Best Repiping Contractors in Tennessee Ranked

Repiping is the comprehensive process of replacing a home's old, failing water supply pipes with new, modern materials. In Tennessee, where many homes have aging galvanized steel or even lead pipes, this upgrade is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water, reliable water pressure, and long-term property integrity. This guide explains the repiping process, its benefits, and key considerations for Tennessee homeowners, helping you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air

10545 US-64, Arlington, TN 38002

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned plumbing company serving Memphis, TN, and the surrounding area. Founded in 2010, they offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and repiping. The company is known for its upfront pricing and 24/7 emergency availability, ensuring customers have access to help whenever needed. They also specialize in trenchless sewer repair, providing less invasive solutions for sewer line issues. With over 14 years of combined industry experience, Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air brings professional expertise and community-focused service to their customers.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

100 Percent Plumbing

3200 West End Ave #500, Nashville, TN 37203

100 Percent Plumbing is a plumbing company serving residents in Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas including Green Hills, Brentwood, and Mount Juliet. They offer a wide range of services such as sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company provides complete sewer line repair and replacement, along with free video camera inspections to identify piping issues. With 20 years of experience, 100 Percent Plumbing employs master plumbers skilled in handling various plumbing problems for both residential and commercial clients. They also offer after-hours emergency services to address urgent plumbing needs promptly.

5.0

205 Reviews

Creekside Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, LLC

nashville

Creekside Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, LLC is a veteran and family-owned plumbing company based in Nashville, TN. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services across middle Tennessee, including water heater installation and repair, sewer and drain cleaning, leak detection, and repiping. Their capabilities include sewer camera inspections and handling various types of water heaters such as natural gas, propane, electric, and tankless models. With over 12 years of experience, they focus on delivering quality service and customer satisfaction.

5.0

202 Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Middle Tennessee

nashville

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Middle Tennessee provides a wide range of plumbing services in Nashville, TN, including drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, sewer line replacement using trenchless technology, leak detection, and gas line services. They serve both residential and commercial clients with licensed and insured professionals who use advanced equipment to address plumbing needs efficiently. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent issues at any time. Mr. Rooter Plumbing also backs their work with a workmanship promise and transparent flat-rate pricing to keep customers informed and confident in their service.

5.0

168 Reviews

All Pipes, LLC

325 S 14th St, Nashville, TN 37206

All Pipes, LLC is a plumbing company based in Nashville, TN, offering a wide range of services including water heater repair, tankless water heater plumbing, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. They serve residential and commercial customers throughout Nashville with expertise in handling plumbing challenges common to older homes as well as modern systems. The company is known for its skilled team and quality workmanship, emphasizing safety and customer communication. Founded by local plumbers Robert Smith and Jay Santangelo, All Pipes has built a reputation for reliable and knowledgeable service in the Nashville area.

5.0

165 Reviews

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Understanding the Need for Repiping in Tennessee Homes

Many Tennessee homes, particularly those built before the 1970s, were constructed with galvanized steel pipes. Over decades, these pipes corrode from the inside out, leading to a host of problems ¹. The corrosion restricts water flow, causing low pressure at your faucets and showers. It also causes rust flakes to discolor your water and can lead to pinhole leaks that cause water damage and mold ^{2 3}. In some very old homes, lead service lines or solder may also be present, posing a serious health risk ⁴.

Repiping is not a spot repair; it's a full-system replacement. While repairing a single leak might offer a temporary fix, widespread corrosion means more leaks are inevitable. A complete repipe addresses the root cause, eliminating recurring issues and providing a reliable plumbing system for decades to come ^{5 3}.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A professional repiping project follows a structured process to ensure quality, safety, and minimal disruption.

1. Initial Assessment and Planning A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of your current plumbing system. They will identify the existing pipe materials, map the layout, locate the main water shut-off, and assess the scope of work. This is when they discuss your options for new piping materials and provide a detailed estimate ^{1 6}.

2. Obtaining Permits In virtually all Tennessee municipalities, a plumbing permit is required for a repiping project. A reputable plumbing contractor will handle this process, ensuring the planned work complies with local and state plumbing codes. The cost of the permit is typically included in your project estimate ^{7 8}.

