Whole house repiping replaces the water supply lines in a home, usually with PEX or new copper. It is the long term fix for homes with old galvanized steel pipes, polybutylene pipes, or copper that keeps getting pinhole leaks.
Repiping usually runs new lines through walls and the attic, with small openings that are patched afterwards, so most families can stay at home.
When you need whole house repiping
- Repeated leaks or pinhole leaks
- Rusty or discolored water
- Low water pressure from corroded galvanized pipes
- Polybutylene pipes, a gray plastic used in some homes from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s
- A slab leak in an older system
What the job involves
- Inspect the system and choose PEX or copper.
- Plan routes through walls, ceilings or the attic.
- Install new lines and connect fixtures, often room by room.
- Pressure test and pass the permit inspection.
- Patch and paint wall openings.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- The size of the home and number of bathrooms
- PEX or copper
- Access through walls, ceilings and attic
- Drywall patching and painting
- Permit and inspection
- Whether the water heater or main line is replaced too
Insurance
Insurance rarely pays for repiping itself, because it is an upgrade. It may cover water damage from a sudden leak. Some insurers raise premiums or refuse cover for polybutylene or old galvanized systems, so repiping can also help with insurance.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Texas: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
- California: Contractors State License Board, C 36 plumbing license.
- Florida: Construction Industry Licensing Board, through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Arizona: Registrar of Contractors.
- Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board.
- Georgia: State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master Plumbers.
- Colorado: Colorado State Plumbing Board.
- North Carolina: State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
Read our guide: why is my water pressure low.
Local help for whole house repiping
- Plumbing in Irvine, CA
- Plumbing in Los Angeles, CA
- Plumbing in Orange, CA
- Plumbing in Phoenix, AZ
- Plumbing in Santa Ana, CA
- Plumbing in Harrisburg, PA
Quick answers: whole house repiping
Is PEX or copper better for repiping?
PEX costs less and installs faster. Copper lasts long but can get pinhole leaks with some water. A plumber can recommend one for your water.
How long does repiping take?
Often a few days for a typical home, plus patching.
Can I stay home during repiping?
Usually, yes. Water is shut off for parts of each day.
Does insurance cover repiping?
Rarely, since it is an upgrade. Water damage from a sudden leak may be covered.
Who does repiping?
A licensed plumber. Sifixit can connect you with a local plumber.
Looking for whole house repiping? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the EPA’s WaterSense program.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
Helpful guides
- High water bill with no leak in sightWhy your water bill suddenly went up, how to test for a hidden leak with your meter, and...
- How to thaw a frozen pipe safelyHow to find and safely thaw a frozen water pipe, what never to use, and how to tell...
- Sewer smell in the house: causes and fixesThe most common reasons a house smells like sewage, simple fixes you can try, and when to call...
- No hot water? What to check before you call a plumberFor an electric water heater, check the breaker and the reset button on the heater.
- Running toilet: causes and how to fix itA running toilet is usually caused by a worn flapper, a chain that is too short or tangled,...
- Trenchless sewer repair vs traditional diggingTrenchless sewer repair fixes or replaces a sewer line through one or two small access holes instead of...