Best Repiping Contractors in Ohio Ranked

Repiping is the comprehensive process of replacing a home's entire water supply line system. In Ohio, this is often a necessary upgrade for older homes plagued by outdated, corroded, or unsafe pipes. A full repipe restores water quality and pressure, prevents leaks, and protects your home's value. This guide explains what Ohio homeowners need to know about the repiping process, from recognizing the signs you need it to navigating local codes and choosing materials, so you can confidently connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Tom Schaefer Plumbing

4350 Glenbrook Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094

Tom Schaefer Plumbing provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services in Cleveland, OH. They offer a range of services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, leak detection, and repiping. The company has been family-owned since 1929 and serves both residential and commercial clients. They also provide 24-hour emergency service to address urgent plumbing and HVAC issues promptly.

5.0

203 Reviews

Chaney Services

5353 Dixie Hwy A, Fairfield, OH 45014

Chaney Services is a plumbing company based in Cincinnati, OH, offering a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, tankless water heater installations, sump pump repairs, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, leak detection, repiping, gas line installations, toilet repairs, and garbage disposal repairs. They specialize in identifying and resolving complex plumbing issues such as broken sewer lines and outdated piping systems, using advanced techniques like camera inspections and code-compliant PVC pipe replacements. The company has a history of providing detailed and thorough plumbing solutions, including gas line upgrades and tankless water heater installations, with a focus on safety and efficiency. Chaney Services is known for their comprehensive approach to plumbing repairs and upgrades, ensuring systems are tested and leak-free upon completion.

5.0

197 Reviews

Splash Mountain Plumbing Company

10180 Queens Way Unit 1, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023

Splash Mountain Plumbing Company provides residential and commercial plumbing services in Cleveland, OH. They handle inspections, repairs, maintenance, and installations for a wide range of plumbing needs including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. The company also offers well water testing, backflow testing, and services related to water treatment and filtration systems. Splash Mountain Plumbing Company serves multiple counties around Cleveland and emphasizes clear communication and upfront pricing before starting any work.

5.0

161 Reviews

Action Sewer Cleaning & Plumbing LLC

2730 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43613

Action Sewer Cleaning & Plumbing LLC provides a range of plumbing services in Toledo, OH, including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. They also offer sewer cleaning and bathroom remodeling services, as well as water line replacement and water filtration system installation. The company is experienced in handling both residential and commercial plumbing needs and is known for thorough inspections and quality workmanship.

5.0

132 Reviews

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians

9114 Cincinnati Columbus Rd, West Chester Township, OH 45069

Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians provides plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services in Cincinnati, OH. Their plumbing services include water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater solutions, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and repiping. The company uses advanced eco-friendly technology for drain and sewer maintenance, ensuring efficient and sustainable solutions. Founded by Aaron Gaynor, who earned his contractor's license at 23 and started the residential plumbing company after overcoming early challenges, Eco Plumbers has a history rooted in resilience and growth. They serve Cincinnati and surrounding areas with a commitment to eco-conscious practices.

4.9

3.1k Reviews

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Understanding the Need for Repiping in Ohio Homes

Many Ohio homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, were constructed with plumbing materials that have a limited lifespan. Over time, these pipes can deteriorate, leading to a host of problems. The most common culprits in older Ohio plumbing are galvanized steel, lead, and polybutylene pipes.

Galvanized steel pipes, once standard, are prone to internal rust buildup. This corrosion severely restricts water flow, leading to low pressure at your faucets and showers. It also causes discolored, brownish water with a metallic taste and smell ¹. Lead pipes or lead-based solder, still found in some very old homes, pose a serious health risk by contaminating drinking water ². Polybutylene pipes, used extensively from the late 1970s to mid-1990s, are now known to become brittle and fail unexpectedly, often causing significant water damage ³.

If you're experiencing persistent issues like rusty water, unexplained drops in water pressure, frequent pinhole leaks, or inconsistent water temperatures, these are strong indicators that your home's piping system is failing and may require replacement, not just repair ^{4 3}.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A professional whole-house repipe is a multi-stage project that requires careful planning and execution. Understanding the steps involved can help you prepare for the work and set realistic expectations with your plumbing contractor.

1. Initial Assessment and Planning: A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of your existing plumbing system. This involves checking pipe materials, assessing water pressure, identifying leaks, and mapping the current layout. This stage is crucial for creating an accurate quote and project plan ^{1 5}.
2. Obtaining Permits: In Ohio, a repiping project almost always requires a permit from your local city or county building department. Your plumbing professional typically handles this, ensuring the planned work complies with the current Ohio Building Code, which is often based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) ^{6 7}.
3. Preparing the Home and Gaining Access: Before installation begins, you'll need to clear out cabinets and closets around plumbing fixtures. The plumbers will then strategically cut access holes in walls and ceilings to reach the old pipe network. Minimizing these access points while ensuring the work can be done correctly is a mark of an experienced crew ^{5 8}.
4. Removal and Installation: The old water supply lines are carefully disconnected and removed. New pipes-typically PEX or copper-are then installed, running from the main water shut-off to every fixture (sinks, toilets, showers, appliances). This is the core phase of the project ^{9 8}.
5. System Testing and Inspection: Once the new pipes are in place, the system is pressurized and tested for leaks. A local building inspector will also visit to verify the installation meets all code requirements before the walls are closed up ^{7 10}.
6. System Flush and Restoration: After passing inspection, the new pipes are flushed to clear any debris. The water is turned back on, and all fixtures are checked for proper operation. The final step is patching and repairing the drywall or plaster where access holes were made. Note that drywall repair and repainting are often considered separate from the plumbing contract and may be the homeowner's responsibility or an added service ^{5 8}.

