What a repipe replaces, and what it does not

A repipe usually means replacing the hot and cold supply lines from where the main enters the house to each fixture, along with new shutoff valves under sinks and toilets. In many Old Towne houses this means removing or abandoning galvanized steel that has been rusting for decades.

It does not normally include the drains, the cast-iron stack or the clay sewer lateral. Those are separate systems with their own inspections, and it is worth asking whether they should be looked at while the house is already being worked on.

The pipe from the meter to the house is another separate item. In older homes it may also be galvanized, and replacing the interior lines without checking it can leave a restriction at the very start of the system.

How a repipe usually unfolds

Walkthrough
The plumber maps every fixture, finds the main entry point and checks crawlspace and attic access.
Plan and permit
Route, pipe material and wall openings are agreed in writing, and the permit is requested through the city.
Rough-in
New lines are run, usually while the old system stays in service as long as possible to limit time without water.
Switch-over
Fixtures are connected to the new lines, the old pipe is cut off, and the system is pressure tested.
Inspection
The city inspector checks the work before walls are closed, if inspection is required at that stage.
Patch and close
Wall and ceiling openings are patched; ask beforehand who handles plaster repair and painting.

Copper vs. PEX in an older house

Copper

  • Rigid pipe joined by soldering or press fittings.
  • Long track record in homes throughout the region.
  • Needs more access to fish through walls.
  • Hard water can leave scale over time, as with any pipe.

PEX

  • Flexible plastic tubing that bends around obstacles.
  • Can often be pulled through existing openings with fewer cuts.
  • Must be protected from sunlight and installed to manufacturer requirements.
  • Uses crimp or expansion fittings rather than solder.

What drives the size of the job

Fixture count
More bathrooms and outdoor spigots mean more branches.
Crawlspace height
A tight crawlspace slows work; a roomy one can save wall openings.
Two-story layout
Upstairs bathrooms usually need vertical runs through walls or closets.
Plaster and trim
Original finishes take more care to open and restore.
Meter line
Replacing the line from the meter is often a separate decision.

Preparing the house

Questions before you sign

  1. Which walls and ceilings will be opened, and how will they be patched?
  2. Will the line from the meter be replaced or tested?
  3. What fittings and valves are included at each fixture?
  4. How many days will the house be without water, and when?
  5. Is your CSLB license active, and do your own employees do the work?

Common questions

Can we live in the house during a repipe?

Many owners do, since the old system often stays in use until switch-over. Ask the plumber for a schedule showing when water will be off.

Does a repipe need a permit?

Repiping generally requires a permit and inspection. Check with the City of Orange and confirm who will pull the permit.

Should the drains be replaced at the same time?

Not automatically. A camera inspection of the cast-iron drains and sewer lateral tells you whether they need attention while access is open.

General information for Old Towne Orange, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.