When Pipes Get Old, Everything Changes
Your home’s water pipes are hidden behind walls and under floors, quietly delivering water every single day. But nothing lasts forever. Older materials can fail. Connections corrode. And when your plumbing system starts showing its age, it doesn’t always announce itself gracefully.
Whole house repiping is exactly what it sounds like: replacing the main water supply lines throughout your home with new, durable materials. It’s a bigger job, but it’s the right choice when recurring problems signal that the pipes themselves are the issue.
We help homeowners in Salem and the Willamette Valley understand whether repiping makes sense for their situation, and we handle the installation with minimal disruption to your home.
Signs Your Home May Need Repiping
Not every plumbing problem means you need to repipe the whole house. But some warning signs suggest the pipes themselves are failing:
- Recurring leaks
in different locations, especially behind walls or in the basement
- Persistent low water pressure
that doesn’t improve after cleaning aerators or checking the main valve
- Discolored or rusty water
, particularly in the morning or after the water heater runs
- Pinhole leaks
in visible copper pipes, especially if the home is 40+ years old
- Water damage stains
appearing on ceilings or walls with no obvious source
- Noisy pipes
(banging, squealing) that suggest corrosion or material breakdown
- Multiple simultaneous failures
of fixtures or water-related systems across the house
Why Homeowners Choose Repiping
When it’s time to repipe, you’re investing in peace of mind and years of reliable water delivery:
- Eliminate recurring leak problems caused by aging or failing pipes
- Restore consistent water pressure throughout your home
- Remove rust and discoloration from your water supply
- Add decades of reliable service with durable modern materials
- Protect your home from expensive water damage and mold growth
Honest Guidance First
Repiping is a significant investment, and we don’t recommend it lightly. Before we suggest whole-house repiping, we listen to your concerns, diagnose the actual problem, and explore other options if they make sense.
Sometimes a localized repair or a water filter solves the problem without the cost of repiping. Sometimes repiping is clearly the right choice. Either way, you’ll understand our reasoning and what you’re paying for.
The Swell Way: We start with a thorough inspection. We ask questions. We explain what we find. Then we give you honest options—not just the most expensive one. Repiping is our recommendation when the pipes themselves are failing, not when a smaller fix will work.
What the Process Involves
1
Inspection & Diagnosis
We inspect your visible pipes, check water pressure and quality, and may use specialized tools to assess hidden lines. This helps us confirm that repiping is the right solution.
2
Design & Material Selection
We layout the new system using modern, durable materials (typically PEX or copper). We discuss your options and explain the pros and cons of each choice.
3
Minimally Invasive Installation
We work to minimize wall and floor damage. Modern techniques allow us to route new pipes efficiently, often using the path of old lines to reduce your disruption and cleanup.
4
Testing & Inspection
New pipes are pressure-tested and inspected to code before we turn the water back on. We test water pressure and quality to confirm everything works as designed.
5
Cleanup & Follow-Up
We clean up the work area, patch walls and floors, and provide documentation of the work. We're available if you have questions after we leave.
What the Process Involves
How long does whole house repiping take?
The timeline depends on your home’s size, layout, and the condition of your current system. A typical single-story home might take 3–5 days, while a larger or two-story home could take a week or more. We’ll give you a realistic estimate during the planning phase.
What's the cost range for repiping a whole house?
Costs vary widely based on home size, layout complexity, and material choice. Repiping is a significant investment, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000+ for a whole house. We provide a detailed estimate after inspection so you know exactly what to expect.
Will my water be shut off during the work?
Yes, your water will be off during installation. We work as efficiently as possible to minimize inconvenience. We’ll coordinate timing in advance and let you know exactly when water will be unavailable. For longer projects, we may be able to install temporary lines for basic needs.
Related Services You May Find Helpful
While you’re addressing your water supply, consider these related services:
Water Line Replacement
If your main water service line (the line from the street to your house) is failing, we can handle that replacement too.
Whole Home Inspection
Not sure if repiping is necessary? A thorough plumbing inspection can help you understand your system’s condition.
Ready to Stop Worrying About Your Pipes?
Let’s start with a conversation. We’ll assess your situation, answer your questions, and give you an honest recommendation—whether that’s repiping or something else.