected. (License CSLB #1073669)

Upfront, flat-rate pricing

you get your real price before we start, never a surprise after.

Same-day service available

you get most repairs and installs finished in one visit.

Full-service plumbing

beyond sinks, get faucet installation, garbage disposal service, drain cleaning, and leak detection from the same trusted team.

Leak testing included

we check your work properly before we call your job done.

Local to Los Angeles

we know your housing stock, your drain systems, and your common issues, because we work on them every week, all across the city.

Plumbing Repair Services In Los Angeles

We fix all types of plumbing problems—leaky faucets, clogged drains, broken pipes, water heaters, and more. If something’s not working right, we’ll get it fixed fast! We also offer a low diagnostic fee anywhere in Los Angeles.

Area We Serve

From Beverly Hills to the San Fernando Valley, Hi-Tech Plumbing Services Inc. delivers expert plumbing solutions with same-day service, licensed technicians, and 24/7 emergency response throughout LA County.

frequently asked questions

Have questions? We’ve got answers. Explore our most commonly asked questions to learn more about our services, process, and what to expect when you work with Hi-Tech Plumbing Services.

If it’s one leak and your pipes are fairly new, a repair is usually fine. If you’ve had two or more leaks in a year, see rusty water, or have galvanized pipe, replacement usually costs less over time. We’ll test your system and tell you honestly.

Yes. Most water line, drain line and sewer replacements need an LADBS permit, and street sewer work needs a BOE S-Permit. Hi-Tech pulls the permits and meets the inspector for you.

It depends mostly on the length of the line, how deep it is, and whether concrete or landscaping is in the way. We give you a fixed written price after a free look.

Most single-system jobs take 1–3 days. A whole-house repipe takes 2–6 days depending on size and pipe type. We work in sections, so you usually have water at night.

Yes, almost always. We protect your floors and furniture, turn water back on at the end of most days, and clean up daily.

PEX-A is faster to install, needs smaller wall openings and handles the Valley’s hard water well. Copper lasts longer and works well for exposed or high-heat lines. Many homes use both.

If your pipes are galvanized or 50+ years old and leaking, usually yes. New pipes stop repeat repair bills, prevent water damage, improve pressure and help when you sell. A home with new plumbing is easier to insure and sell.

Yes. We patch every opening we make so it’s ready for paint, and we keep openings small by using flexible PEX where it fits.

Ready to Stop Chasing Leaks?

Tell us what's going on with your pipes, and a licensed Hi-Tech plumber will give you an honest answer and a clear price. Serving Winnetka, the San Fernando Valley and all of Los Angeles.

Our Reviews

At Hi-Tech Plumbing, we always put our customers first. That’s why so many people in Los Angeles trust us with their plumbing needs. We’ve got great reviews on Google and Yelp because we show up on time, do the job right, and treat our customers with respect. Check out what real people are saying about working with us!

Dimitry Karponosov profile picture
Dimitry Karponosov
11 months ago
Hi-Tech Plumbing were doing several different jobs at my house and I was impressed with professionalism and strong work ethics of every single technician/Plummer who was on site. Most importantly, they are honest and won’t be overselling you unnecessary parts and/or jobs. Thank you, Hussein & Co!
Oybek Bahronov profile picture
Oybek Bahronov
1 year ago
Nice and quick service. Friendly guys. Recommend their services.
Danial Khan profile picture
Danial Khan
2 years ago
Hi-Tech Plumbing Services Inc. is outstanding! Sam was friendly, professional, and incredibly fast. He arrived shortly after the call, quickly diagnosed the issue, and had it fixed in no time. The quality of the work was top-notch, and the customer service was excellent. I highly recommend Hi-Tech Plumbing Services Inc. for any plumbing needs!
Chris S. profile picture
Chris S.
2 years ago
Lovely people and super thorough. Thanks!
Nicole Prizer profile picture
Nicole Prizer
2 years ago
Very professional and great customer service. I would recommend to others!
Hailey Phan profile picture
Hailey Phan
2 years ago
Very professional, prompt, and efficient. They fixed my issue quickly, explained everything clearly, and charged a fair price. Great customer service Highly recommend!
Rylan Vu profile picture
Rylan Vu
2 years ago
AWESOME SERVICE!!! They were very nice and I would recommend to use them for any services needed.
  • yelp stars 5  We had High Tech come out to fix a broken water shut off valve at our home. Sam showed up within the time frame he said he would and got... read more

    thumb JuanandMegan V.
    1/02/2025

    yelp stars 5  I was assigned Hi Tech through my AHS home warranty for a water heater issue and was worried it would be a waste of time like most AHS claims are.... read more

    thumb Brent S.
    2/24/2025

    yelp stars 5  Amazing experience! He came out same day and took the time to go to the store and get what was needed to make sure we had hot water. Very friendly... read more

    thumb Kristin S.
    2/25/2025
  • yelp stars 5  Credit where credit is due! They were set out by AHS home warranty and I usually dread who they send out - not these guys! They were professional, on-time and... read more

    thumb Delta B.
    1/27/2025

    yelp stars 5  They came and did everything fast and were very friendly would highly highly recommend to anybody who needs plumbing done quick. They also made sure to clean up really good... read more

    thumb Dee L.
    2/03/2025

    yelp stars 5  Our waterless tank was non-functional and this company answered the phone call quickly, diagnosed the problem quickly, ordered parts and installed within days. We are back with hot water and... read more

    thumb Shawna W.
    4/10/2025
  • yelp stars 5  Great job and fair best price. Quick response and gas work with inspection! Thanks Sam!

    thumb Andrei D.
    4/03/2025

    yelp stars 5  We called Sam on a Saturday evening for an emergency kitchen sink clog. Even though it was dinner time, he showed up quickly and fixed the issue efficiently. He was... read more

    thumb Terri L.
    3/10/2025

    yelp stars 5  Quick and efficient! Unclogged our main line. We're very pleased with their services.

    thumb Melissa G.
    4/27/2025

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