Repiping is the process of replacing all the water pipes in a home or building. A standard repiping project includes new hot and cold water lines running from the main water source to all faucets and fixtures. It usually does not cover drainage or sewer lines. Over time, piping systems can fail due to corrosion, additives in the water supply, or design flaws in the plumbing and its components. Whether you’re purchasing a home or managing an apartment complex, repiping your property is a sure way to prevent water damage from aging plumbing systems and increase property value.
The Repipe Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Repiping is often less disruptive to daily life than owners and management teams might initially think. In most cases, residents can continue living in their homes throughout the process, with water typically turned off for only one day during work hours. Here’s a step-by-step guide of what to expect when repiping your property:
1.) Initial Inspection: A professional plumber will first inspect your existing plumbing system to assess its condition and determine if repiping is necessary. For single-family dwellings, our team offers a house repipe cost calculator, eliminating the need for an in-person appointment to get an estimate.
2.) Preparation and Permitting: Once you decide to proceed, the repiping company will obtain any necessary permits and map out the areas that will need access. For single-family dwellings, this preparation can take less than a day. In multifamily projects, it usually takes at least a few weeks to coordinate schedules and logistics.
3.) Work Area Protection: The repiping team will protect work areas by covering floors, walls, and valuables with plastic sheeting to collect drywall dust and debris. Proper installation of these protections ensures that heavier-duty materials are unnecessary, and the mess is contained effectively.
4.) Creating Access Openings: Strategic drywall openings are made to route the new piping. Typically, holes are only needed at specific locations, avoiding the need to remove entire sections of drywall. In some cases, larger sections may need to be removed if the plumbing route crosses joists, but these are usually limited in size. Tile openings may also be created when necessary, with care taken to remove and reinstall tiles without damage.
5.) Installing the New Piping: Most of the new piping can be installed while leaving the old system intact, allowing residents to have continuous water service throughout most of the project. Water is usually turned off for a single workday or less when final connections are made and the system is switched over to the new plumbing.
6.) Inspection by the Local Building Department: After installation, the new plumbing system is tested for leaks and proper function. A local building department inspector will then perform a walkthrough, which typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes once they arrive.
7.) Repairing Drywall and Tile Openings: Once inspections are complete, any drywall and tile openings are repaired. Drywall textures are matched to the original style to blend seamlessly with surrounding areas. Our team at Replumb Specialties Inc. includes this in our services to ensure high-quality in every step of the repipe.
8.) Matching Paint: For the final touch, repaired areas are painted to match the existing walls. If original paint is available, it’s best to use it for an exact match. If not, computer-matched paint should be used to replicate both the color and sheen, ensuring the repairs are virtually invisible and blend smoothly with the surrounding surfaces.
4.) Creating Access Openings: Strategic drywall openings are made to route the new piping. Typically, holes are only needed at specific locations, avoiding the need to remove entire sections of drywall. In some cases, larger sections may need to be removed if the plumbing route crosses joists, but these are usually limited in size. Tile openings may also be created when necessary, with care taken to remove and reinstall tiles without damage.
5.) Installing the New Piping: Most of the new piping can be installed while leaving the old system intact, allowing residents to have continuous water service throughout most of the project. Water is usually turned off for a single workday or less when final connections are made and the system is switched over to the new plumbing.
6.) Inspection by the Local Building Department: After installation, the new plumbing system is tested for leaks and proper function. A local building department inspector will then perform a walkthrough, which typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes once they arrive.
7.) Repairing Drywall and Tile Openings: Once inspections are complete, any drywall and tile openings are repaired. Drywall textures are matched to the original style to blend seamlessly with surrounding areas. Our team at Replumb Specialties Inc. includes this in our services to ensure high-quality in every step of the repipe.
8.) Matching Paint: For the final touch, repaired areas are painted to match the existing walls. If original paint is available, it’s best to use it for an exact match. If not, computer-matched paint should be used to replicate both the color and sheen, ensuring the repairs are virtually invisible and blend smoothly with the surrounding surfaces.
FAQs About Repiping
If you’re considering repiping your home or a multifamily building, you likely have some questions. Below are the most common questions we get about the repiping process, materials, and costs to help you make an informed decision.
1. When Should I Consider Repiping? You should consider repiping if your home or building has piping that is failing or is defective. Frequent leaks, low water pressure, and discolored water, are all signs that it may be time for a full replacement. For a list of piping systems that commonly fail, see our Common Pipe Problems Page. Pricing for multifamily repipe projects require a site visit as project scopes vary greatly.
2. How Much Does Repiping Typically Cost? If you are looking for a repipe cost estimate specific to your single-family dwelling, you can use our house repipe cost calculator. Otherwise, one of our master plumbers has published a detailed write-up on how much it costs to repipe a house.
3. Will Repiping Damage My Walls or Flooring? Repiping requires accessing the existing pipes, which typically involves creating drywall and tile openings in walls and ceilings. The drywall and tile repairs necessary to complete a repipe are usually included in the cost.
4. How Long Will I Be Without Water? Water is typically off for less than one workday. Residents have running water through the duration of the project, and water is only turned off when final connections need to be made.
5. Can I Stay in My Home During Repiping? Yes, most homeowners and tenants in multifamily buildings remain in their homes during the repiping process. While there may be some noise, dust, and water shutoffs during the day, our team works to make the environment as livable as possible throughout the project. We also clean up at the end of each day to minimize disruption to your daily routine.
6. Do I Need to Replace My Sewer Lines as Well? Repiping typically involves replacing the water supply lines, not the sewer lines. However, if you are experiencing sewer line issues, such as backups or slow drainage, it may be worth inspecting the sewer system to see if replacement is needed. Replumb Specialties Inc. can help assess the condition of your entire plumbing system, including sewer lines, and recommend the best course of action.
Additional Questions
If you have any further questions about what a repipe is, or other questions about a repipe, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Replumb Specialties Inc. Our business hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Denver time), and we’re ready to assist with any questions regarding comprehensive pipe replacement services. In 2024, we celebrated 32 years in the industry, having repiped over 28,000 homes and replaced more than 12 million feet of piping.