Material Choices: PEX vs. Copper for Ohio Homes

The two primary materials used in modern repiping projects are cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and copper. Each has distinct advantages and cost implications.

PEX Tubing:

• Pros: PEX is flexible, making it easier and faster to install with fewer fittings, which can reduce labor costs. It is highly resistant to scale and chlorine, and won't corrode. Its flexibility also allows it to expand, making it more resistant to freeze-related bursts-a consideration for Ohio winters ^{9 3}.
• Cons: It cannot be used outdoors where exposed to UV light. Some homeowners prefer the traditional feel of metal pipes.
• Cost Consideration: PEX is generally the more budget-friendly option for material and installation ^{11 12}.

Copper Piping:

• Pros: Copper is a durable, time-tested material with a long lifespan. It is resistant to bacteria and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. It also has a traditional appeal that can be important in certain home inspections or valuations ³.
• Cons: It is more expensive than PEX, both in material cost and labor, as it requires soldering each joint. Copper is also a rigid material, making installation in tight spaces more challenging.
• Cost Consideration: Copper is typically the more expensive repiping option ^{9 11}.

The best choice depends on your budget, your home's specific layout, and long-term goals. A reputable Ohio plumber can discuss the pros and cons of each in the context of your project.

Navigating Ohio Building Codes, Permits, and Inspections

Adhering to local regulations is non-negotiable for a repiping project. Ohio's plumbing codes are designed to ensure safety, reliability, and water quality. The work must comply with the Ohio Building Code, and your local municipality will have its own permit and inspection process ^{6 2}.

• Permits: Your plumbing contractor will usually pull the necessary permits. The permit fee is often based on the projected job value and ensures the work is recorded and inspected.
• Code Compliance: Key code aspects for repiping include proper pipe sizing, correct support and hanger spacing, the use of approved materials (like lead-free fittings), and correct connection methods. For example, codes strictly govern how PEX can be connected to existing copper or other metals to prevent corrosion ¹⁰.
• Inspections: An inspector from the local building department will visit at least once, usually after the new pipes are installed but before the walls are closed. They verify that the installation meets all code requirements. Passing this inspection is critical for the legality of the work and for your home's insurance and resale value ⁷.

Always verify that any plumber you hire is fully licensed and insured in Ohio and familiar with the specific codes in your city or county.

Cost Factors for Repiping in Ohio

The total cost of a repipe in Ohio can vary dramatically, typically ranging from $4,000 to over $20,000 for a full house ^{9 11}. Several key factors influence the final price:

• Home Size and Layout: The number of bathrooms, kitchens, and fixtures (sinks, toilets, laundry hookups) directly determines how much pipe and labor is required. Multi-story homes or those with complex layouts are more expensive to repipe than single-story homes with straightforward plumbing runs ¹².
• Pipe Material: As discussed, copper is significantly more expensive than PEX due to material costs and more labor-intensive installation ^{9 11}.
• Access and Labor: The ease of accessing old pipes greatly affects labor time. Homes with finished basements, plaster walls, or intricate architecture may require more careful cutting and restoration, increasing costs.
• Permits and Inspections: Local permit fees are an additional cost factored into the project.
• Restoration Work: The cost to patch drywall, replaster, and repaint access holes is often separate from the plumbing work itself. Some plumbing companies offer this as an add-on service, while others leave it to the homeowner to arrange.

It's essential to get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed plumbers that break down material costs, labor, permits, and any assumptions about access or restoration.

The Long-Term Value of a Repipe

While repiping is a substantial investment, it offers significant long-term benefits for Ohio homeowners:

• Improved Water Quality and Safety: Eliminates rust, lead, and contaminants from old pipes, providing clean, clear water.
• Reliable Water Pressure: Removes internal corrosion blockages, restoring strong, consistent flow to all fixtures.
• Prevention of Costly Damage: Proactively replaces failing pipes that could burst or leak, preventing thousands of dollars in water damage to walls, floors, and belongings.
• Increased Home Value and Marketability: A home with a new, code-compliant plumbing system is more attractive to buyers and appraisers, as it removes a major potential issue from the inspection report.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your plumbing infrastructure is modern, safe, and reliable for decades to come is invaluable.

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