Repiping FAQs
Old or failing water lines cause leaks, low pressure and rusty water. Here's when a repipe makes sense and what to expect during one.
When to repipe
When is repiping necessary?
When leaks keep popping up in different places, water pressure is low throughout the house, the water runs rusty or discolored, or the home has polybutylene or corroded galvanized pipe.
How do I know what pipes I have?
Look where pipes are exposed, such as at the water heater, under sinks or where the line enters the house. Gray plastic is often polybutylene, used from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. Dull gray metal with threaded joints is usually galvanized steel. We can identify it during an estimate.
What about repeated slab leaks?
If copper lines under the slab keep leaking, rerouting new lines through the attic and walls is often more reliable than breaking up the floor again for each repair.
The repipe
How is a repipe done?
We walk the house with you and plan where the new lines will run, protect floors and furniture, install the new lines through attics and walls, switch the fixtures over, pressure test the system, and patch the openings.
How long does a whole-home repipe take?
Many single-family homes take a few days. Drywall patching and paint can add time.
Will I have water during the work?
Mostly, yes. Water is shut off while lines are switched over, and we plan those shutoffs with you ahead of time.
What pipe material is best?
PEX is flexible, holds up well and costs less to install. Copper lasts a long time and is a proven choice. We'll explain the trade-offs for your home and budget.
Does a repipe need a licensed plumber and a permit?
Yes. In Texas, plumbing work must be done by or under a licensed plumber, and most cities require a permit for a repipe.
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