Top Repiping Contractors in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

A whole-house repiping project is a significant investment in your home's infrastructure, replacing the aging network of water supply lines that run behind your walls and under your floors. This process is crucial for addressing persistent leaks, improving water pressure, and ensuring the safety and quality of your drinking water. For Memphis homeowners, navigating this project means understanding local material choices, costs, and the step-by-step process to find a qualified professional who can execute the work efficiently and to code.

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

Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C

5320 US-70, Mason, TN 38049

Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C serves Memphis, TN, providing plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 positive reviews, they handle leak repairs, drain cleaning, sump pump repairs, toilet repairs, and repiping. Their team offers comprehensive home comfort solutions, including heating and AC installation and maintenance. Established in 2005, Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C is known for skilled workmanship and reliable service.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

Avanzi Plumbing

memphis

Avanzi Plumbing is a plumbing service provider located in Memphis, TN. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repairs, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for handling emergency repairs and providing thorough leak detection and pipe installation services. Avanzi Plumbing is a family-owned business led by Daniel Avanzi, who brings extensive experience and a hands-on approach to each project. They also provide after-hours and weekend service to accommodate urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

62 Reviews

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical

210 Commerce Center Cir, Jackson, TN 38301

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is a full-service provider based in Memphis, TN, offering a wide range of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical services. Their expertise includes water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company is known for handling complex plumbing and electrical issues, including slab leak repairs and electrical panel upgrades. They also provide comprehensive maintenance programs and financing options to support their customers. Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical serves the Memphis area with a focus on safety and code compliance, and they offer after-hours emergency services to address urgent needs.

4.8

2.2k Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis

9400 Macon Rd, Cordova, TN 38016

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services in Memphis, TN. Their licensed and certified plumbers handle drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. They provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time. The company emphasizes upfront flat-rate pricing and guarantees their workmanship and parts for customer peace of mind. Serving Memphis and surrounding communities, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is known for its comprehensive plumbing solutions and customer-focused approach.

4.8

1.5k Reviews

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Why Consider a Whole-House Pipe Replacement?

Over time, the water pipes in any home can deteriorate. In older Memphis homes, this often means dealing with galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to internal rust and corrosion that severely restrict water flow. You might notice chronically low water pressure, discolored water, or frequent leaks. A full pipe replacement, or repipe, solves these issues at their source. It's more than just a repair; it's a system-wide upgrade that enhances your home's reliability, can increase its value, and provides peace of mind for decades ^{1 2}.

Beyond fixing immediate problems, modern piping materials offer improved durability and safety. New pipes are resistant to the scale buildup that chokes old systems and are less likely to contaminate your water. Whether you're planning a renovation, dealing with recurrent plumbing failures, or simply being proactive about your home's maintenance, a complete re-piping job is a foundational improvement.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

Understanding what happens during a pipe replacement can help you prepare for the disruption and collaborate effectively with your plumbing team. The process is methodical and follows a clear sequence from planning to restoration.

1. Inspection and Planning A licensed plumber will first conduct a thorough assessment of your existing system. This involves identifying the pipe material, mapping the current layout, and locating all fixtures. They will then design a new system layout, often aiming to improve efficiency. This stage also includes securing any necessary permits from the City of Memphis, which is a critical step to ensure the work meets local building codes ^{1 3 4}.

2. Gaining Access and Demolition Since pipes are hidden inside walls and ceilings, controlled access points must be created. Plumbers will strategically cut holes in drywall, often at joints or behind fixtures, to reach the old piping network. This step requires moving furniture and clearing areas for work. The goal is to minimize the number and size of access points while still allowing for complete removal and installation ^{4 5}.

3. Removal of Old Pipes The main water supply is shut off, and the old pipes are disconnected and removed. This can be a labor-intensive process, especially with rigid, corroded galvanized steel. All old materials are cleared from the work area ^{4 6}.

4. Installation of New Piping New lines are run from the main water entry point to every fixture in the house-sinks, toilets, showers, washing machine, etc. The plumber will install the new material (PEX or copper) according to the planned layout, ensuring proper support and connections for both hot and cold water lines ^{1 7}.

