A whole-house repipe is a big project, and not every plumbing problem calls for one. But if your home has polybutylene or aging galvanized pipe — or you're chasing leak after leak — it may be time to look at the whole system. Here's how our licensed plumbers help Midlands homeowners decide.
What a repipe replaces
A repipe replaces the hot and cold water supply lines that feed your faucets, showers and appliances. It usually doesn't include drain, waste and vent pipes — those are a separate system. So if your problem is recurring clogs or backups, that's a drain or sewer line issue, not a reason to repipe.
Signs it's worth a repipe evaluation
Leaks in different parts of the house over time
Polybutylene (usually gray plastic) or galvanized steel supply pipe
Low water pressure at many fixtures, after ruling out the main valve, pressure regulator and individual fixtures
Freeze damage in several runs
A remodel that opens up walls anyway
Rusty-looking water on its own isn't proof your pipes are failing — compare the hot and cold taps and check with your water provider about main work. And there's no magic age cutoff; the pipe material and its condition matter more than the year the house was built. If you're seeing water where it shouldn't be, start with leak detection.
Polybutylene and galvanized pipe
These are the two materials we see most often behind whole-house repipes. Polybutylene is a plastic supply pipe installed in many homes before the mid-1990s, and it has a well-known history of fitting and pipe failures. Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside over decades, building up deposits that restrict flow. They're different problems, so the first step is having a plumber identify exactly what's in your walls.
PEX or copper?
Both work well when properly installed.
PEX is flexible, needs fewer fittings and usually means smaller wall openings and a lower cost. It handles freezing better than rigid pipe, but it isn't freeze-proof and still needs protection from cold, sunlight and heat sources.
Copper is rigid, durable and noncombustible, but it takes more fittings and more access to install, and it costs more.
Your plumber will recommend a material and layout based on your home, local code and your budget.
How a repipe works
Survey: we map your pipes, check pressure and confirm what's actually failing.
Proposal: one firm price that spells out the lines and fixtures included, material, valves, permits, wall openings, testing and what's not included.
Installation: we protect your home, make planned openings and install the new lines, keeping water shutoffs as short as practical.
Testing and inspection: the system is flushed, pressure-tested and inspected as required.
Restoration: your quote will say exactly who patches drywall, paints and handles finishes.
How long it takes depends on your home's size, layout and access. You'll get a realistic timeline with your quote.
What a repipe can — and can't — fix
New supply lines fix leaks and flow problems caused by the old pipe. They won't raise pressure if the real limit is the city supply, your pressure regulator or a fixture, and they won't change water quality that starts outside your home. A good plumber will tell you which is which before you commit.
Wondering if your home needs a repipe? On Call's master and journeyman plumbers have served Columbia and the Midlands since 2011. We'll identify your pipe, show you what we find and give you honest options — from a targeted repair to a whole-house repipe — with a firm price for each. For a full repipe, your plumber can walk you through financing in person. Call (803) 781-4357 or request service online.
