Repiping Your Home: When It's Needed and What to Expect

A whole-house repipe is a major project—but sometimes it's the smartest investment you can make. Here's everything you need to know.

I'm Justin Sims, and I understand why repiping sounds overwhelming. Ripping out all the pipes in your home? That seems extreme. But for the right situations, a repipe isn't just the best option—it's the only option that makes sense long-term.

Let me explain when repiping is necessary, what the process looks like, and how to make the best decision for your home.

When Is Repiping Necessary?

Pipe Material End of Life

Some pipe materials are simply past their prime:

**Polybutylene (gray plastic, 1978-1995):** These pipes are known for sudden, catastrophic failures. They were the subject of a massive class-action lawsuit. If you have polybutylene, repiping isn't a matter of if, but when. Many insurance companies won't cover homes with poly pipes.

**Galvanized Steel (pre-1960s):** These pipes corrode from the inside out. By the time you notice rusty water or low pressure, the interior is likely packed with rust and mineral deposits. Patching doesn't solve the underlying deterioration.

**Lead (older homes):** While rare, some very old homes still have lead supply lines. These should be replaced for health reasons.

Frequent Leaks

If you've had multiple leak repairs in the last few years—especially in different locations—your pipes are failing systemically, not just in one spot.

**The math:** Once repair costs approach 30-50% of repipe cost, and you're still dealing with aging pipes, repiping becomes the economical choice.

Low Water Pressure Throughout Home

When galvanized or iron pipes corrode internally, the diameter shrinks. You might have pipes that were 3/4" when new but are effectively 1/4" now. No amount of cleaning fixes this—the pipe walls themselves are the problem.

Discolored Water

Persistent rust-colored, brown, or yellowish water—especially after the system has been idle—indicates internal corrosion. If it's affecting multiple fixtures, the problem is widespread.

Visible Corrosion

If you can see corrosion on exposed pipes (basement, crawl space, utility closets), imagine what the hidden pipes look like. Visible deterioration is the tip of the iceberg.

Home Renovation

If you're doing a major remodel that opens walls anyway, it's often cost-effective to repipe at the same time. The labor to access pipes is already being done.

Selling Your Home

Buyers and inspectors are increasingly aware of pipe problems. A home with polybutylene or deteriorated galvanized pipes may require repiping to sell—or face a significant price reduction.

Types of Repipe Projects

Full Repipe

Replacing all supply lines throughout the house. This is the most comprehensive solution for homes with systemically failing pipes.

Includes:

• Main line from meter/well to house
• All hot and cold supply lines
• New shut-off valves at fixtures
• New hose bibs

Partial Repipe

Replacing only the most problematic sections—for example, repiping hot water lines only, or repiping the original house but not a newer addition.

**Best for:** Homes with mixed pipe materials where only certain sections are failing.

Slab Line Rerouting

For homes with under-slab pipes that have failed or are at risk, we can abandon the in-slab lines and route new pipes through the attic, walls, or exterior—avoiding the slab entirely.

Benefits:

• No concrete demolition
• Easier future access for repairs
• Removes the hidden risk

Pipe Material Options

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

This is the modern standard for residential repiping.

Advantages:

• Flexible—fewer connections, routes around obstacles
• Corrosion-resistant
• Quiet—reduces water hammer
• Freeze-resistant—can expand without bursting
• Cost-effective
• Fast installation

**Lifespan:** 40-50+ years

**Considerations:** Requires proper UV protection; not suitable for exterior exposure.

Copper

The traditional premium choice.

Advantages:

• Proven track record
• Biostatic (resists bacterial growth)
• Reliable performance
• High resale value perception

**Lifespan:** 50-70+ years

**Considerations:** More expensive; vulnerable to corrosion in acidic water; can develop pinhole leaks over time; more labor-intensive installation.

CPVC

A rigid plastic option.

Advantages:

• More affordable than copper
• Chemical resistant
• Smooth interior (good flow)

**Lifespan:** 50+ years

**Considerations:** Can become brittle over time; more susceptible to damage from UV and freezing than PEX.

My Recommendation

For most Hill Country homes, **PEX is the smart choice**. It's durable, cost-effective, easy to install, and handles our climate well. The flexibility means fewer fittings (fewer potential failure points), and it's more forgiving of the minor ground movement we see with Texas soil.

Copper remains an excellent option if budget isn't a constraint and you want the traditional approach.

The Repipe Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Assessment and Planning

We inspect your current system, discuss your needs, and develop a plan that minimizes disruption. This includes:

• Pipe routing decisions
• Fixture upgrade opportunities
• Timeline planning
• Cost estimation

Step 2: Preparation

Before work begins:

• Furniture may need to be moved from walls where pipes run
• Some personal items should be secured or removed
• You'll be informed about which areas will be affected

Step 3: Water Shut-Off

During the repipe, water will be off. We work as efficiently as possible to minimize this—typically 1-3 days for a complete repipe.

Step 4: Access Creation

For concealed pipes, we'll need to create access points:

• Small openings in drywall (typically near ceiling or baseboard)
• Access through attic or crawl space where possible
• We document all access points for repair

Step 5: Pipe Installation

New pipes are run, connected to fixtures, and tested. PEX installation is generally faster than copper due to flexibility and simpler connections.

Step 6: Pressure Testing

Before closing anything up, we pressure test the entire system to verify there are no leaks.

Step 7: Drywall Repair

After inspection, access holes are patched. Full texture and paint matching can be arranged, or you can have your own contractor complete the finish work.

Step 8: Final Walkthrough

We review everything with you, explain any changes, and ensure you're satisfied.

Timeline