Top Repiping Contractors in San Jose, California Ranked

If you're experiencing rusty water, low water pressure, or frequent leaks in your San Jose home, your plumbing system may be signaling it's time for a major upgrade. A whole-house repiping project involves replacing all the old water supply lines in your home with new, durable piping, providing a long-term solution to persistent plumbing problems and safeguarding your property for decades. This guide explains the process, materials, timelines, and costs specific to the San Jose area, helping you understand what to expect and how to connect with qualified local professionals for this significant home improvement.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

1780 Whipple Rd Ste 203G, Union City, CA 94587

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing services in San Jose, CA, specializing in residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Their offerings include sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, gas line installation, and trenchless sewer repair. The company is equipped to handle emergency plumbing situations with 24/7 availability, ensuring prompt response to issues like burst pipes and sewer backups. With extensive experience and advanced technology, Roto-Rooter addresses complex plumbing challenges efficiently. They also offer floodwater cleanup and mold remediation services, supporting property restoration after water damage. Serving the San Jose area and nearby communities, Roto-Rooter is a licensed and insured provider known for its broad range of plumbing capabilities and emergency service availability.

5.0

502 Reviews

Pure Plumbing Solutions

645 E McGlincy Ln, Campbell, CA 95008

Pure Plumbing Solutions is a plumbing company serving San Jose, CA, with over 20 years of experience. They specialize in water heater repair and installation, including both traditional and tankless systems, as well as leak detection, repiping, and general plumbing repairs. Their services focus on restoring reliable water flow and improving home plumbing efficiency using modern materials and precise repair techniques.

5.0

285 Reviews

Almaden Valley Plumbing

san jose

Almaden Valley Plumbing is a plumbing service provider based in San Jose, CA. They offer a range of plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and repiping for both residential and commercial properties. With over 30 years of experience, their licensed technicians handle everything from minor leaks to major plumbing emergencies. Almaden Valley Plumbing serves multiple neighborhoods in San Jose, including Willow Glen, Japantown, and Evergreen. They also provide plumbing maintenance to help extend the lifespan of plumbing systems and prevent costly repairs.

5.0

276 Reviews

EJ Plumbing & Water Heaters

1170 Martin Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

EJ Plumbing & Water Heaters is a family-owned plumbing and electrical service provider located in San Jose, CA. Serving the Silicon Valley area, they offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. Their team also provides electrical services such as panel upgrades, lighting installation, and generator setup. With over 20 years of industry experience, EJ Plumbing & Water Heaters handles both routine maintenance and complex repairs. They offer emergency services when available to address urgent plumbing or electrical issues.

4.9

3.7k Reviews

United Plumbing & Water Heaters

1159 Sonora Ct, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

United Plumbing & Water Heaters provides a wide range of plumbing services in San Jose, CA. They specialize in water heater repair, installation, and replacement for gas, tankless, and electric heat pump models. Their services also include drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company serves both residential and commercial clients, offering comprehensive plumbing solutions tailored to local needs. United Plumbing & Water Heaters is known for addressing plumbing issues with thorough inspections and preventative recommendations to extend system life.

5.0

126 Reviews

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Why Consider a Whole-House Repipe in San Jose?

Many homes in San Jose, especially those built before the 1980s, were constructed with galvanized steel or older copper piping. Over time, these materials corrode and scale from the inside out, leading to a host of issues. You might notice reddish-brown water, a significant drop in water pressure at multiple fixtures, or pinhole leaks that seem to pop up constantly. These are clear signs your pipes are failing. A complete pipe replacement eliminates these problems, improves water quality and flow, and can even increase your home's value by modernizing a critical system. It's a proactive investment to prevent catastrophic water damage and ensure reliable plumbing for years to come^{1 2 3}.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A full home repipe is a substantial project that requires careful planning and execution by licensed professionals. Here's a typical breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Inspection and Planning A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough assessment of your current plumbing system. This may include a video inspection of pipes to confirm their condition. They will plan the new pipe layout, identify the best access points within your walls and ceilings, and handle pulling all necessary permits from the City of San Jose^{1 4 5}.

2. Water Shutoff and Preparation The water supply to the entire home will be temporarily shut off. The work area will be prepared to protect your floors and belongings, and access panels will be cut into drywall or plaster to reach the existing pipe network^{2 6}.

3. Removal of Old Pipes The old galvanized steel, polybutylene, or corroded copper pipes are carefully cut out and removed. This phase often involves strategic demolition to access pipes hidden in walls, under floors, and above ceilings^{1 7}.

