Top Repiping Contractors in Albuquerque, New Mexico Ranked

A whole-house repiping project is a significant but often necessary investment in your Albuquerque home's health and value. This process involves replacing all the old water supply pipes running through your walls, ceilings, and foundation with a new, modern system. It's crucial for addressing persistent leaks, low water pressure from mineral-clogged pipes, or the risk of failure in aging galvanized or copper lines. This guide will help you understand the local process, materials, and considerations, empowering you to connect with qualified professionals for your pipe replacement needs.

Anchor Plumbing & Boiler Services

albuquerque

Anchor Plumbing & Boiler Services is a residential plumbing company serving Albuquerque, NM, and the nearby Rio Rancho area. They specialize in water heater repair, installation of tank and tankless water heaters, boiler repairs, repiping, water softener and filtration system installations, and sewer line repairs. With over 18 years of experience, they have worked with a wide range of plumbing products and brands. Their services cover general plumbing repairs as well as specific capabilities like radiant heat and boiler replacements.

5.0

122 Reviews

First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling Inc

4311 Sara Rd #212, Rio Rancho, NM 87124

First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling Inc is a plumbing and HVAC company based in Albuquerque, NM, serving the Rio Rancho area. They offer a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, sewer line repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. With over 20 years of experience since 1999, the company is known for its certified technicians and local expertise tailored to the climate challenges of the region. Their team is knowledgeable about local building codes and permits, ensuring compliance for all projects.

4.9

293 Reviews

Ace Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical

4020 Vassar Dr NE Unit A, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Ace Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical is a veteran-operated company serving Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding areas. With over 30 years of experience, they provide a wide range of home services including plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical work. Their plumbing services cover sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, sump pump repair, and water heater repair. Ace is known for its licensed and insured technicians and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

4.9

266 Reviews

Korco Plumbing

albuquerque

Korco Plumbing is a local plumbing contractor serving Albuquerque, NM, and the surrounding Rio Rancho area. They provide a range of plumbing services including water heater installation, tankless water heater plumbing, septic and leach field installation or replacement, residential repiping, and luxury bathroom remodeling. The company handles both residential and commercial projects, offering new construction, remodels, and service work. One notable capability is their expertise with Navien tankless water heaters. Korco Plumbing emphasizes quality products and customer service, maintaining a strong reputation in the community.

4.9

102 Reviews

American Leak Detection of New Mexico

4500 Bogan Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

American Leak Detection of New Mexico provides leak detection and repiping plumbing services in Albuquerque, NM. They serve residential, commercial, and municipal clients using proprietary technology to accurately locate leaks and prevent water damage. Their capabilities include advanced leak isolation and water monitoring with devices like StreamLabs. The company is known for thorough repiping work and extended service hours to minimize disruption.

4.8

687 Reviews

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Why Albuquerque Homes Need Repiping

The plumbing in many Albuquerque homes is reaching or has surpassed its expected lifespan. Older materials like galvanized steel are highly susceptible to corrosion, especially given the mineral content in our local water and soil ¹. This corrosion leads to rust flakes that restrict water flow, resulting in frustratingly low pressure at your faucets and showers. More critically, corroded pipes become thin and weak, dramatically increasing the risk of sudden, catastrophic leaks that can cause extensive water damage to your home's structure and finishes. Proactive pipe replacement is a strategic move to protect your property, ensure reliable water delivery, and improve your home's overall plumbing performance.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

Understanding what happens during a full home repipe can help you prepare for the project. It's a coordinated effort that blends plumbing expertise with careful construction work.

1. Initial Inspection and Plan A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough assessment of your current system. They'll identify the existing pipe materials (copper, galvanized, PEX), map the hot and cold water lines, and evaluate the home's layout to determine the most efficient routing for the new pipes. This plan accounts for wall access points and any challenges posed by your home's foundation type ^{1 2}.

2. Preparation and Water Shutoff Before work begins, the main water supply to the home is shut off. The work area is prepared by moving furniture and covering floors and belongings with drop cloths to protect them from dust and debris ^{3 4}.

3. Removal of Old Piping This is the most invasive phase. Plumbers will need to cut strategic access holes in drywall at ceiling and wall intersections to reach the old pipes. For homes on a concrete slab foundation, this may also involve cutting through the concrete floor to access pipes below, which adds significant complexity ^{2 5}. The old pipes are then carefully removed.

