Most whole-house repiping projects take about 2–5 work days. Smaller homes with simple plumbing may take 1–2 days. Larger homes with many bathrooms may take over five days.
Difficult-to-access pipes and surprise repairs can extend the project. The pipe installation may also finish before drywall, inspections, and other restoration work.
For most homeowners, time isn’t the only concern. You also want to know how long the water will be off. You want to know how much of your home plumbers need to open up. And you probably want to know if you can stay home during the work.
Here’s what you can expect.
Quick Takeaways
- Most house repipes take about 2–5 work days.
- Small homes with accessible plumbing may take 1–2 days.
- Larger homes and homes with multiple bathrooms may take five days or longer.
- PEX can usually be installed faster than rigid copper pipes.
- Hard-to-reach pipes can increase the repiping timeline.
- Your water does not usually stay off for the entire project.
- Drywall repair and inspections can add time after the pipes are installed.
How Long Does It Take to Repipe a House?
An average house repipe takes about 2–5 work days. That is a good number to use when planning. It isn’t a guarantee.
Here’s a general timeline:
Home size matters. But it doesn’t tell the whole story.
A 2,000-square-foot single-story home could have very accessible plumbing. Much of the water supply piping may run through an open crawl space. That can make the work easier.
A smaller two-story home could be more complicated. The existing pipes may run behind finished walls and through tight spaces. Multiple bathrooms also mean more plumbing connections.
You should also separate the repiping timeline from the restoration timeline.
Your new pipes could be working on Wednesday. Your walls may still need patching and paint on Thursday.
The plumbing can be finished before your house looks completely normal again.
What Happens During a Whole-House Repipe?
A repiping project involves more than replacing old pipes.
The plumber first needs to understand your existing plumbing system. Then the crew needs a plan for installing the new water supply lines.
Here’s what the repiping process may look like.
Before Work Begins
The project usually starts with a plumbing inspection.
The plumber looks at the condition of your existing pipes. They also determine where the pipes run. Accessible areas such as a basement, attic, or crawl space may be inspected.
The plumber will also look at your fixtures. This includes sinks, toilets, showers, appliances, and the water heater.
Next comes planning.
The crew determines where to run the new pipes. They choose access points. They also look for ways to avoid unnecessary wall damage.
Pipe material is another decision. PEX and copper pipes require different installation methods.
Permits also need to be handled when required.
The City of Everett requires plumbing permits for changes to plumbing piping. The city’s plumbing permit documents also explain that incomplete applications can increase review times.
Your plumber may also give you a few things to do before work starts. You might need to empty cabinets or move furniture. The goal is to give the crew clear access to plumbing areas.
Day 1: Access and New Pipe Installation
The crew starts by protecting your home.
They may cover floors and nearby furniture. Then they create the access points needed to reach the plumbing.
Some homes require more openings than others.
A home with an accessible crawl space may give plumbers an easier route. Pipes buried behind finished walls can require more access holes.
Once the crew has access, installation begins.
The plumbers start running the new water supply lines. Your main water supply may need to be shut off during parts of this work.
Days 2–3: Complete the Repipe
The crew continues installing new pipes.
They also start making connections to the home’s plumbing fixtures. The number of connections can have a big effect on the timeline.
Connections may include:
- Bathroom sinks
- Kitchen sinks
- Toilets
- Showers
- Bathtubs
- Washing machines
- Water heaters
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Other water-using appliances
Valves and fittings may also need replacement.
This is one reason larger homes often take longer. More bathrooms usually mean more pipes and connections.
A smaller home with one bathroom is generally simpler. A large house with four bathrooms is a different job.
Days 3–5: Testing, Inspection, and Restoration
New pipes need to be tested before the job is complete.
The plumber checks the system for leaks. A pressure test may also be required. This helps confirm that the new piping can hold pressure without leaking.
The plumber will also check the fixtures. Water pressure should be tested. Hot and cold water should flow correctly.
An inspection may be required before walls are closed.
Everett requires inspections at applicable stages of permitted construction. These inspections are scheduled through the city’s permitting system.
Restoration can begin after the plumbing work is approved.
That may include drywall repair, texture, and paint. These finishing steps can continue after the new plumbing is already working.
What Can Make Repiping Take Longer?
Every home is different.
Home size is an obvious factor. Larger homes usually require more pipe. They may also have more fixtures.
The number of bathrooms matters too. Each bathroom adds plumbing connections.
The number of stories can make a difference. Single-story homes can be easier to work in. Multi-story homes may require pipes to run through floors and walls.
Pipe accessibility can have an even bigger effect. An open basement or crawl space gives plumbers room to work. Pipes hidden behind tile, cabinets, or finished walls are harder to reach.
Pipe material matters as well. PEX and copper require different installation methods.
Then there are the surprises.
Old plumbing can hide problems. Plumbers may discover corrosion, leaks, water damage, or poor previous repairs after opening a wall.
Permits and inspections can also affect the schedule. So can drywall and other restoration work.
This is why square footage only gives you a rough estimate. A plumber needs to see the house to give you a more accurate timeline.
How Long Does It Take to Repipe a House With PEX vs. Copper?
The pipe material can affect installation time.
PEX and copper pipes are both commonly used for water supply lines. But plumbers install them differently.
PEX Repiping
PEX is flexible.
That flexibility makes it easier to route through many existing homes. Plumbers can often make longer runs without using as many fittings.
Fewer fittings can mean fewer individual connections.
PEX can also bend around some obstacles. That can help when plumbers need to work inside existing walls.
For these reasons, PEX is often faster to install than copper.
That doesn’t mean every PEX repiping project will be quick. A large house can still take several days. Difficult access can also slow the job down.
