Richmond Virginia Plumbing

Repiping a House: What’s Involved & How Much it Costs

Posted on January 20, 2022 in Plumbing

Every part of your home will eventually require some type of maintenance, repair, or replacement, and your plumbing is no exception. If your pipes have begun to wear out, it may be time to consider a complete pipe upgrade and replacement, a process known as repiping. 

What exactly is repiping? What’s involved in repiping a house? And how much does repiping cost? Read on to learn more about the specifics of a repiping job.

A plumber addresses a pipe issue in a home that may need more extensive services, including repiping.

Repiping Your House

Repiping your entire home is more invasive than simply replacing the plumbing in one bathroom or around one fixture. It can also be fairly time-consuming and expensive to complete. You generally don’t want to undertake a project like this one unless it is absolutely necessary. 

You will want to check with friends, neighbors, and online reviews to ensure that you are choosing a trusted and licensed contractor or company to complete the work. You may need to submit insurance claims depending on your situation and if your repiping project is due to a fire, storm, or another natural disaster.

So why would you need to have your house repiped, and what are some signs it needs to be done?

Reasons To Repipe Your House

The number one reason a homeowner might consider having their house repiped is due to aging pipes. Not only can old pipes cause many issues in your home, such as leaks, water damage, slow drainage, and clogs, but they can also affect your home’s value. An investment in repiping your home can drastically improve your property’s resale value. 

Some signs that your home may need to be repiped include frequently clogged pipes, leaks, issues with water pressure, slow drainage, busted pipes, a compromised water supply, rust, or pipe corrosion. Some of these signs may be obvious, while others may be lurking under the surface of an older home. A licensed plumber can help you evaluate the health of your system and identify any hidden leaks or problem areas.

If you suspect that your home might have used lead pipes, you will want to repipe your home as soon as possible to prevent the leaching of lead into your drinking water. Lead can be a serious health hazard, and lead pipes are no longer in use for this reason.

Repiping: What’s Involved?

How extensive is a repiping job? How will it impact living in the home? How long will it take? All of these are fair questions to ask before undertaking such a serious project. After all, a repiping job will most likely involve removing the drywall in many, if not all, rooms of your home, and you still need to live there in the meantime!

This type of plumbing project can take anywhere from 1-5 days and typically involves cutting into the ceiling or wall in multiple rooms. Homeowners can usually stay in the home during the work, with water being turned back on each evening when possible. However, some families may choose to temporarily reside elsewhere while the work is being done.

Permits may be required from your local planning or building department to ensure your home remains up to code.

Repiping: What’s The Cost?

There are a few standard factors that go into the cost of a repiping job. These include:

  • Location
  • Size of your home
  • Age of your home
  • Layout of your home
  • Number of bathrooms
  • Type and quality of the materials you use

 

While it is difficult to state an exact estimate, data on repiping averages can help. According to HomeAdvisor, the range for a repiping project can run anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more, with the average being $7,500 for most piping materials such as PEX or CPVC. Copper piping is more expensive and can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete repiping job.

What Is Involved in Repiping a House? Start With Us!

Whether you need help with a complete repiping project or other common plumbing issues, R.J. Tilley will provide a reliable solution, particularly for complex issues. Visit the link below to learn more about some of our services.

Common Plumbing Issues