Top Repiping Contractors in Portland, Oregon Ranked

If you're a homeowner in Portland dealing with persistent leaks, low water pressure, or rusty water, your home's aging plumbing system may be signaling the need for a full repipe. A whole-house repiping project involves replacing all the old, failing water supply lines in your walls and ceilings with new, reliable piping. This major plumbing upgrade is a long-term solution that protects your home from water damage, improves water quality, and ensures consistent flow for decades to come. The following guide explains the process, materials, and considerations for repiping a house in Portland, helping you understand what to expect and how to connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Service Plus Plumbing

12009 NE Marx St, Portland, OR 97220

Service Plus Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing contractor based in Portland, OR. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company serves many neighborhoods throughout Portland and is known for handling plumbing emergencies to prevent further damage. Their expertise includes water line repair and sewer line installation, with a focus on environmentally conscious solutions that support Portland's sustainability goals. Service Plus Plumbing is committed to serving the Portland community with reliable and professional plumbing services.

5.0

922 Reviews

Plumbing and Sewer Renewal Specialists

9350 SW Tigard St, Portland, OR 97223

Plumbing and Sewer Renewal Specialists is a plumbing and sewer service provider based in Portland, OR. They offer services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, trenchless sewer repair, and repiping. The team is experienced in using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology for sewer line repairs, which allows for less invasive fixes. Customers have noted their care in protecting property and efficient project completion.

5.0

523 Reviews

Cornel's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

4015 SE 56th Ave, Portland, OR 97206

Cornel's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a licensed plumbing and HVAC company serving Portland, OR. With over 20 years of experience, they provide a range of services including water heater installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. The company is known for addressing plumbing and HVAC issues efficiently, offering same-day responses for emergency repairs. One notable capability is their expertise in water heater installation and repair. Cornel's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning operates with a focus on residential customers in the Portland metro area.

5.0

511 Reviews

Drain Hound (Owner - Operator)

7202 NE Hwy 99 Ste 106, Vancouver, WA 98665

Drain Hound (Owner - Operator) is a plumbing service based near Portland, OR, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses advanced technology such as high-definition sewer cameras and hydro jetting equipment to diagnose and clear blockages efficiently. Drain Hound specializes in trenchless water main replacement, which reduces landscape disruption and preserves property aesthetics. Owner-operated by Taylor Prouty, the business serves the greater Vancouver, WA area and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services.

5.0

294 Reviews

P1 Plumbing - Vancouver & Portland

6500 NE 45th Way, Vancouver, WA 98661

P1 Plumbing - Vancouver & Portland offers a wide range of plumbing services in Portland, OR, and surrounding areas including Vancouver, WA. Their expertise covers water heater repair and installation, including tankless and heat pump water heaters, leak detection, pipe repair and repiping, toilet repair, and water filtration system installation. The company has over 13 years of experience and employs licensed journeymen plumbers equipped with the latest tools to handle plumbing upgrades, remodels, and emergency repairs. P1 Plumbing serves both residential and commercial clients across the Portland metro area and nearby communities.

5.0

154 Reviews

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Why Consider a Whole-House Repipe?

The plumbing system is the circulatory system of your home, and over time, pipes can corrode, develop pinhole leaks, or become clogged with mineral deposits. In Portland, many homes built before the 1990s have galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, which are prone to failure ¹. Signs you might need a repipe include frequent leaks, discolored (brown or yellow) water, a noticeable drop in water pressure, or the sound of water running when no fixtures are in use. Undertaking a full pipe replacement is a significant investment, but it eliminates the constant hassle and expense of spot repairs, increases your home's value, and provides peace of mind with a modern, code-compliant system ^{2 3}.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A professional whole-house repiping job is a carefully planned operation designed to minimize disruption while ensuring a durable, leak-free result.

1. Inspection and Planning The process begins with a thorough assessment. A licensed plumber will inspect your current system, identify the existing pipe materials, and map out the water lines. They will check water pressure, evaluate access points within walls, and obtain any necessary permits from the City of Portland to ensure the work meets local building codes ^{1 4}.

2. Preparation and Water Shut-Off Before work commences, you'll be advised on preparations, such as moving furniture or clearing access panels. On the first day, the main water supply to the house will be shut off. Professional crews use protective coverings on floors and furnishings to keep the work area clean and minimize dust and debris ^{5 6}.