Copper Repiping
Copper pipes are rigid.
Plumbers need to cut sections to the correct length. They also need to make individual connections as they build the system.
Copper can be harder to route through an existing house. Tight spaces and complicated layouts can add labor.
That often makes copper repiping slower than PEX.
Still, there is no useful rule that says PEX always saves a certain number of days. Too many other factors affect the timeline.
How Long Will Your Water Be Shut Off?
Your water usually will not be shut off for the entire 2–5 day project.
The plumber will need to turn the water off during parts of the installation. This is necessary when removing old lines and making new connections.
That doesn’t always mean going days without water.
In many projects, plumbers can restore the water at the end of the workday.
Every house repipe is different.
Ask about water shutoffs before the project starts. Find out when the water will go off. Ask whether it will be restored each evening.
That makes it much easier to plan your day.
Can You Stay Home While Your House Is Being Repiped?
Usually, yes.
Most homeowners do not need to move out for a standard repiping project.
That doesn’t mean the house will be quiet.
Expect workers moving through the home. Expect drilling and cutting. There may also be dust and open sections of wall.
You will probably deal with temporary water interruptions too.
Some homeowners leave during the workday and return after the crew finishes. Others stay home throughout the project.
Working from home can make things more difficult. The same goes for families with small children or pets.
A larger repiping project may also make staying elsewhere more comfortable.
Talk with the plumbing company beforehand. Ask which rooms will be affected. Ask when the water will be off. A clear schedule goes a long way toward minimizing disruption.
Does Repiping Include Drywall Repair?
Not always.
Plumbers often need to open walls or ceilings to reach existing pipes. Those openings need to be repaired after the new pipes are installed.
Who handles that repair depends on the company.
Some plumbing companies include drywall repair. Others use another contractor. Some leave the final repairs to the homeowner.
Painting may also be separate.
Ask what your estimate includes before work starts. Don’t assume “whole-house repipe” means the walls will also be patched and painted.
This matters when you’re thinking about the project timeline.
Your plumbing could be finished in three days. Your walls may take another day or two.
The water supply can be fully operational before the restoration is complete.
How Can You Make a Repipe Go Faster?
You can’t control every part of a repiping project. You can remove some easy obstacles.
Start by clearing areas around plumbing fixtures.
Empty the cabinets below sinks. Move furniture away from likely work areas. Make sure the crew can reach the water heater.
Clear access to the attic, basement, or crawl space when needed.
Make important decisions before work begins. Choose the pipe material. Discuss any fixture changes. Make sure the permit process has been addressed.
Ask about inspections too.
Most importantly, ask the plumber what you should do before the first workday.
A little preparation can save time once the crew arrives.
How Do You Know If Your House Needs Repiping?
Old pipes don’t always need immediate replacement.
The bigger concern is a pattern of plumbing problems.
Watch for:
- Frequent leaks
- Corroded pipes
- Rusty or discolored water
- Low water pressure
- Aging galvanized pipes
- Repeated pipe repairs
One isolated leak doesn’t mean you need a whole-house repipe.
Repeated leaks are different.
At some point, fixing one section after another stops making sense. A plumber can inspect the system and determine whether another repair is worthwhile.
They can also tell you when replacing the existing pipes is the better long-term option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a House Be Repiped in One Day?
Yes, but it depends on the house.
A small home with simple and accessible plumbing may be repiped in one day. Most whole-house projects take longer. A 2–5 day timeline is more common.
How Long Does It Take to Repipe a 2,000-Square-Foot House?
A 2,000-square-foot home may take about 2–5 days to repipe.
Square footage isn’t the only factor. The number of bathrooms matters. So does pipe access and the home’s layout.
How Long Does a PEX Repipe Take?
Many PEX repipes fall within the typical 2–5 day range.
PEX is flexible. It can also be installed in long runs with fewer fittings. Those features can make installation faster.
The actual timeline still depends on the house.
How Long Does a Copper Repipe Take?
A copper repipe can take several days.
Copper is rigid. Each section needs to be measured, cut, and connected. Complex layouts can make the installation take longer.
A plumber needs to inspect the house to give you an accurate estimate.
Do You Have to Move Out During a Repipe?
Usually not.
Many homeowners stay in their homes during repiping. Others leave during active work hours.
Noise, dust, wall openings, and temporary water shutoffs can make leaving more comfortable.
How Long Will the Water Be Off During Repiping?
The water may be off for several hours during active work.
It usually does not stay off for the entire multi-day project. Plumbers may be able to restore water between workdays.
Ask about the expected shutoff schedule before work starts.
Does Repiping Include Replacing Drain Pipes?
Not necessarily.
A whole-house repipe often refers to the home’s water supply pipes. Drain, waste, and vent pipes are separate.
Those pipes may require additional work if they also need replacement.
Does Repiping Include Drywall Repair?
It depends on the plumbing company.
Some companies include drywall repair. Others don’t. Painting and texture matching may also be separate.
Check your estimate before work starts.
Get a Whole-House Repiping Estimate From Apollo Plumbing
Most whole-house repiping projects take around 2–5 work days. Your home may take more or less time.
Home size matters. So does the number of bathrooms. Pipe material and accessibility can also change the timeline.
The best way to get a useful estimate is to have a plumber look at your home.
Apollo Plumbing provides repiping services in Everett, WA and surrounding areas. We can inspect your existing pipes and explain your options. We can also give you a clearer idea of how long the work should take.
If you’re dealing with recurring leaks, corrosion, or low water pressure, it may be time to look beyond another repair.
Contact Apollo Plumbing to have your personal plumber take a look.
