Homes require many significant repairs, which can consume time and money. Replacing the roof, flooring, or inside plumbing is among the most extensive repairs and investments homeowners make throughout a home’s lifespan. Knowing what is required and how to find a reputable contractor is paramount for an efficient, cost-effective repair and peace of mind.
Cost and total labor time are significant factors in a whole house repipe. When evaluating companies and contractors, these factors are among the top to consider, especially if you and your family will be away from home during the process, which could add lodging costs to the overall price.
The first step is to set up a consultation with a reputable company like APES HVAC. This will provide a general idea of the overall costs, including permitting, and the duration of the job.
The Steps for Completing a Whole House Repipe
It sounds like a whole house repipe: replacing all the plumbing pipes throughout the house, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and other applicable areas. As with any home renovation project, there is a step-by-step system that helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the extent of the project, its costs, and the time required to complete the job.
Utilizing a reputable contractor’s services ensures that you get accurate pricing and time quotes. These considerations factor into your overall decision, and you can rest assured that a quality project will last for years to come, saving you from potential problems down the road and providing healthier bathing and drinking water for you and your family.
Steps
The first step includes an assessment of the current plumbing system. This is accomplished through a thorough inspection of all pipes in the house, including those in the basement, behind bathroom walls, under all sinks, and in any other accessible spaces, such as laundry rooms. The inspector will look for corrosion, leaks, outdated materials, and cracked pipes. Older homes may have galvanized or lead pipes, which should be replaced with modern materials to stay up to code and provide safer drinking water.
The next step is to choose the material that best suits your purposes. Options include PEX, copper, and CPVC. Each has a specialized purpose that the HVAC professional will discuss in detail with you and provide recommendations. Once this decision is made, the professional will design a new layout, which may require fewer pipes, depending on the materials chosen. Finally, permits are applied for before the job begins. After the entire house repipe is complete, a city inspector will inspect the new layout to ensure it meets code requirements.
Selecting Materials
PEX has become a popular plumbing option for many due to its flexibility. It is easier to install and uses fewer fittings than other materials, which saves on cost in the short and long run. Less demolition is needed, saving the homeowner money to replace and paint the new wall.
Copper is a traditional material renowned for its durability and long lifespan. The classic material is not prone to sagging and can handle high heat limits. However, it does require soldering, which can be more expensive than materials such as PEX and could also impact the labor budget.
Copper is also a coveted material for plumbing due to its resistance to bacteria and mold. This makes it a healthy choice for many homeowners that may outweigh the extra cost of installation.
CPVC is another popular indoor piping material that does not corrode and is easier to install than copper. The fittings use solvent glue instead of soldering, but their stiffness requires more fittings than PEX. Every home and every circumstance is different, and what is best for you is ultimately your decision, but the HVAC professional is there to help guide you through the process.
The experts here at APES HVAC are skilled at explaining these materials and determining which is best suited for your home.
Is CPVC the Same as PVC Pipe?
Many homeowners are familiar with PVC pipe, which is used for various purposes. The technical name is Polyvinyl Chloride, and it can only be used for potable water underground and cold water. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride is technically PVC, to which chlorine has been added, allowing it to withstand hot water and be used above ground. This way, it can be used indoors; despite some estimates predicting its lifespan to be up to 50 years, it can also become brittle after only a decade.
For longevity purposes, PEX and copper are more commonly used materials for indoor plumbing than CPVC. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each material before deciding which to use in your home as a long-term investment.
Signs That Your Whole House Needs Repiping
Several warning signs suggest your home may need repiping, including low water pressure, rusty water, or frequent leaks. Unusual pipe noises like whistling, banging, or vibrations can also signal trouble. If your water temperature fluctuates, the system may be struggling to regulate flow. When in doubt, schedule an HVAC inspection for a clear diagnosis.
Lower water pressure than usual is generally the first sign that the pipes need to be replaced. The low pressure is caused by mineral deposits and sediment building up, which, over time, will clog the pipes and narrow the amount of water that can get through them. Once the pipes start to break down, small flakes of rust mix with the water, causing discoloration to appear at the tap. Leaks are a significant indication that pipes need to be replaced. If you are uncertain, monitor your utility bill to see if the cost has risen for unknown reasons, a sign that a hidden pipe has sprung a leak.
