Top Repiping Contractors in Honolulu, Hawaii Ranked

If you're dealing with persistent leaks, low water pressure, or discolored water in your Honolulu home, your plumbing pipes may be failing. A whole-house repipe is a significant but often necessary project that replaces all the water supply lines in your home with new, durable materials. This guide explains what's involved in a full plumbing replacement, the common materials used, timelines, and cost considerations specific to Oahu. You can use the information here to understand the process and connect with experienced local professionals who can assess your home's unique needs.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2106 Lauwiliwili St Ste 101j, Kapolei, HI 96707

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Honolulu, HI. Their experienced team handles a wide range of plumbing needs, including sewer line inspections and repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair and provide emergency plumbing services available 24/7 throughout the year. With expertise in floodwater cleanup and mold remediation, Roto-Rooter is equipped to manage urgent water damage situations efficiently. Serving Kapolei and surrounding communities, they combine local knowledge with advanced tools like hydro jetting to address plumbing challenges effectively.

4.9

1.5k Reviews

535 Plumbing LLC

1130 N Nimitz Hwy Suite B-180, Honolulu, HI 96817

535 Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company based in Honolulu, HI, serving residential, commercial, and new construction clients. Founded in 2015 by Shane Mizusawa, the company offers a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and hydro jetting. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and pipe relining to diagnose and solve plumbing issues efficiently. 535 Plumbing is available every day, including holidays, and accommodates after-hours service requests to meet diverse scheduling needs.

4.9

597 Reviews

Pipe Masters LLC

820 W Hind Dr #240345, Honolulu, HI 96824

Pipe Masters LLC is a locally owned plumbing contractor serving Honolulu, HI, and the wider Oahu area, including outer islands. Established in 2008, they provide a wide range of plumbing services such as water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, and repiping. The company uses advanced technologies including trenchless pipe replacement methods and electronic leak detection, and offers the only hot water hydro-jetting service in Hawaii. Pipe Masters also manages all necessary permits and ensures compliance with Honolulu's building codes, addressing the unique challenges posed by the island's climate and infrastructure. They provide emergency plumbing services with rapid response across Oahu.

4.9

277 Reviews

Waialae Plumbing & Construction

825 Halekauwila St # D, Honolulu, HI 96813

Waialae Plumbing & Construction has been serving Honolulu, HI, and the entire island of Oahu since 1994. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. In addition to plumbing, they are a licensed general contractor offering renovation and new construction services, allowing them to coordinate plumbing work efficiently with construction projects. Their team is experienced in handling both residential and commercial jobs, and they utilize advanced diagnostic tools for leak detection and other plumbing needs. Waialae Plumbing & Construction operates during regular business hours and does not offer after-hours or emergency services.

4.9

263 Reviews

Little Big Plumbing

honolulu

Little Big Plumbing serves residential and commercial clients in Honolulu, HI. The company offers a range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repairs. They provide specialized capabilities such as slab leak detection, thermal imaging, and solar water and photovoltaic system services. Known for combining local island service with the resources of a national supplier, Little Big Plumbing is a family-owned business with licensed plumbers. They hold endorsements from the Better Business Bureau and are members of the American Home Shield Network.

4.9

155 Reviews

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What is Whole-House Repiping?

Repiping, also known as a full plumbing replacement or re-piping, is the process of removing all the old water supply pipes in your home and installing a new system. This is distinct from spot repairs and is typically recommended when pipes are extensively corroded (common with older galvanized steel), frequently leaking, or contaminating your water ^{1 2}. In Honolulu's unique climate and with its mix of older and newer construction, a complete pipe replacement can resolve chronic issues and prevent future water damage and health concerns.

The Step-by-Step Repiping Process

A professional plumbing replacement is a multi-stage project that requires careful planning. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect from start to finish.

1. Initial Assessment and Planning

The process begins with a thorough inspection by a licensed plumber. They will check water pressure, look for signs of leaks, and assess the condition and material of your existing pipes ^{1 3}. This evaluation helps determine the scope of work, the best new pipe material for your home, and identifies potential access challenges. The plumber will also handle pulling any required permits from the City and County of Honolulu, a crucial step for compliance with local building codes ^{1 4}.

2. Gaining Access and Removing Old Pipes

Once planned, the water main is shut off. To reach the old pipes, which are typically hidden inside walls, under floors, and above ceilings, strategic access holes are cut ^{1 2 5}. The old plumbing lines are then completely removed. This phase is the most disruptive, as it involves opening up sections of your home's interior.