4. Installation of New Piping New pipes-typically PEX or copper-are run through the open spaces. Modern methods, especially with flexible PEX, often allow for longer runs with fewer fittings, which can reduce potential leak points. The new system is connected to your main water line and each fixture^{1 2 5}.

5. Pressure Testing and System Check Before closing up walls, the new system is pressurized and tested for leaks. The plumber will also check that water pressure is balanced and consistent at all fixtures throughout the house^{4 6}.

6. Restoration and Cleanup Once the plumbing passes inspection, the drywall or plaster access points are patched, textured, and primed (painting is often a separate contractor task). Fixtures are reinstalled, and the work area is thoroughly cleaned up^{2 7}.

7. Final Inspection A final inspection by the city or county is usually required to ensure the new installation meets all current plumbing codes, closing out the permit⁵.

Choosing the Right Pipe Material

The choice of material is crucial for the longevity, cost, and performance of your new plumbing system. Here are the most common options used in San Jose repiping projects:

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): This flexible, plastic tubing has become the go-to choice for many repipes. It's highly resistant to scale and corrosion, quiet during water flow, and can be snaked through walls with fewer cuts, making installation faster and often less expensive. Its flexibility also helps it withstand freezing better than rigid pipes^{1 8 9 10}.
• Copper: The traditional gold standard for durability. Copper pipes have a proven lifespan of 50+ years, resist bacterial growth, and can handle high heat. However, copper is more expensive both for materials and labor due to its rigidity and the need for soldered fittings. It's also susceptible to theft from construction sites^{1 9 11}.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): A rigid plastic pipe that is cost-effective and easy to install with solvent welding. While less expensive, it can become brittle over time and may not be as durable as PEX or copper in the long run¹⁰.

Most modern repiping projects in Silicon Valley utilize PEX for its excellent balance of cost, performance, and installation efficiency, though copper remains a premium choice for its longevity.

Project Timeline: How Long Does Repiping Take?

The duration of a whole-house repipe depends heavily on the size and layout of your home. Expect some disruption, but professional crews work efficiently to minimize it.

• Small Homes or Condos (Under 1,500 sq ft): Installation can often be completed in 1 to 2 days^{12 13}.
• Average Single-Family Home (1,500 - 2,500 sq ft): The core plumbing work typically takes 3 to 5 days. Additional time (1-2 days) is needed for drywall patching, texturing, and final inspections^{2 14}.
• Large or Multi-Story Homes (Over 2,500 sq ft): For these more complex projects, plan for 5 to 7 days or more for the installation phase, plus restoration time^{14 13}.

These timelines assume a straightforward installation. Complications like difficult access, the discovery of asbestos, or extensive custom finishes can extend the schedule.

Understanding Repiping Costs in San Jose

The cost to repipe a house in San Jose is influenced by local labor rates, permit fees, home size, accessibility, and material choice. Silicon Valley's higher cost of living is reflected in plumbing service prices.

• Material and Labor (Base Cost): For a standard 1,500-square-foot home using PEX piping, the core installation cost often falls between $8,000 and $10,000. If you opt for copper, expect that range to be $9,000 to $11,000 or more for the same size home^{14 15 10}.
• Total Project Cost: The final price includes permits, drywall repair, texturing, and painting. For an average home, the all-inclusive project cost typically ranges from $11,000 to $19,000+. Larger homes (3,000+ sq ft) or those with complex layouts can see total costs exceeding $27,000^{14 15 11}.
• Key Cost Factors:
  • Home Size & Stories: More square footage and multiple floors increase labor and material.
  • Accessibility: Easy access to plumbing chases or unfinished basements reduces labor. Pipes buried in concrete slabs significantly increase cost and time.
  • Fixtures Count: The number of sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances affects the length of pipe and number of connections needed.
  • Local Permits & Codes: San Jose and Santa Clara County have specific code requirements that can impact the scope and cost^{2 15}.

While repiping is a significant investment, it is often more cost-effective than repeatedly repairing leaks and dealing with water damage. Many plumbing companies offer financing options to help manage the expense.

Preparing for a Repipe Project

A little preparation can make the process smoother for your household.

• Clear the Work Areas: Move furniture, decorations, and stored items away from walls where plumbers will need access, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms.
• Plan for Water Outages: You will be without water for periods during the installation. Plan accordingly by filling containers with water for drinking and basic use.
• Discuss Logistics: Talk with your plumber about daily start/end times, porta-potty arrangements if bathrooms are out of commission, and how they will protect your flooring and belongings.
• Arrange for Painting: Drywall repair is usually included, but painting the patched areas is typically the homeowner's responsibility. Line up a painter for after the plumbing and drywall work is complete.

Frequently asked questions

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