When a repipe makes sense
- The house has had two or more slab leaks on the same pipe system.
- Pinhole leaks keep appearing in the copper inside walls.
- The home still has polybutylene supply pipe.
- Galvanized steel lines cause low pressure or rusty water.
- An insurer or buyer has raised concerns about the age or type of piping.
- A major remodel has already opened walls and ceilings.
PEX or copper?
| Factor | PEX | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Flexible tubing in long runs with few fittings, so fewer wall openings. | Rigid pipe cut and soldered at every change of direction. |
| Corrosion | Does not corrode or form pinholes. | Can develop pinholes over time, depending on water chemistry. |
| Heat and sunlight | Handles attic temperatures but must be kept out of direct sunlight. | Unaffected by heat and sunlight. |
| Noise | Quieter, with less water hammer. | Transmits more flow noise and water hammer. |
| Drinking water | Certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water. | Long established for potable water. |
How a repipe works in a slab home
Walkthrough and route plan
We walk through the house, note every fixture and plan where lines will run and where the openings will be.
Permit
A repipe requires a plumbing permit, which we obtain before starting.
Protect the home
Floors and furnishings along the work path are covered.
Open small access points
We cut small openings in walls and ceilings at fixtures and where lines drop from the attic.
Run new lines
New trunk and branch lines run through the attic and down to each fixture, with new shutoff valves.
Retire the old piping
The original under-slab lines are disconnected and capped so they carry no water.
Test and inspect
The new system is pressure tested and passes the city's plumbing inspection.
Living in your home during a repipe
Most families stay in the home during a repipe. Water is shut off while connections are being made during the day and is usually restored in the evening. Most single-family homes take one to three working days, depending on the number of bathrooms and access to the attic. It helps to clear the attic access, closets on plumbing walls, and the areas under sinks before work begins.
Attic routing in South Florida homes
Routing pipe overhead avoids the slab, but a Florida attic is hot. We keep new lines low in the insulation and away from air handlers and ductwork, secure them against movement, insulate hot water lines, and keep PEX out of direct sunlight at gable vents. Each fixture gets its own shutoff valve, so a future repair in one bathroom does not shut down the whole house.
Repipe Services questions
Will a repipe damage my walls?
We make small openings where lines enter walls and at each fixture, rather than removing large sections of drywall. The openings are left clean and ready for patching.
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
Yes. PEX tubing sold for potable water is certified to NSF/ANSI 61 for drinking water safety and is an approved material under the Florida Building Code.
Can you repipe a condominium unit?
Yes, the piping within a unit can be replaced. Buildings with shared risers usually need association approval and coordination for the times water to the riser is shut off.
Does a repipe replace my drain lines?
No. A repipe replaces the water supply lines. Drain lines are a separate system, checked with a hydrostatic test and repaired as part of sewer line repair.