What's the best way to deal with old galvanized pipes during a bathroom renovation in New Brunswick?

Replacing galvanized pipes during your bathroom renovation is the smart move — these pipes typically last 40-50 years and most in New Brunswick homes are well past their prime, causing reduced water pressure, rusty water, and potential leaks.

Complete replacement is your best option rather than partial repairs. Galvanized pipes corrode from the inside out, so even sections that look fine externally may be severely restricted internally. Mixing old galvanized with new copper or PEX creates galvanic corrosion at connection points, leading to premature failure.

For a typical New Brunswick bathroom renovation, expect $2,500-$6,000 for complete pipe replacement depending on accessibility and whether you're doing just the bathroom or the whole house. This includes new supply lines in either copper ($8-12 per linear foot installed) or PEX ($6-10 per linear foot installed). PEX is increasingly popular in New Brunswick due to its freeze resistance and flexibility around obstacles in older homes.

All plumbing work requires a licensed plumber — this isn't a DIY project. The plumber must hold a valid licence from NB Department of Justice and Public Safety Technical Inspection Services (TIS), obtain a plumbing permit from TIS before starting work, and arrange for TIS inspection once complete. Contact TIS at 1-888-659-3222 for permit requirements.

Timing considerations are crucial in New Brunswick's climate. If your bathroom renovation spans winter months, ensure temporary water supply arrangements are made before disconnecting existing pipes. Frozen pipes during renovation can create expensive complications in homes built before modern insulation standards.

Many post-war bungalows and 1970s-80s homes across Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John still have original galvanized systems. Check your home's other fixtures while the plumber is there — if the bathroom pipes are failing, your kitchen and laundry connections likely need attention too. Addressing everything during one renovation saves on permit fees and labour costs.

Get multiple quotes from licensed plumbers and verify their TIS licensing status. A complete repipe during bathroom renovation typically adds 2-3 days to your project timeline but eliminates future water pressure headaches and potential flood damage from burst pipes.

Find licensed plumbing contractors in our New Brunswick directory to get started with proper quotes and timeline planning.