Repiping is the replacement of a home's water supply lines, either throughout the house or in sections, with new pipe such as PEX or copper. It does not touch the drain and sewer lines. The goal is to end repeated leaks, bring back water pressure and clear water that has turned brown or metallic.
A good repiping plan starts by finding out what is in the walls today and how many leaks have shown up. One leak in sound pipe is a repair. Several leaks in a short time point to pipe that is wearing out everywhere.
Signs it is time to repipe
Repeated leaks
Two or three leaks in a year in different places mean the whole system is aging.
Brown or rusty water
Galvanized steel rusts from inside and delivers that rust at the tap.
Low pressure
Corrosion narrows old steel pipe until flow drops at every fixture.
Pinholes in copper
Tiny leaks along a copper run suggest thin walls or aggressive water.
If a pipe has burst and water is spraying, that is an emergency. Call our burst pipe repair line first. We can discuss repiping after the water is stopped.
PEX or copper
| Factor | PEX | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Install time | Faster, fewer joints | Slower, more joints |
| Flexibility | Bends around corners | Rigid, needs fittings |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Durability | Long life, resists corrosion | Very long life when well installed |
| Where it excels | Whole-house repipes in finished homes | Exposed runs and some commercial work |
How a repipe works
Survey the house
We walk the plumbing, count fixtures and map the routes.
Plan access
Most routes go through attics, crawl spaces and closets to limit wall openings.
Replace the lines
New pipe is run to every fixture and connected to a manifold or main.
Test and restore
The system is pressure tested, then small wall openings are patched.
Want a repipe quote?
Call and we will plan a visit.
Disruption and timeline
Most repipes take a few days depending on the house. Water is off for part of each day. We tell you in advance which days and for how long, so you can plan around it.
Wall openings are small and strategic. We patch drywall to a paintable state, but finishing and painting are separate trades.
Lemon Grove notes
Lemon Grove has been a settled community since the 1890s, and its housing was built across many decades. The age of the house gives a clue to the pipe. Older homes may have galvanized steel. Mid-century homes often have copper. Newer homes use PEX or CPVC.
Helix Water District supplies the water. We do not state a hardness figure. If you want to understand how your water interacts with copper, ask Helix for its annual water quality report.
What repiping costs
You get a written price before work begins. Insurance rarely covers repiping for age, but it may help when a leak caused water damage.
Codes, permits and licensing
The California Plumbing Code, based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), sets the rules behind repiping. Your plumber should work to that code, and you can ask which parts of your job need a permit or inspection.
Plumbing contractors in California hold a C-36 license from the Contractors State License Board, and you can check any license at cslb.ca.gov.
What to do if a pipe fails before the job
- Close the main water valve to stop the flow.
- Turn off the water heater if the leak is on the hot side.
- Open a low faucet to drain the line and relieve pressure.
- Keep electrical devices away from wet walls and floors.
Frequently asked questions about repiping in Lemon Grove
Repeated leaks, discolored water and low pressure point toward it. We inspect and tell you.
Yes. A kitchen and bath or one floor can be done first.
Partly. We schedule shutoffs and tell you how long each will last.
PEX is widely used for home supply piping. Check with the City of Lemon Grove building department about what is accepted for your project.
No. Repiping here means the supply lines. For drains, see sewer line repair.