A repipe replaces the water supply lines throughout a house, or a large portion of it, with new pipe. It is the right step when a system has failed repeatedly, is made of a material known for failure, or no longer delivers the flow a modern household needs.
The causeWhy it happens
Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside and restricts flow until pressure at the fixtures drops noticeably. Polybutylene becomes brittle and splits without warning. Copper in some homes develops pinholes over time. When leaks start happening every few months, rust appears in the water, or the hot water pressure is noticeably weak, the system as a whole is usually at the end of its useful life, and spot repairs become an expensive cycle.
DiagnosisWhat we check first
- 01Current pipe material and condition
- We identify what is in the walls and how it is performing.
- 02Route options
- Attic routing, wall routing and how to reach each fixture with the fewest openings.
- 03Fixture count and pipe sizing
- We size the new trunk and branches to deliver good flow to every fixture.
- 04Valves and fixture stops
- Every fixture gets new stop valves, and we add a main shutoff that is easy to reach.
The optionsWhich repair fits, and when
We lay out the choices plainly, explain what each involves and leave the decision with you.
Whole-home PEX repipe
Flexible, fewer fittings, resistant to scale and freeze splitting. Routed through the attic and down walls to each fixture.
Whole-home copper repipe
A durable choice where a homeowner prefers metal pipe or the layout favors it.
Partial repipe
Only the failing section, such as the hot side under the slab or a polybutylene run, is replaced.
Local conditionsPlumbing Repipe on the west side of San Antonio
Many San Antonio homes have supply lines under the slab, and repeated slab leaks are a common reason homeowners choose to repipe overhead instead. Routing new lines through the attic keeps them out of the slab entirely, which removes the risk of future slab leaks on those lines. Attic lines are insulated to handle the occasional hard freeze and our hot summers.
From the jobCopper shower valve rough-in inside an open wall
A few things that help
We will walk the house with you to plan routing. Expect to clear access in closets, behind appliances and in the attic. We explain how long water will be off and when.
QuestionsCommon questions about plumbing repipe
How disruptive is a repipe?
We make a series of small openings to run new pipe and connect fixtures. Water is off for parts of the job, and we restore service each evening where possible.
PEX or copper?
Both last a long time. PEX installs with fewer fittings and tolerates freezing better. Copper suits some layouts and preferences.
Does a repipe need a permit?
Yes, a repipe typically requires a permit through the City of San Antonio Development Services Department.
Related workServices that often go with it
Talk it through with usOpen 7 AM to 11 PM every day. Se habla español.
(210) 761-4788