4. Installation of New Pipes New water lines are run through the opened walls and ceilings. The plumber will install the new system according to the planned layout, connecting it to the main supply line and running branches to each fixture (sinks, toilets, showers, appliances). The choice of material-commonly PEX or copper-affects the installation method and speed ^{6 7}.

5. Pressure Testing and Inspection Once the new network is installed but before the walls are closed up, the system is pressurized with air or water to test for any leaks. This critical step ensures the integrity of every joint and connection. In Albuquerque, a municipal inspection may also be required to verify the work meets local plumbing codes ^{8 9}.

6. System Flush and Restoration After passing tests, the system is flushed to clear any debris. Finally, the access holes in your drywall are patched, textured, and made ready for painting. A reputable team will clean the work areas thoroughly, leaving your home functional and tidy ^{3 4}.

Choosing the Right Pipe Material for Your Home

The two most common materials for repiping projects in Albuquerque are PEX and copper. Each has distinct advantages that may suit different homes and budgets.

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) PEX has become the leading choice for modern repiping jobs. Its flexibility allows it to be snaked through walls with fewer access holes and connections, which can reduce labor time and installation cost ^{1 10}. It is highly resistant to scale and corrosion, a key benefit for dealing with New Mexico's hard water, and it won't corrode from acidic soil, which is a concern for underground lines ^{1 11}. PEX is also quieter than metal pipes and can expand slightly if water freezes, offering better resistance to burst pipes.

Copper Copper piping is a traditional, durable material with a proven long-term track record. It is rigid and can withstand high heat, making it a reliable choice. However, it is more expensive than PEX, both for the material itself and due to the more labor-intensive installation, which requires soldering each joint ^{10 6}. In certain New Mexico soils, copper can be susceptible to a form of corrosion, so proper installation and knowledge of local conditions are vital ¹.

Key Factors Influencing Repiping Cost and Timeline

The total cost and duration of your pipe replacement project are not one-size-fits-all. Several specific factors related to your Albuquerque home will determine the final scope.

• Home Size and Layout: A larger home with more bathrooms and fixtures requires more linear feet of pipe and more labor. A simple, single-story layout is faster to repipe than a multi-story home with complex plumbing runs ^{12 13}.
• Foundation Type: This is a major cost driver. Homes with a crawlspace or basement provide relatively easy access to pipes. Slab-on-grade foundations, common in Albuquerque, are more challenging and expensive. Repiping a slab home often requires cutting through the concrete floor, which adds significant labor, material for repairs, and project time ^{2 5}.
• Pipe Material Choice: As discussed, copper systems typically have a higher total installed cost than PEX systems due to material price and installation labor ^{10 11}.
• Extent of Restoration Needed: The number of access holes required and the quality of the drywall repair and repainting work will affect the final bill. Some plumbing companies handle basic patching, while others coordinate with or recommend trusted drywall contractors.

What to Expect for Cost and Duration

Given these variables, costs in Albuquerque can range widely. For a smaller home (1,000-1,500 sq ft), a full repipe may start in the range of $4,000 to $11,000 or more, with PEX generally on the lower end of that spectrum ^{2 5}. For larger homes (3,000+ sq ft), especially those on a slab, costs can reach $20,000 to $27,000 or higher ^{12 10}. The average for a typical Albuquerque home often falls around the $15,000 mark ⁵.

The project timeline usually spans several days to a full week. A crew of 3-4 plumbers might work for 3-4 days on the plumbing itself, with additional time needed for drying, inspection, and restoration work ^{2 13}.

Preparing for a Repiping Project

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

• Clear Access: Move furniture and personal items away from walls, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms.
• Plan for Water Outage: You will be without running water for the core days of plumbing work. Plan accordingly by filling containers with water for drinking and basic use, and consider alternative bathroom arrangements if necessary.
• Ask About Details: Discuss the restoration process with your contractor. Understand who is responsible for drywall repair, texturing, and painting, and what that service includes.
• Check Credentials: Always verify that the plumbing company is licensed, insured, and will pull any required permits for the work. This protects you and ensures the job meets Albuquerque code standards.

Frequently asked questions

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