3. Removal of Old Piping The old pipes are systematically cut out and removed. This often requires creating small, strategic access holes in drywall or ceilings to reach pipes hidden within walls. A skilled plumber aims to keep these openings as small and few as possible to simplify later patching ^{1 4}.

4. Installation of New Pipes New water lines, typically PEX or copper, are run through the wall cavities and connected to each fixture-sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances. This is the core of the repiping project, where the new plumbing skeleton of your home is installed ^{1 6}.

5. Pressure Testing and Inspection Once all new pipes are connected, the system is pressurized with air or water to test for leaks. This critical step ensures every joint and connection is perfectly sealed. In many cases, a city inspector will visit to approve the work before walls are closed up ^{4 5}.

6. Patching, Cleanup, and Final Walkthrough After passing inspection, the plumber or a partnered contractor will patch the access holes in your walls and ceilings. The work area is thoroughly cleaned. Your plumber will then conduct a final walkthrough, turning on all fixtures to demonstrate proper operation and pressure before considering the job complete ^{1 6}.

Choosing Your Pipe Material: PEX vs. Copper

The two most common materials for modern repiping projects in Portland are PEX and copper. Each has distinct advantages.

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) PEX has become the predominant choice for residential repiping. It's a flexible, plastic tubing that is highly resistant to corrosion and scale buildup. Its flexibility allows it to be snaked through walls with fewer fittings, which can reduce potential leak points and lower installation time and cost. PEX also performs well in cold climates, as it can expand slightly if frozen, reducing the chance of bursting. For most Portland homes, PEX offers a cost-effective, durable solution with a lifespan of several decades ^{1 7 8}.

Copper Copper is the traditional, time-tested material for water supply lines. It is extremely durable, resistant to bacteria, and can last 50 years or more. Many homeowners appreciate its reliability and the fact that it can be soldered with lead-free fittings. However, copper is more expensive than PEX, both in material cost and labor, as it requires more fittings and is less flexible to install. It is also susceptible to corrosion from acidic water or soil, though this is less of a concern with indoor supply lines ^{1 7 9}.

The best choice depends on your budget, your home's layout, and personal preference. A reputable local plumber can advise you on the optimal material for your specific situation.

Project Timeline and Cost Considerations

Understanding the scope of a repiping project helps in planning and setting realistic expectations.

How Long Does Repiping Take? For a typical single-family home in Portland, the physical installation of new pipes usually takes between 2 to 5 days^{1 2}. The total project timeline can be longer when including the initial inspection, permit acquisition, the municipal inspection, and the final patching and painting of walls. Complexity, such as a multi-story home or difficult access, can extend the duration.

What Does Repiping Cost in Portland? Costs for a whole-house pipe replacement vary widely based on home size, number of bathrooms, material choice, and labor. Here are general estimate ranges:

• PEX Repiping: Approximately $4,000 to $8,000 or more^{2 10 11}.
• Copper Repiping: Approximately $8,000 to $15,000 or more^{2 10 8}.

These are ballpark figures. The only way to get an accurate price is to obtain detailed quotes from licensed, insured plumbing contractors in the Portland area. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually low, as they may not include necessary permits, inspections, or proper wall restoration.

Hiring a Professional for Your Portland Repipe

This is not a DIY project. Repiping requires a deep understanding of local plumbing codes, proper soldering or crimping techniques, and the ability to troubleshoot within a home's infrastructure. Always hire a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing contractor. Check for online reviews, ask for references from recent repiping jobs, and verify their standing with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). A trustworthy plumber will provide a detailed, written estimate that outlines the scope of work, materials to be used, project timeline, and total cost.

Preparing Your Home for the Project

A little preparation on your part can make the process smoother. Discuss a daily schedule with your plumber. You will be without water for periods during the workday, so plan accordingly. Clear out cabinets under sinks and move any furniture or valuables away from walls where work will occur. Designate a clear path for the plumbers to bring materials in and out. Understanding that there will be some noise, dust, and temporary inconvenience helps set the stage for a successful project conclusion.

The Long-Term Benefits of a New Plumbing System

While the upfront cost and disruption are considerations, the benefits of a repipe are substantial. You'll gain consistent, clean water pressure throughout your home and eliminate the worry of sudden leaks causing costly water damage. Your water quality will improve, and the new system will be more efficient. Furthermore, a whole-house repipe is a major home improvement that adds to your property's value and appeal, often noted positively during home inspections when it comes time to sell.

Frequently asked questions

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