3. Installing the New Plumbing System

New water lines are run through the framework of your home, connecting from the main shut-off valve to every faucet, toilet, and appliance. Plumbers will install the new pipes according to code, ensuring proper support and alignment. The choice of material-PEX, CPVC, or copper-directly impacts this installation phase, with flexible options like PEX often allowing for faster work with fewer fittings ^{2 6}.

4. Pressure Testing and Inspection

Before closing up the walls, the new system is rigorously pressure-tested. This critical step checks for any leaks in the new piping network ^{4 7}. In many cases, a city inspector will also visit to approve the work before it is covered up, ensuring it meets all safety and code standards ¹.

5. Restoration and Cleanup

After the new pipes pass inspection, the restoration phase begins. The access holes in your drywall, ceiling, or flooring are patched, textured, and painted to match the surrounding area ^{1 5}. A reputable contractor will leave your home clean, with the new plumbing system ready for use and minimal visual evidence of the major work that just took place.

Common Pipe Materials for Honolulu Homes

Selecting the right pipe material is a key decision in your repiping project, balancing cost, durability, and performance. Local plumbers often recommend the following options:

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): This flexible, plastic tubing has become extremely popular for repiping projects. It is corrosion-resistant, affordable, and its flexibility allows for long runs with fewer connections, which can reduce labor time and potential leak points ^{8 9 10}. It is suitable for both hot and cold water lines.
• Copper: The traditional standard for decades, copper piping is known for its longevity and durability. However, it is more expensive than plastic alternatives, both in material cost and installation labor, as it requires soldering ^{2 6}. It remains a excellent, long-term choice.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): Another plastic option, CPVC is rigid and requires glue fittings at each joint. It is cost-effective and resistant to many chemicals, making it a reliable choice for hot and cold water distribution ^{8 6}.

An experienced Honolulu plumber can discuss the pros and cons of each material in the context of your home's layout and your budget.

How Long Does a Repiping Project Take?

The timeline for a whole-house repipe varies based on the size and complexity of your home. For a typical single-family home in Honolulu, the actual installation of new pipes often takes 2 to 5 days ^{1 11}. Larger homes, multi-story properties, or those with complex layouts can extend the installation to a week or more.

It's important to factor in additional time for the initial assessment and permitting, the mandatory city inspection, and the final wall and ceiling restoration. From the first consultation to the final paint touch-up, homeowners should plan for the project to span one to several weeks ¹.

Understanding Repiping Costs in Honolulu

The cost to repipe a house is a significant investment, with a wide range based on specific variables. Total costs can span from $1,500 for a very small, straightforward job to over $20,000 for a large or complex home ^{1 8}.

For a clearer picture, estimates for a 1,000 to 2,000 square foot home using PEX or CPVC often fall in the range of $5,500 to $17,500 or more ^{1 9}. Choosing copper will typically place the cost at the higher end of these ranges due to the material expense and more labor-intensive installation ⁸.

Key Factors Influencing Your Final Cost:

• Home Size & Layout: More square footage and bathrooms directly increase material and labor costs. Multi-story homes and hard-to-access pipe runs add complexity.
• Pipe Material: As noted, copper is more expensive than PEX or CPVC.
• Extent of Restoration: The cost to patch, texture, and paint drywall and ceilings can add substantially to the project total ^{3 5}.
• Local Permits and Inspections: Permit fees on Oahu are a standard part of the project cost ¹.
• Contractor Experience: Hiring a licensed, insured, and highly experienced local plumber is crucial for a quality outcome and may reflect in the quote.

Key Considerations for Honolulu Homeowners

When planning a plumbing system replacement in Hawaii, keep these local factors in mind:

1. Choose a Local Expert: Hawaii's building codes and specific environmental conditions make it essential to hire a contractor familiar with local requirements and practices. A local professional understands the common issues in island homes and can navigate the permit process efficiently ^{1 12}.
2. Plan for Disruption: Since pipes are inside walls, you will need to accommodate workers, noise, and areas of your home being inaccessible for several days. Planning for temporary kitchen or bathroom setups can be helpful.
3. View it as a Long-Term Investment: While costly upfront, a repipe is a major home improvement that protects your property from water damage, improves water quality and pressure, and can increase your home's value and insurability.

Frequently asked questions

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