How to Replumb a House: A Step-by-Step Guide to Repiping Your Home
Repiping your home is a major plumbing task that can prevent frequent leaks, water pressure problems, and rusty water. If you’re noticing signs of aging pipes, repiping your house might be the solution to restore your plumbing system’s efficiency. In this detailed guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how to replumb a house, from planning the project to choosing materials and the benefits of hiring professionals for the job.
Why Would You Need to Replumb a House?
Repiping is often necessary when homes have outdated or corroded plumbing systems. Common signs that indicate you may need to replumb your house include:
Frequent leaks in your plumbing
Low water pressure throughout the home
Rusty or discolored water when you turn on the taps
The home is more than 50 years old and has galvanized steel or original copper pipes
Addressing these issues early by repiping can save you from costly repairs down the line.
7 Steps for Repiping Your Home
1. Assess and Plan the Repiping Project
The first step in replumbing a house is a full inspection of your existing pipes. Look for rust, leaks, or signs of wear. You’ll need to decide whether you’re replacing only sections of the system or doing a complete repipe.
Make sure to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before starting the project. Permits ensure your plumbing work meets local building codes and safety standards.
2. Choose the Best Repiping Materials
When you replumb a house, the type of pipes you choose is crucial. Modern homes typically use:
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): Flexible, affordable, and easy to install. PEX is resistant to freezing, which makes it a popular choice for home repiping.
Copper: Known for its durability, copper piping can last decades. It’s more expensive and requires a professional plumber for proper installation, but it is a time-tested material.
3. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
Before you begin the actual repiping, make sure to shut off your home’s main water supply. This step is critical to avoid flooding or water damage while you’re working on the pipes.
4. Remove Old Pipes (If Necessary)
When repiping with PEX, you may not need to fully remove old pipes, as PEX can often be routed more easily through existing walls and around older plumbing. This flexibility allows for a less invasive installation process. However, if you're using a more rigid material like copper, removing the old pipes becomes more important. Copper requires more space and precise placement, which often means cutting into walls or ceilings to remove the old piping system entirely. Assess your situation and consult with a professional to determine whether old pipes need to be removed.
5. Install New Pipes
Begin installing the new pipes starting from the main water line. Secure the pipes using proper clamps and fittings to prevent movement or future leaks. Depending on your pipe material, follow the installation guidelines to ensure proper flow and connection. Take extra care with PEX pipes, as they’re flexible and need to be routed carefully.
6. Connect Pipes to Water Fixtures
Once the new piping is installed, connect them to your home’s water fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters. Double-check all connections to avoid leaks.
7. Test the Plumbing System
After installing and connecting the new pipes, turn the main water supply back on. Check for leaks and ensure that each fixture has adequate water pressure. Run the water at multiple points in your home to confirm that the system is working efficiently.
How Long Does It Take to Replumb a House?
Repiping an entire house typically takes between 5 to 15 days DIY with assistance , depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the plumbing system. Larger homes or more complicated setups may take longer, especially if there’s extensive damage to the original pipes. We Do Repipes Inc completes most repipe projects in 1-2 days.
DIY Repiping vs. Hiring Professionals
While some homeowners may attempt small-scale plumbing repairs, repiping a house is a complex job best left to professionals. Repiping requires knowledge of building codes, experience with cutting into walls, and understanding pipe installation techniques. Here’s why you should consider professional help:
Accurate Installation: Professionals ensure that pipes are correctly installed, reducing the risk of leaks or poor water pressure.
Compliance with Building Codes: Licensed plumbers will ensure your repipe meets local code requirements.
Faster Completion: A professional team can repipe a house faster and more efficiently than a DIY project.
Minimized Damage to Walls and Floors: Plumbers know how to minimize disruption to your home during repiping, saving you from extensive repairs afterward.
How Much Does It Cost to Replumb a House?
The cost to replumb a house can vary widely based on the size of your home, the type of piping materials used, and labor costs in your area. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $4,000 to $15,000 for a full repipe, with PEX pipes being more affordable than copper pipes. Keep in mind that the cost also includes the price of labor, permits, and repairs to walls or floors.
Why You Should Hire We Do Repipes Inc. for Your Repiping Needs
Repiping your home is a significant investment, and you want the job done right the first time. We Do Repipes Inc. is a trusted, local repiping service that specializes in quick, reliable, and professional whole-home repipes. Our experienced team will help you assess your home’s plumbing needs, guide you in choosing the right materials, and complete the project efficiently and safely.
Let us handle the heavy lifting while you enjoy a reliable and worry-free plumbing system for years to come!
Contact We Do Repipes Inc. for a Free Consultation!
Thinking about repiping your home? Call We Do Repipes Inc. today at 832-819-8337 to schedule your free repipe consultation. We’ll provide expert advice and walk you through every step of the process.
Repiping your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—trust the professionals at We Do Repipes Inc. to get the job done right.
*This article was written for your information only. Please do not consider this guide to be all-inclusive or a recommendation to replumb your house on your own. We recommend you call a professional.