Repiping Process Explained
The process of repiping a whole house involves numerous steps. Each step is handled meticulously to ensure the job is done to perfection. Below is an outline of what a typical whole house repipe process looks like, from start to finish.
First Steps
- Assessment: One of our project managers will schedule time to assess the existing plumbing system to determine its condition and identify any issues that need to be addressed. They inspect the pipes, fixtures, and connections to identify issues such as leaks, corrosion, rust, low water pressure, and any other signs of damage. In rare circumstances water quality tests might be conducted to check for contaminants like lead or other harmful substances.
- Material Selection: Based on the assessment, the homeowner and our project manager will decide on the appropriate materials for the new pipes. Most common choice for repiping is using PEX pipe. The decision on materials is influenced by factors such as budget, local building codes, and the specific needs of the plumbing system. We can compare and contrast with other types of material such as Copper Tubing and CPVC Flowguard Pipe. Once we have decided on which type of material to use, our project manager will prepare a quote for you to sign and approve.
- Planning: Once we have a date scheduled that works for everyone, a detailed plan is developed for the repiping process, including the layout of the new pipes and the areas of the home that will be affected. The plan may involve mapping out areas where walls, floors, or ceilings need to be opened up to access the existing plumbing. Many repiping jobs will require us to pull permits, which comes included in our price.
Getting Started
- Preparation: When the planning to perfect is complete, we start the preparation. The plumbing system is shut off, and any necessary preparations are made to access the existing pipes, which might involve cutting into walls or floors. We cover any furniture that may be soiled or damaged from the work being done. Since there will be many of our professional plumbers constantly going in and out of your home, we also cover the floors to minimize the dirt as much as possible. Once we’re all set, we get to work!
- Removal: Old pipes are removed from the plumbing system, and any repairs or modifications to the plumbing infrastructure are carried out. Surprises may occur when we cut into the walls, but we’re always prepared for them. We carefully remove and dispose of all the corroded and rusty pipes which prepares us to repipe your home on a new slate.
- Installation: New pipes are installed according to the planned layout. This involves careful measuring, cutting, and fitting of the pipes. Installing PEX Pipe will be the fastest method because it involves no soldering and pipes are sold in 100 foot rolls. Typical installation time for an average sized home will take one day using PEX Pipe. Repiping a home with copper pipe will take a few days longer due to several factors such as soldering, pipe lengths, fittings used, and lack of flexibility . Our project manager will describe this in more detail.
Final Steps
- Connection: The new pipes are connected to the fixtures, faucets, and appliances throughout the home. We work from the mainline of the home all the way to the final fixture. Connecting the pipe to your fixtures is the final step to repiping a whole house.
- Testing: The plumbing system is thoroughly tested for leaks, proper water flow, and functionality. We don’t leave without ensuring everything works as it should. The main things we check for are water flow and leaks. During this time we run your kitchen and bathroom faucets, dishwasher, laundry, and shower to make sure everything is functioning just as it should. Leaks are checked thoroughly at each connection to avoid future damage to your property.
- Finishing: Any areas that were opened up during the repiping process, such as walls, are repaired and restored to their original condition. This might involve patching walls and repainting to match the original appearance of the home. The opening of walls are very common and we understand the disturbance it may leave seeing a bunch of holes in your home. We make certain your home looks like nothing ever happened in it, once the city inspections have been approved.
Repiping a home is a complex task that typically requires professional expertise. Hiring a licensed plumber with experience in repiping is crucial to ensure that the process is done correctly and safely. It’s also a significant investment, but one that can greatly improve the performance and value of your home while addressing potential plumbing issues. Please contact us if you have additional questions, we’ll do our best to answer each and every inquiry to make certain you understand every step in the process of repiping your home.
