George Stanford
If you’ve been dealing with low water pressure, rusty water, or frequent leaks, your plumbing might be trying to tell you something. These could be signs it’s time for a home repipe, a total replacement of your home’s old or damaged pipes.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what a home repipe is, why it’s important, how the process works, and what it might cost. Whether you’re just curious or know you need help, this guide is here to give you clear answers.
A home repipe means removing your old plumbing pipes and installing new ones. It can involve replacing all or most of the water lines, including both hot and cold supply lines, and sometimes the drain lines too (also known as a drain repipe).
Many homes in Tulsa were built with outdated or poor-grade piping materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene. Over time, these pipes break down, corrode, or clog up with buildup, causing all sorts of plumbing issues. Instead of patching the same pipe over and over, a full repipe gives you a fresh, modern system that’s built to last.
Plumbers Tulsa homeowners trust, like our team at Spot On Plumbing, can help you figure out if a repipe is the right move for your home.
There are several common reasons why homeowners decide to repipe their homes:
1. Old or Corroded Pipes
If your house was built before the 1970s, there’s a good chance it has galvanized steel pipes. These tend to rust and corrode over time, leading to low pressure and water leaks.
2. Frequent Leaks
If you're calling for plumbing repairs often, that adds up fast. Instead of wasting money on band-aid fixes, investing in a repipe saves time and stress in the long run.
3. Low Water Pressure
Old or clogged pipes can slow water flow to a trickle. A new plumbing system restores strong, steady pressure to your showers and faucets.
4. Rusty or Discolored Water
If your tap water looks yellow, brown, or smells funny, it might be due to rust inside your pipes. This isn't just gross, it can damage appliances and affect your water heater.
5. Outdated Pipe Materials
Homes built in the ‘70s to ‘90s might have polybutylene piping, which is known to fail without warning. These pipes are no longer up to code in many areas and should be replaced.
6. Water Test Issues
Bad pipes can affect your entire plumbing system, even your water filter and water heater. A repipe helps ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.
If any of these issues sound familiar, it’s worth having a licensed plumber take a look. At Spot On Plumbing, we give honest advice and clear options so you can make an informed decision.
Wondering what actually happens during a home repipe? Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Inspection & Estimate
We start by checking out your plumbing system and seeing what needs to be replaced. Then we give you a straightforward estimate, including all the labor, parts, and cleanup.
2. Choosing Materials
Most Tulsa homeowners choose PEX piping because it’s flexible, long-lasting, and affordable. Some prefer copper, which is also durable but usually costs more. We’ll help you choose the best fit for your home and budget.
3. Turning Off the Water
On the day we start, we shut off your main water supply and drain your pipes so we can work safely. If needed, we’ll make sure at least one bathroom stays usable each day.
4. Accessing the Pipes
We’ll cut small holes in walls, ceilings, or floors to reach the old pipes. Our team takes extra care to protect your home and minimize mess.
5. Installing New Pipes
Old pipes come out, and new ones go in. We’ll carefully install new lines to your sinks, showers, toilets, water heater, and other fixtures.
6. Testing for Leaks
Once everything is in place, we do a full pressure test to check for leaks and make sure everything works perfectly.
7. Repairing Drywall & Cleaning Up
When the plumbing is finished, we patch the holes and clean up thoroughly. You’re left with a brand-new plumbing system and a clean house.
This process may vary depending on your home’s size and layout, but we always communicate clearly every step of the way.
A typical home repipe takes 2 to 5 days for an average-sized house. Bigger homes or homes with more complex layouts can take longer.
That said, we always work to keep your water turned on in at least part of the house by the end of each day. You don’t need to leave your home, we’ll make the process as smooth and non-disruptive as possible.
The repipe cost depends on a few main things:
The size of your house
The number of bathrooms and fixtures
The type of pipe material (PEX vs. copper)
How easy it is to access the pipes
Whether we’re replacing water lines, drain lines, or both
Here’s a rough estimate of what homeowners in Tulsa can expect:
Small home (1 bathroom): $4,000 – $7,000
Medium home (2–3 bathrooms): $6,000 – $12,000
Large home (3+ bathrooms): $10,000 – $20,000+
At Spot On Plumbing, we offer honest pricing with no surprises. We’ll go over everything in your estimate and answer any questions before we begin. Need help covering the cost? We also offer financing options for qualified customers.
And remember, constantly fixing leaks and dealing with clogged drains can get expensive fast. A repipe might seem like a big investment upfront, but it pays off by reducing repair bills, protecting your home, and increasing your property value.
If your pipes are leaking, your water looks rusty, or your showers are more of a trickle than a blast, it might be time to consider a home repipe. While the upfront cost might seem high, the long-term savings, better water pressure, and peace of mind make it a smart investment.
At Spot On Plumbing, we specialize in repipes, water leak repairs, clogged drains, water heater installations, and water filter systems. We proudly serve homeowners all over Tulsa and surrounding areas. Our licensed plumbers work with care and precision, and we even clean up after ourselves!
And of course, we’re known as Your Dog’s Favorite Plumber, so you can count on friendly, trustworthy service with a smile (and maybe a treat for your pup).