What to expect when repiping a house

Maybe a plumber told you your house needs a repipe, or you’re starting to see the signs yourself.

Signs like low water pressure, rusty water, or just knowing the pipes are original to your home in a historic Jacksonville neighborhood like Riverside or Avondale.

Your first question is probably, “How the heck does a whole-house repipe actually work, and what am I getting into?”

It’s a big job, but it’s a very common one.

I want to walk you through the process from the first day to the last, so you can plan for it.

The 6 steps of a whole-house repipe

A repipe isn’t just about swapping out pipes.

It’s a systematic process we follow to make sure we do the job right, with minimal leaks or surprises later.

Here’s our step-by-step approach:

1. Assessment: First, we walk through your home to map out the existing plumbing and plan the new runs. We figure out the best way to access the pipes, which could be in walls, ceilings, or floors.
2. Shutting off water and removing old pipe: We turn off your main water supply. Depending on the house, we might work in sections to try and restore partial water service at the end of the day, but that’s not always possible. Then we start removing the old, accessible piping.
3. Installing new lines: This is where the new system takes shape. We run new hot and cold lines, usually PEX or copper, to every fixture. For homes on a concrete slab, a common method is to reroute the new pipes through the attic. Here in Jacksonville, that requires an extra step because our winter temperatures can fall below freezing. The Florida building code requires us to install freeze protection on any pipes in an unheated attic.
4. Making connections: You may have seen push-fit connectors like SharkBite at the hardware store. They’re fine for a quick, temporary patch. In my opinion, however, they don’t belong as a permanent connection buried inside a wall. We use more durable methods for a professional repipe.
5. Testing: Once the new system is installed, we pressure-test everything to make sure there are absolutely no leaks.
6. Inspection and cleanup: A licensed plumber handles the permit process with the city’s Building Inspection Division. After the work passes inspection, we patch any drywall we opened and clean up the work areas. Matching older paint or flooring can sometimes be a separate challenge, which is something to be aware of.

How long does a repipe take and what’s the daily disruption?

I’ve got good news and bad news for you: The good news is that this is a routine project for an experienced crew.

The bad news is that it is genuinely disruptive for a short time.

A whole-house repipe typically takes from a few days to about a week. The biggest factor isn’t laying the pipe itself, but the labor involved in getting access to it and patching everything up afterward.

A larger, multi-story home with lots of bathrooms will take longer than a small, single-story house. Pipes in a concrete slab also add time to the job. (Well, presuming we don’t find anything unexpected once the walls are open).

During the work, you should expect to be without water for large parts of the day.

Our crew will need clear access to kitchens, bathrooms, and possibly bedrooms. Many homeowners choose to stay with family or at a hotel during the most intensive part of the project to avoid the inconvenience.

4 questions to ask your plumber before you hire them

Before you commit to a project this size, you should feel confident in the company you hire.

Here are a few questions I’d recommend asking any contractor you get a quote from:

• What is your estimated timeline for my specific home?
• What pipe material (PEX, copper, CPVC) do you recommend and why?
• How do you handle drywall repair and cleanup?
• Who is responsible for pulling the permit?

Getting clear answers to these questions will tell you a lot. At R Stud Plumbing, we provide a detailed plan and a clear quote before any work begins, so you know exactly what to expect. If you’re ready to get that conversation started for your home, you can learn more about our whole-house repiping services.

A repipe is a significant investment in your home, but it’s a manageable process. With the right team and a clear plan, you’ll have a reliable new plumbing system that will last for decades.

If you have more questions or need an expert eye on your pipes, give us a call.