How Long Does It Take to Repipe a House?

Is your house due for whole-home repiping? In this guide, we will cover the factors that affect how long it takes to repipe a house, the signs that indicate your home is ready for one, and the process involved.
What Is Whole Home Repiping and Why Is It Needed?
Whole-home repiping involves replacing all the water supply lines in a home with new pipes. This improves water quality and reduces issues like leaks and corrosion.
You may need whole-home repiping if your pipes are at the end of their lifespan, even if no signs exist yet. A pipe’s average lifespan is determined by the materials they are made of.
- Galvanized Steel: 20 to 50 years
- Brass: 40 to 70 years
- Copper: 50 years
- Cast Iron: 75 to 100 years
- Lead: 100 years
- Plastics (PVC, PEX): 100+ years
Materials like galvanized steel and lead pipes should be repiped as soon as possible, regardless of their age. These materials can leak lead and other toxic chemicals into your water supply, creating hazardous health risks.
Other signs that your home needs a complete repiping include:
- Frequent leaks and burst pipes indicate that the pipes, valves, and seals have lost durability.
- Low water pressure indicates heavy buildup inside the pipes, obstructing water flow.
- Rusty, cloudy, and discolored water indicate corrosion inside the pipes.
- Banging or rattling sounds indicate air bubbles, loose pipes, or clogs in the system.
Ignoring these signs can lead to water damage, higher utility bills, and more expensive repairs. Repiping removes these risks and restores clean, reliable water throughout your home.
Factors That Affect the Repiping Timeline
Homes have an average of 300 to 500 feet of pipeline running through them. Factors that affect how long it takes to repipe everything include:
- Size of the home and its layout
- Amount of pipeline to be replaced
- The type of pipeline material to be removed and installed
- Accessibility of the pipelines
- Number and types of valves, adapters, seals, and other parts to be replaced
- Availability of parts and delivery time frames
- Time for permits and licensing
- Local building codes and any necessary changes to bring the pipelines and pipe layout up to code
In most cases, it takes two to five days to repipe an entire home, while larger or more complex homes may take a week or more.
Whole-Home Repiping Costs
Home repiping costs typically range between $1,500 and $15,000. Several factors, including the size of the home, type of pipework materials, labor costs, and local permit fees, influence the price.
What to Expect During the Repiping Process
Knowing what to expect during a repiping project helps reduce stress and keeps the process more predictable. Here are the main steps:
- Our home repipe specialists conduct a walk-through to assess the size and layout of the house before the project begins. During the walk-through, we'll identify any items that need to be moved or protected before work begins.
- Our experts shut off the main water valves leading into the house. If you'll be staying in your home during the repiping service, you'll need to plan accordingly.
- We prepare areas to protect floors, furnishings, and belongings. Then, we strategically remove portions of drywall to gain access to pipes where necessary.
- Our home repiping specialists replace all the pipes and related parts before testing them to ensure there are no leaks, loose pipes, or other issues.
- Finally, we patch any removed drywall and clean up the area.
By working with plumbers and specialists who have extensive experience with whole-home repiping, you can ensure the job is completed safely, efficiently, and up to code.
Boise Residents Choose Bluestone for Whole-Home Repiping
It can take anywhere from one to seven days to repipe a house. Working with experienced plumbers ensures the project is completed with minimal disruption and that the results are built to last.
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in delivering high-quality work that stands the test of time. If you are looking for whole-home repiping services, contact us today.



