Water pipes are the backbone of any multi-unit building to deliver clean water to every suite, quietly and reliably, day after day. But pipes don’t last forever. In Metro Vancouver, where many apartment buildings, strata complexes, and rental properties were built 30, 40, 50 or even 60 years ago, aging plumbing systems are one of the most common and costly challenges property owners or stratas face.
At Cambridge Plumbing Systems, we’ve been solving exactly this problem since 1967. Water pipe replacement isn’t just a service we offer, it’s what we built our reputation on.
Why Pipes Fail and Why It Matters
Most buildings constructed before the 1990s were fitted with copper piping that has reached or are fast approaching the end of their service life. Metro Vancouver has historically had very acidic water, and over time has created problems with copper piping, most commonly seen with ongoing pinhole leaks. The warning signs are familiar to anyone managing an older building with frequent leaks requiring repeat repairs, rising insurance premiums, tenant complaints about water pressure, and mounting emergency repair bills that never resolve the underlying problem.
At this stage, patching individual leaks isn’t a solution and it’s a delay that comes with consequences such as water damage, mold, liability exposure, and disruption to residents’ daily lives. The right answer is a proper, permanent fix.
The Cambridge Approach: Complete Water Pipe Replacement
Full repiping is the complete removal of failing pipes and installation of a new water distribution system and the most reliable, long-lasting solution available in the market. It’s the method Cambridge Plumbing has specialized in for decades.
Before any work begins, our team conducts a thorough building assessment, designs an efficient pipe routing plan, and handles all permits and engineering requirements. Old, deteriorated pipes are then replaced with premium materials, including Uponor Wirsbo Aquapex® and stainless steel piping, which is less affected by acidic water. When copper is required, we use Type K copper, the heaviest gauge copper piping available. We understand that repiping happens inside people’s homes, it is not just a job site. Our installation crews work with professionalism and respect throughout. Water shutoffs are scheduled with advance notice, drywall and painting are included after installation, and residents are kept informed at every step. Each Resident will receive the cell phone number and email address of the full time Site Supervisor for any questions or concerns. The result is a brand-new water distribution system that can serve your building reliably for 50 years or more.
What About Epoxy Pipe Coating?
Epoxy coating is frequently marketed to strata councils and property managers as a faster, more affordable alternative. Lower upfront costs and less disruption sound appealing but the reality deserves careful consideration.
With epoxy coating, the old pipes stay in place. Savings are advertised at 35% to 40% lower compared to conventional repiping, but actual quotations typically come in at only 10% to 15% less. More importantly, there are serious questions every building owner should ask before proceeding.
Applying an epoxy coating inside a pipe reduces its interior diameter. If the original pipe was already at minimum code-required sizing, the coated pipe may no longer conform to the BC Building Code. Some insurers also take a cautious view of epoxy-coated systems where compliance documentation is incomplete, which can affect your building’s coverage. Unlike new pipes with a known lifespan and manufacturer backing, epoxy coatings are subject to variables in preparation and application quality.
Buildings that chose epoxy coating have found themselves facing full repiping a few years later, at additional cost and disruption. For most buildings, full water pipe replacement is the smarter long-term investment. Learn more about legal action filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia that may help answer the implications of epoxy coating by viewing our case study here.
Why Vancouver and The Lower Mainland Trusts Cambridge Plumbing Systems
Cambridge Plumbing didn’t just enter the repiping industry — we helped pioneer it in Vancouver. Since the Jurinak family established the company in 1967, we’ve completed hundreds of successful repiping projects across rental apartments, strata complexes, townhomes, care homes, and retirement residences throughout the Lower Mainland.
We handle everything from assessment and permits to installation, drywall and paint restoration, and final inspection — with clear communication and clean workmanship at every stage.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Water Pipe Replacement expensive?
It has a higher upfront cost, but offers savings in the long-term by reducing repairs, damage, and insurance issues.
How long does Water Pipe Replacement last?
New piping systems can last 50 years or more when installed correctly.
When should I replace my water pipes?
If your building is over 25 years old and is experiencing water leaks, it’s time to consider replacement.
How long is the Cambridge and Uponor Warranty?
The Cambridge warranty is two years, while the Uponor Wirsbo Aquapex is covered by their 25 year warranty and 10 year consequential damage warranty. Learn more about Uponor Aqua Pex Warranty.