Average Cost of a Whole House Repipe 2025
Repiping a house is a significant investment, but ensuring a safe and leak-free plumbing system is often necessary. Repairing leaks saves money on utility bills and prevents costly damage like rotted floors and walls. Repiping costs vary widely depending on home size, materials, and permit fees. These factors should be reviewed carefully before deciding to move forward with the project.
This represents the average costs for a whole-house repipe in 2025. PEX piping sits at the lower end of the price range, while copper costs more due to added labor and materials. A 1,000–1,500 square-foot home typically costs $5,500–$11,000, including labor. Homes up to 2,000 square feet can reach $17,500, while those above 3,000 square feet may cost as much as $27,000.
Additional Costs of a Whole House Repipe
Other factors determining the overall cost of a whole-house repipe include the condition of the existing plumbing system. If the pipes are corroded or in poor condition, plumbers must take additional measures to remove or replace them before proceeding with the project. This incurs additional labor and materials, which the plumber will discuss with you before deciding. Accessibility is another consideration, as pipes that are harder to access require additional steps from the plumber for repairs or replacement.
Accessibility also affects the overall time of the repipe, especially when using copper or other less flexible materials than PEX. Labor costs vary depending on the region, particularly in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta or New York City.
The Dangers of DIY Repiping
It may be tempting to repipe your home yourself or hire the cheapest plumber, but that choice carries serious risks. This work requires specialized tools, training, and experience, and taking it on without them can cost far more in the long run. Improper installation can lead to leaks, which in turn may cause damage to walls and floors.
Another risk to consider is that improperly installed piping could come loose behind a newly installed wall, necessitating demolition of the entire wall. These are expensive repairs that can be avoided by making several cost-effective decisions.
Getting multiple quotes and cross-referencing them with your research will help you feel comfortable with the project’s overall price. Ensuring that the company you hire has a solid reputation and customer base testimonials will alleviate the stress of inviting strangers into your home for what could amount ot a week. It is also advisable to seek a contractor who offers warranties and guarantees in case of unforeseen issues.
Should I Stay or Should I Go During the Repiping?
Many homeowners ask whether they should stay in their homes during the project or vacate. It is possible to stay in your home during repiping, but there will be intermittent water shutdowns.
Additionally, substantial noise should be considered, especially during the demolition phase. This is generally a personal choice that should be made before the project commences.
Timeframe for Repiping
Smaller homes (1 to 2 bathrooms) can be completed within a day, barring delays or unforeseen circumstances. Generally, smaller homes have a straightforward layout, enabling installers to complete the repiping quickly than other jobs. Large homes with a complex layout can take longer to complete than smaller houses. Multiple floors, complex plumbing layouts, and other factors mean this repipe could take up to three days to complete.
Due to these complications, multi-unit properties, such as duplexes or homes with limited pipe access, require additional time. These details should be reviewed during the first consultation. A reliable company will explain any challenges clearly and set a realistic schedule.
Be cautious if your home has a complicated layout and a contractor promises a timeline that sounds too good to be true.
What Affects the Timeline for a Whole House Repipe?
Before any job begins, there is always an estimate of how long it will take to complete. However, myriad factors can disrupt this timeline, especially for a large job like a whole house repipe. Naturally, larger homes and those with extensive plumbing systems will take longer to complete than smaller homes. The type of material for your preferred plumbing is also an important consideration. For instance, PEX is a popular choice because of its flexibility, which enables faster installation times.
Homes with hard-to-reach plumbing systems can take longer to complete during a repipe project. This information should be discussed and confirmed during the initial estimating process to avoid surprises later. Last, the installation crew’s experience greatly determines whether the job is done correctly and how long it will take. Trusting this type of investment to the experts at APES HVAC provides quality work and ensures peace of mind.
How Long Does a Whole House Repipe Last?
Fortunately, this home investment will last you decades. PEX can last as long as 100 years, and copper can last up to 50 years or more. CPVC is estimated to last between 45 and 70 years, depending on usage, water hardness, and other factors. Knowing this helps confirm that spending the right money is necessary and could increase the home’s value. As noted earlier, the investment could save money in the long run through preventive care.
Undertaking a whole house repipe is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Price and project length are two of the most important factors to consider before starting the job. Weigh the cost and time carefully, especially if temporary lodging will be needed during the work. Completion times vary based on home size, pipe type, and the condition of existing plumbing.
Partnering with a trusted HVAC company with strong customer reviews helps ensure quality work at a fair price. Choosing the right team for a major project is one of the most important decisions for your home. Finding a company that truly understands this can make all the difference.