What daily life looks like
During a repipe the water is shut off while old lines are cut and new ones connected. Many plumbers try to restore water at the end of each working day, at least to some fixtures, so families can shower and cook in the evening. That depends on the house and the plan, so ask instead of assuming.
Expect noise, people moving in and out, dust from drywall cuts and some rooms being temporarily unusable. The length of the job depends on the size of the house and scope; ask for a written schedule rather than a guess.
A sample way to plan the days
Illustrative only. Your plumber's schedule may differ.
- Before day one
- Clear rooms, store water for drinking, plan pets and work-from-home space.
- Early work
- Attic and wall routes are prepared; water may stay on at first.
- Connection work
- Water is off while lines are tied in; ask which hours.
- Testing
- The system is pressure tested and fixtures are checked.
- Closing up
- Inspection, then patching and cleanup.
Get ready
- Fill a few containers with drinking and cooking water.
- Know where the main shutoff is and keep the area clear.
- Plan a place for pets away from open doors and crews.
- Move vehicles if the crew needs driveway or garage access.
- Protect electronics and fabrics from drywall dust.
- Ask a neighbor or gym about showers if water will be off longer.
At the end of each day
- Ask what has water.Find out which fixtures are working and which should not be used.
- Check for drips.Look under sinks and at any new connections the crew worked on.
- Confirm the main.Know whether the main is on or off and how to close it.
- Confirm tomorrow.Ask when the crew arrives and when water will be shut off next.
Ask for these in writing
- Which days and hours will the water be off?
- Which rooms will be worked in on which days?
- Will water be restored each evening?
- Who do I contact if there is a problem after hours?
Common questions
Is it safe to drink the water right after a repipe?
Lines are usually flushed after connection. Run each tap for a while before drinking, and ask the plumber how the system was flushed.
Will the water heater be affected?
Connections at the heater are part of a repipe. Ask whether the heater will be drained, refilled and checked, and whether seismic straps are in good order.
Should I be home during the work?
Someone usually needs to provide access and answer questions. You do not need to watch constantly, but be available.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.