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What to Expect During a Whole House Repipe

The process, the timeline and how to get your home ready

What Happens When We Repipe a House, Step by Step

A whole house repipe sounds like a big project, and it is. But it should never feel like a mystery. Here’s how a repipe unfolds with Swell Plumbing, so you can plan around it and know what to expect.

We’re a local husband-and-wife team, and we do what we say we’ll do: we show up on time, explain what we’re doing in plain language, and stand behind our work.

The Five Steps

Inspection & Diagnosis

We look over your system, check pressure and water quality, and use specialized tools to find hidden lines. This is also where we confirm whether repiping is the right answer.

Design & Material Selection

We lay out the new system and talk through your options. New repipes typically use PEX or copper, and we explain the trade-offs so you can choose.

Minimally Invasive Installation

We work to limit damage to walls and floors, often by reusing the routes of the old lines.

Testing & Inspection

The new system is pressure tested and inspected to code before water is restored, and quality testing follows.

Cleanup & Follow-Up

We clean up, document the work and stay available after the job is done. Need drywall repair? We can refer you to a trusted local partner.

Timeline, Water and Price

How long? We’ll discuss the timeline with your quote. Layout, access and the condition of the existing system all affect the schedule, and we refine the estimate during planning.

Water: Water is off while the new lines are installed. For longer projects we may be able to set up temporary lines.

Price: A whole house repipe is a significant investment, typically from about $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on your home and materials. You get a detailed written quote after our inspection, and once it’s quoted, no surprises. Ask us about financing if it helps.

The Swell Way: Honest answers. Clear options. Quality work, every time. No pressure, no gimmicks, no surprise pricing once your job is quoted. That’s how Jason Garsjo runs every job.

How to Prepare Your Home

A little preparation makes the work go smoothly:

Clear access to closets, cabinets under sinks and the area around the water heater
Move valuables, fragile items and wall hangings away from work areas
Plan for the water to be off, including drinking water, cooking and bathing during working hours
Think through pets and children, since there will be tools, noise and open access areas
Drywall repair and painting aren’t part of our work, but we can refer you to a trusted local drywall partner once the plumbing is done

Common Questions About the Repipe Process

Do I have to move out during a repipe?

Many homeowners stay home, but water is off during installation and there will be noise and access work. If you have a newborn, a medical need or work-from-home needs, tell us during planning and we’ll go over the schedule.

Will you have to cut holes in my walls?

Some access is usually needed. We aim for minimally invasive installation, often by reusing old line routes. Some access is usually needed. We don’t do drywall repair ourselves, but we can refer you to a trusted local drywall partner once the plumbing work is done.

PEX or copper: which should I choose?

Both are used for new repipes and each has trade-offs. We walk you through them during the design step so you can choose with confidence.

Does a repipe need a permit or inspection?

Repipes are inspected to code before water is restored. We handle the permit and inspection steps and can explain the requirements for your city or county before work begins.

Is the work warrantied?

Yes. We stand behind our work, including a lifetime workmanship warranty on whole house repiping. See our warranty page for details.

Related Services You May Find Helpful

Not sure where to start? These are good first steps:

Whole Home Inspection

Get a clear picture of your pipes before you decide anything.

Whole House Repiping

See how a repipe works and what it involves.

Find Your Neighborhood Guide

Repiping by neighborhood, Salem:

Repiping by neighborhood, Keizer:

Whole House Repiping · Whole Home Plumbing Inspection · Request a Quote · All Resources

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Call or request service. Honest answers and a written quote, no surprises. Serving Salem, Keizer and the Willamette Valley.

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Mon–Sun: 8 AM to 5 PM

Emergency Services Available