When plumbing pipes age, corrode, or leak frequently, repiping the entire home becomes necessary. A whole-house repipe replaces all the old water supply lines with new, durable piping materials. This process restores water pressure, prevents leaks, and improves water quality. Below is a clear, factual step-by-step guide explaining what happens during a whole-house repipe, based on professional plumbing standards used by experts like Show Plumbing, LLC.

What Is a Whole-House Repipe?

A whole-house repipe involves removing or bypassing old plumbing lines and installing new ones throughout the home. It typically includes hot and cold water supply lines connected to sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances. The drain system usually remains untouched unless it also shows damage.

Most homes need repiping after 25–50 years, depending on the pipe material. Galvanized steel and polybutylene lines are common reasons for repipe projects due to rust or brittleness.

Step 1: Initial Plumbing Inspection and Assessment

The process starts with a detailed inspection of the existing plumbing system. A licensed plumber evaluates:

  • Pipe materials and layout

  • Water pressure and flow rate

  • Visible corrosion, leaks, or water discoloration

  • Accessibility of pipe routes

Technicians may use cameras to inspect concealed pipes within walls or crawl spaces. This helps create an accurate plan for routing the new plumbing system. The plumber also provides a cost estimate and time frame for the project.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Piping Material

After inspection, the next decision is selecting new pipe materials. Common options include:

  • PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): Flexible, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective.

  • Copper: Long-lasting and heat-tolerant but more expensive.

  • CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride): Affordable and resistant to scale buildup.

PEX is often preferred for whole-house repipes because it can bend around corners, reducing the need for fittings and minimizing joint leaks. The plumber considers factors like local building codes, water chemistry, and budget when recommending a material.

Step 3: Planning the Repipe Layout

Before work begins, plumbers map out the new pipe system. They determine optimal routes through walls, ceilings, and floors to reach each fixture efficiently. Planning ensures minimal drywall removal and helps coordinate with other household systems like electrical wiring or HVAC ducts.

During this phase, the water supply is scheduled for shutoff to avoid disruption beyond the necessary time.

Step 4: Preparing the Home for Work

Preparation is crucial to protect your property and ensure a smooth installation. Homeowners are usually advised to:

  • Clear access around sinks, bathtubs, and water heaters.

  • Move furniture or valuables away from work areas.

  • Cover floors with protective material.

The plumbing team then shuts off the main water valve, drains the system, and verifies all lines are depressurized before cutting begins.

Step 5: Removing or Bypassing Old Pipes

Technicians open sections of drywall, ceilings, or floors to reach the existing pipes. In some cases, the old pipes remain in place if they don't interfere with the new layout. However, severely corroded lines are removed completely to prevent future leaks or contamination.

This step can take several days depending on the home's size and complexity. The goal is to prepare a clean and safe environment for installing the new plumbing lines.

Step 6: Installing the New Piping System

Once the access points are ready, plumbers install the new water supply network. Each fixture receives both hot and cold lines, routed from a central manifold or main supply line.

Technicians secure the pipes using proper supports and connectors. For PEX systems, special crimp or expansion fittings are used to create watertight seals. Each connection is pressure-tested during installation to confirm integrity.

The installation phase is the most time-intensive part of the project and usually takes three to five days for an average-sized home.

Step 7: Connecting Fixtures and Appliances

After the new pipes are installed, plumbers reconnect every water fixture, including:

  • Faucets and sinks

  • Showers and bathtubs

  • Toilets

  • Water heaters and dishwashers

  • Laundry machines

Each connection is tested for leaks and proper water flow. If pressure irregularities are detected, adjustments are made to ensure consistent performance throughout the home.

Step 8: Pressure Testing and Quality Verification

Before the walls are sealed, the plumbing system undergoes a full pressure test. This involves:

  • Filling the system with water

  • Pressurizing it to the required level

  • Monitoring for drops or leaks over a set period

Any weak fittings or connections are corrected immediately. This quality assurance step ensures long-term reliability and compliance with building codes.

Professional plumbers like Show Plumbing, LLC document the test results and provide the homeowner with details for record-keeping.

Step 9: Wall Patching and Surface Restoration

After passing inspection, the open drywall sections are patched, sanded, and prepared for repainting. Some plumbing companies include wall restoration in their service, while others recommend hiring a drywall contractor for finishing touches.

Once complete, the home regains its normal appearance, but with an entirely new internal plumbing system that functions like new.

Step 10: Final Inspection and System Optimization

The final inspection confirms that all new piping meets local plumbing codes and performance standards. The plumber checks:

  • Water flow at each fixture

  • Proper hot and cold line direction

  • Water heater connections

  • Main shutoff valve function

Any minor adjustments, such as pressure balancing or temperature calibration, are made before the system is handed over to the homeowner.

How Long Does a Whole-House Repipe Take?

The duration depends on several factors:

  • Home size: Larger homes take longer.

  • Pipe accessibility: More concealed lines require more time.

  • Material type: PEX installs faster than copper.

In most cases, a standard single-family home repipe takes 3 to 7 days, with minimal water shutoff periods.

What to Expect After a Repipe

After completion, you can expect:

  • Improved water pressure

  • Clear, clean water

  • Elimination of frequent leaks

  • Higher property value

Homeowners may notice a slight odor from new PEX pipes initially, but it disappears quickly as the system flushes. Regular maintenance and monitoring ensure long-term performance.

When Should You Consider a Whole-House Repipe?

Signs that indicate repiping is necessary include:

  • Frequent leaks or pipe bursts

  • Rust-colored or cloudy water

  • Low water pressure

  • Visible corrosion on exposed pipes

  • History of galvanized or polybutylene plumbing

If you experience two or more of these issues, it's time to consult a licensed plumber for an evaluation.

Why Hire a Professional Plumber?

A whole-house repipe requires technical skill, code knowledge, and proper equipment. Hiring a licensed team such as Show Plumbing, LLC ensures:

  • Accurate pipe sizing and layout

  • Code-compliant installation

  • Safe pressure testing

  • Quality assurance with warranties

DIY attempts often lead to leaks or code violations that cost more to repair later.

Key Takeaways

  • A whole-house repipe replaces outdated water lines with new materials like PEX or copper.

  • The process involves inspection, planning, pipe removal, installation, testing, and restoration.

  • Most projects take less than a week and significantly improve plumbing reliability.

  • Professional workmanship ensures safety, compliance, and long-term performance.

Show Plumbing, LLC delivers repipe services backed by experience, precision, and trust, ensuring your home's plumbing system performs efficiently for decades.