Whole-House Repiping
Quick answer
Repiping replaces the water supply lines throughout the house, usually because of repeated pinhole leaks, rusty water from galvanized steel, or polybutylene pipe insurers will not cover. HomeAdvisor works it out at about $4.50 per square foot of house, and labor is about 70% of the price. For a plumber's assessment, call (888) 217-6781.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Signs you need a plumber
- A second or third pinhole leak in copper pipe
- Brown or rusty water, especially first thing in the morning
- Galvanized steel pipes (common in homes built before the 1960s)
- Gray polybutylene pipe (common from the late 1970s to the mid 1990s)
- Low pressure that cleaning aerators does not fix
Repiping is planned work, but a pinhole leak inside a wall is not. Close the main and have the leak repaired first; then decide on repiping.
What to check before you call
- Look at exposed pipe near the water heater and the main: gray plastic, dull gray steel or copper
- Count how many leaks you have had in the last few years
- Ask your insurer whether polybutylene or galvanized pipe affects your coverage
- Run the cold tap first thing in the morning and check the color
What the plumber does
- 1
Assesses the system
Identifies the pipe material, the failures so far and the routes for new lines.
- 2
Plans the route
Runs new PEX or copper through walls, the attic or the crawl space with as few openings as possible.
- 3
Switches over
Connects each fixture to the new lines, pressure-tests and patches the openings (patching is sometimes separate).
Repiping cost
| Job | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-house repipe | about $4.50 per sq ft of house | HomeAdvisor |
| Labor share | about 70% of the total | HomeAdvisor |
| Pipe material | PEX $0.40–$2 per ft; copper $2–$8 per ft | Angi |
Permits, drywall patching and painting are often quoted separately. Ask whether the price includes them. Sources: HomeAdvisor cost guides (2025), Angi cost guides (2025).
Ready to book a plumber?
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Repiping: common questions
PEX or copper for repiping?
PEX costs less, needs fewer fittings and is faster to run through finished walls. Copper lasts a long time and resists UV and rodents. Local code and the plumber's experience usually decide it.
How long does repiping take?
Many houses take a few days, with water off only for part of each day. Ask the plumber for the plan for your house.
Is repiping worth it?
When leaks keep coming back, the repair bills and the water damage from each leak can add up to more than a repipe, and some insurers charge more or decline polybutylene homes.
Other plumbing services
(888) 217-6781 is the plumbing line. HearthDry is a referral service; the company you reach is independent.