5. Pressure Testing and Inspection Once the new system is installed, it is pressurized with air or water to test for leaks. This is a crucial quality-control step. After the plumber confirms the system is sound, a city inspector may visit to approve the work before walls are closed up, depending on permit requirements ^{4 5}.

6. Patching and Cleanup The final phase involves restoring your home. The access holes in the drywall are patched, taped, and mudded. In some cases, texture matching and repainting will be needed. The work area is thoroughly cleaned, and your water is restored for use ^{1 6}.

Choosing Your Piping Material: PEX vs. Copper

The choice of material is one of the most significant decisions in a repiping project, impacting cost, longevity, and installation time. Memphis plumbers commonly work with two primary options.

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

• Pros: PEX is a flexible, plastic tubing that has become the go-to choice for many repiping projects. Its flexibility allows it to be snaked through walls with fewer fittings, which can mean faster installation and slightly lower labor costs. It is highly resistant to freezing and scale buildup, and it is generally the more affordable material option ^{8 9 10}.
• Cons: It cannot be used outdoors, as it degrades under UV light. Its long-term track record (over 50+ years) is still being established compared to copper, though it carries strong warranties.

Copper

• Pros: Copper is the traditional, time-tested material known for its exceptional durability and 50-70 year lifespan. It has natural antimicrobial properties, can be used indoors and outdoors, and is often preferred for its ability to withstand higher heat. It can add to a home's resale value due to its reputation for quality ^{8 2}.
• Cons: Copper is significantly more expensive, both for the material itself and due to the more labor-intensive installation process, which requires soldering each joint. It is also a target for theft from construction sites.

A third material, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), is sometimes used. It is a rigid plastic that is cheaper than copper but more brittle and less flexible than PEX, often resulting in a shorter lifespan ^{10 2}. Your plumber can advise on the best material for your specific home, budget, and long-term goals.

Project Timeline and Cost Factors in Memphis

The duration and cost of a whole-house repipe can vary widely. For a typical Memphis home, the core plumbing work often takes between 2 to 5 days^{1 11}. Larger homes, those with complex layouts, or projects requiring extensive wall repair can extend the timeline. The patching, texturing, and painting of drywall are typically handled separately and add to the overall project length.

Costs in Memphis generally fall within a broad range of $4,000 to $27,000+ for a complete repipe ^{1 8 12}. Several key factors determine where your project will land:

• Home Size: This is the primary driver. More square footage and more bathrooms mean more linear feet of pipe and more labor. For example, a 1,500 square foot home might range from $5,500 to $11,000 or more ^{13 14}.
• Pipe Material: As discussed, copper systems are typically 1.5 to 2 times the cost of a PEX system for the same home ^{8 9}.
• Labor Complexity: Multi-story homes, slab foundations, and hard-to-access pipe chases can increase labor time and cost.
• Permits and Inspections: Memphis requires permits for repiping, and these fees are part of the project cost.
• Wall Restoration: The quote from your plumber may or may not include the drywall repair and painting. Be sure to clarify what is included, as you may need to budget separately for a handyman or painter.

It's essential to get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed plumbers. These should break down material costs, labor, permit fees, and the scope of restoration work.

Preparing for Your Repiping Project

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

• Clear the Work Areas: Move furniture, rugs, and personal items away from walls where plumbers will need access. Empty under-sink cabinets.
• Plan for Water Outages: You will be without water for periods during the installation. Plan accordingly for drinking water, toilet use, and personal hygiene.
• Discuss Logistics: Talk with your plumber about work hours, where equipment will be stored, and how they will manage dust and debris.
• Secure Pets and Children: Keep them safely away from the work zones, which will have tools, debris, and open walls.

Finding the Right Professional in Memphis

This is not a DIY project. Repiping requires a deep understanding of plumbing systems, local codes, and precise craftsmanship. Look for a licensed, insured plumber with specific experience in whole-house repiping. Check for reviews, ask for references, and verify they will handle the permitting process. Local Memphis companies familiar with the common plumbing issues in the area's housing stock can provide invaluable insight ².

Frequently asked questions

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