Professional repipe specialists
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Trusted Repipe Specialists
If you are experiencing problems with your plumbing system, such as low water pressure, frequent leaks, or contaminated water, it may be time to consider house repiping. Repiping involves replacing the old pipes in your home with new, more durable pipes, and it offers a number of benefits:
One of the main benefits of house repiping is increased water pressure
One of the causes that reduce water flow and result in low water pressure is having old plumbing pipes – which are most likely clogged or corroded over time.
Another benefit of house repiping is fewer leaks
Old pipes are prone to developing leaks over time, which can cause damage to your home and result in costly repairs. New pipes are less likely to leak, which can save you money and hassle in the long run.
House repiping can also improve the quality of your water
If you have old lead pipes, they may be leaching contaminants into your water supply. Replacing these pipes with new ones can help improve the safety and purity of your water.
Finally, house repiping can increase the value of your home
If you are planning to sell your home, new pipes can be a major selling point, as they demonstrate that the plumbing system is in good condition and has been properly maintained.
The bottomline
Overall, house repiping is a worthwhile investment that can improve the functionality and safety of your home’s plumbing system. If you are experiencing problems with your pipes or are simply looking to upgrade, consider house repiping as a solution.
Trust The 5 Star Plumbing for a long-lasting solution to your plumbing needs. Our team of repipe specialists will provide you with a comprehensive repiping service, ensuring that your plumbing system is functioning properly for years to come.
Whole-House Repiping in Los Angeles: What Homeowners Should Know
Repiping Los Angeles homes is usually less about one bad leak and more about age. Many houses in Los Angeles County and Orange County were built decades ago with galvanized steel or early copper water lines, and those pipes eventually corrode from the inside. A whole-house repipe replaces the supply lines that carry drinking water to every fixture, so you deal with one planned project instead of a string of patch repairs.
Why older LA and Orange County homes need repiping
Older homes around Pasadena, Long Beach, Torrance and Orange County often still have galvanized steel supply pipes. Galvanized pipe rusts on the inside, which narrows it and can cause low pressure and discolored water. The EPA also notes that lead particles can attach to the inside of galvanized pipes and later enter drinking water, and that solder made before 1986 contained high lead levels. See our article on reasons to replace galvanized pipes.
Signs it may be time to repipe
- Low water pressure at several fixtures at once (see what causes low water pressure in a house)
- Rusty, brown or yellow water, especially first thing in the morning
- Pinhole leaks that keep coming back in different rooms
- Corrosion, flaking or green and white buildup on exposed pipes
- Galvanized pipe anywhere in the water system
A single leak on otherwise healthy pipe is usually a repair; repeated leaks or galvanized pipe throughout point toward a repipe. For a leak under the slab, our slab leak repair guide and leak detection page explain the options. Still unsure? Read 5 signs you might need a pipe replacement.
PEX vs. copper
Most whole-house repipes use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or copper. California’s Building Standards Commission approved PEX for drinking water systems statewide in 2009. PEX is flexible, so it can often be pulled through walls with fewer openings and fittings; copper is rigid, has a long track record and handles heat well. Angi lists material costs of roughly $0.40 to $2 per linear foot for PEX and $2 to $8 for copper.
How a whole-house repipe works
- Plan: map the existing supply lines, fixtures and main shutoff.
- Permit: pull the plumbing permit before work starts.
- Open and run new lines: cut small access openings and route new lines to each fixture and the water heater.
- Test and inspect: pressure-test and get the inspection before walls are closed.
- Patch: close and patch the access openings.
Angi notes a small home can take a few days, while a large multi-story home can take several weeks. A repipe covers the pipes inside the house; the line from the meter is a separate job (see water line services).
Repiping permits in Los Angeles
In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS requires a plumbing permit for installing or modifying plumbing systems, including potable water piping, and a plan check for water systems that need a 2-inch or larger supply. Other cities in Los Angeles County and Orange County have their own building departments, so the steps vary.
What affects the cost to repipe a house
Angi puts the U.S. average cost to repipe a house at about $7,500, with a typical range of $1,500 to $15,000. These are national figures, not The 5 Star Plumbing’s prices. The total depends on home size and fixture count, single- vs. multi-story layout, pipe material, slab or crawl-space access, drywall patching and permit fees (Angi lists $50 to $500 depending on the area).
For more answers, see repiping a house: the complete FAQ guide. Local information is on our Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks pages, and our contact page lists the ways to reach us.
Sources: Angi, cost to repipe a house; LADBS, plumbing permits; EPA, lead in drinking water; Contractor, California approves PEX.
Repiping Los Angeles Homes: FAQs
How long does it take to repipe a house?
It depends on the size of the home and the number of fixtures. Angi notes that a small home can take a few days, while a large multi-story home with many fixtures can take several weeks, plus time for inspection and wall patching.
Is PEX pipe allowed in California?
Yes. The California Building Standards Commission approved PEX for drinking water plumbing statewide in 2009, and it is now one of the most common materials for whole-house repiping. Copper is also still widely used.
Do I need a permit to repipe a house in Los Angeles?
In the City of Los Angeles, LADBS requires a plumbing permit for installing or modifying potable water piping, and larger systems also need a plumbing plan check. Other cities in LA County and Orange County have their own building departments and permit rules.
Can I stay in my home during a repipe?
Many homeowners do. The water has to be shut off while old lines are disconnected and new ones are tied in, so expect periods without water and some access openings in walls. Ask for a day-by-day plan before work starts.
What is the difference between repiping and replacing the main water line?
A repipe replaces the water supply pipes inside the house. The main water line is the pipe that runs underground from the meter to the house. They are separate jobs, although older homes sometimes need both.
