What is Repiping?
Repiping is a comprehensive plumbing process. It involves replacing old or worn-out water supply pipes in a building with new ones.
Over time, pipes can corrode, rust, or develop leaks, weakening the entire plumbing system. These problems are often caused by systemic plumbing issues such as old CPVC piping, old polybutylene pipes, leaks under slabs, pinhole copper leaks, or failing galvanized plumbing.
The best solution to these issues is to replace old pipes with new, high-quality materials such as copper or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), which effectively solves these common problems.
Doing so restores the water system's efficiency, solving issues like low water pressure, rusty or discolored water, and reducing health risks from potential contaminants
By upgrading your pipes, you can enjoy a durable, reliable plumbing system that ensures clean, consistent water flow throughout your property.
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With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
What are the Signs that I Need a Repipe?
Identifying the signs that indicate the need for repiping is crucial to maintaining a functional and efficient plumbing system. Here are some specific details for each sign:
- Frequent Pipe Leaks and Bursts: If you're experiencing an increase in leaks or pipe bursts, it's a clear sign that your plumbing system is failing. Old, deteriorating pipes are more likely to crack, develop holes, or weaken, leading to leaks and potential water damage.
- Low Water Pressure: As pipes age, they can accumulate mineral deposits, rust, and corrosion, which restrict water flow and cause low water pressure in your fixtures. Replacing the pipes can fix this by restoring proper water flow. See our ultimate guide to fixing low water pressure for more details.
- Rusty or Discolored Water: Corrosion in older pipes, particularly galvanized plumbing, can cause rust and other contaminants to enter your water. If your water appears rusty or discolored, especially when you first turn on the tap, it's a strong sign your pipes need replacing to ensure clean water.
- Strange Taste or Odor in Water: Contaminants and rust from aging pipes can give your water a bad taste or smell, making it unpleasant and potentially unsafe to drink. Repiping will solve this, providing fresh, clean, and odor-free water.
- High Water Bills: Leaks in worn-out pipes often go unnoticed, leading to water waste and unusually high water bills. If your usage hasn't changed but your bills have spiked, hidden leaks may be the cause and repiping could be necessary.
- Slab Leaks: Slab leaks occur when pipes under your home's concrete foundation develop leaks. Signs include wet spots on the floor, warm areas, or the sound of running water when none is in use. You can read more on what to do if you have a slab leak.
What are the Benefits of Repiping?
Updating your plumbing system is a long term solution that offers numerous advantages. Some key benefits include:
- Improved Water Quality: Upgrading to modern materials like copper or PEX tubing dramatically enhances water quality. Older pipes, such as those made from galvanized iron or lead, can lead to contamination, rust, and sediment buildup. New pipes are resistant to corrosion, ensuring cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water.
- Enhanced Water Pressure: Replacing old pipes removes obstructions and restrictions in your plumbing, allowing water to flow freely. You'll experience improved water pressure in your showers, faucets, and appliances, making everyday tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
- Prevention of Future Leaks: Repiping is a proactive way to avoid future leaks and bursts. Old pipes are prone to weak spots, cracks, and pinhole leaks due to corrosion and wear. Replacing them with durable materials significantly reduces the risk of unexpected leaks, saving you from the hassle and cost of frequent repairs.
- Increased Property Value: Upgrading your plumbing system through repiping can greatly increase your property's value. Prospective buyers are drawn to homes with modern, efficient plumbing that ensures reliable water supply and minimizes the risk of costly repairs. By investing in a repipe, you can boost your home's appeal on the real estate market, potentially leading to a higher selling price and quicker sale.
Which Areas of My Property Require Repiping?
We understand that determining the areas of your property that require repiping is essential for a successful plumbing upgrade.
Areas that often need repiping when plumbing systems fail include the main water supply line, kitchen and bathroom plumbing, and water line fixtures.
While it may be tempting to repair plumbing as issues arise, this rarely addresses underlying systemic problems.
We would always suggest a full home repipe over individually repairing damaged sections of plumbing for several reasons. In almost every case, repiping is more cost-effective than repairing pipes in isolated areas.
How Much Does Repiping Cost?
On average, our repipes range from $4,500 for a two-bedroom, one-bath home to up to $15,000 for larger properties and more complex projects.
At Repipe Specialists, we've completed thousands of repipes across the USA, focusing solely on full home plumbing replacements. A whole-home repipe is more affordable than you might think and is almost always less costly than repeatedly repairing damages from ongoing pipe leaks.
Key Factors Affecting Repiping Cost
- Area Size: The size of the property influences the amount of materials and labor required, which directly affects the overall cost.
- Number of Fixtures: The number of plumbing fixtures in the home impacts the extent of the repiping needed, affecting the total price.
- Pipe Accessibility: The ease of accessing the pipes significantly affects labor costs and the choice of piping material. Factors like attics, basements, and construction type can impact the overall cost.
- Installation Complexity: Factors such as the home's layout, obstacles, age, and any prior renovations all contribute to the complexity of the installation, which in turn impacts the cost of repiping.
- Piping Material: The choice of piping material is essential for a successful repiping project, as different materials vary in durability, longevity, and maintenance requirements.
For more details, check out our article on how much a repipe costs, as well as information about the cost to repipe a mobile home.
What are the Best Materials for Repiping?
Copper piping and PEX tubing are both widely accepted as the best modern materials for your home.
Our repiping services utilize both type L copper piping and Uponor PEX-A tubing for all of our full home repipes. Additionally, we provide lifetime warranties on all our repipes.
Both materials offer their own unique advantages. We have an article that explores whether you should repipe with copper or PEX, depending on your property's needs and budget.
If you're unsure which material to choose for your home repipe, contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our local repipe consultants.
Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991 using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.