3. The Installation Phase This is the most disruptive part of the process. Plumbers will need to create access points in walls, ceilings, and sometimes floors to remove the old pipes and run the new ones. They will work systematically, often starting at the water heater and main supply line, then branching out to fixtures. The old pipes are completely removed, and the new system is installed and secured ^{6 9 10}.

4. Testing and Inspection Once the new pipes are installed, the system is pressurized and tested for leaks. After the plumber's successful test, a city or county inspector will visit to verify the installation meets all code requirements. This inspection is mandatory before walls are closed up ^{7 8}.

5. System Restoration After passing inspection, the plumbers will repair the access holes in your drywall, leaving them "patched and ready for paint." A professional crew will also clean the work area thoroughly, removing debris and dust ^{11 10}.

Choosing the Right Piping Material

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

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): This flexible, plastic tubing has become the standard for most residential repipes. It's corrosion-resistant, affordable, and easier to install with fewer fittings, which can reduce labor costs. Its flexibility allows it to be run in long lengths, even through existing wall cavities in some cases. PEX is also less prone to bursting if water freezes ^{6 12 13}.
• Copper: The traditional choice, copper is extremely durable and has a long history of reliable performance. It can withstand higher heat and is often preferred for its rigidity. However, copper is significantly more expensive than PEX, both in material cost and installation labor due to the need for soldering each joint ^{6 14}.

Your plumber can advise on the best material for your specific home, budget, and local water conditions.

Key Benefits of Repiping Your Tennessee Home

Investing in a whole-home repipe offers substantial long-term value:

• Improved Water Quality and Safety: The most immediate benefit is the elimination of rust, sediment, and potential lead contaminants from your drinking water. You'll notice cleaner, clearer water immediately ^{1 4 3}.
• Restored Water Pressure: By replacing corroded, narrow pipes with new, full-diameter piping, you restore strong, consistent water pressure to every faucet, shower, and appliance in your home ^{2 3}.
• Prevention of Costly Damage: Proactively replacing failing pipes prevents catastrophic leaks that can cause thousands of dollars in damage to drywall, flooring, and personal belongings. It also eliminates the stress and cost of emergency plumbing repairs ^{5 12}.
• Increased Home Value and Efficiency: A home with a new, code-compliant plumbing system is more attractive to potential buyers. Modern pipes are also more efficient, potentially reducing water waste from slow leaks ³.

Understanding Repiping Costs in Tennessee

The cost to repipe a house in Tennessee varies widely based on several key factors. As a general range, homeowners can expect to invest between $4,000 and $20,000 or more ^{6 12 13}.

Primary Cost Factors:

• Home Size and Number of Bathrooms: A 1,500-square-foot home with two bathrooms will cost less than a 3,500-square-foot home with four bathrooms. More fixtures mean more pipe runs and labor ^{6 9}.
• Pipe Material: As noted, a copper repipe will typically cost 20-40% more than a PEX repipe for the same home due to material and labor differences ^{6 14}.
• Home Layout and Accessibility: A single-story home on a crawlspace is generally the easiest and least expensive to repipe. Multi-story homes or homes built on a concrete slab foundation ("slab homes") are more complex, as pipes are embedded in the concrete, requiring strategic routing and potentially more wall access, increasing labor time and cost ^{12 13}.
• Local Labor Rates and Permit Fees: Costs can differ between regions like Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

It's essential to get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed and insured plumbing contractors. A thorough estimate should break down material costs, labor, permit fees, and restoration work.

Permits, Codes, and Hiring a Professional

Repiping is not a DIY project. It requires a licensed professional to ensure it's done safely and correctly.

• Licensing: Always verify that a plumber holds a current Tennessee State Plumbing License.
• Permits and Codes: Your contractor must pull the required local permits. The installation must adhere to the Tennessee Plumbing Code, which governs pipe sizing, material standards, support, and venting to ensure system safety and performance ^{7 8}.
• Insurance and Warranty: Hire a plumber who carries both liability insurance and workers' compensation. Reputable companies will also offer a warranty on both their labor and the materials used.
• Getting Estimates: Aim for at least three in-person estimates. Be wary of quotes given over the phone without an inspection. A good plumber will spend time assessing your home's unique layout and explaining their recommended approach.

Frequently asked questions

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