Top Repiping Contractors in Austin, Texas Ranked

If you're a homeowner in Austin noticing rusty water, low pressure, or frequent leaks, your home's plumbing system may be signaling for a major upgrade. A whole-house repiping project involves replacing the entire network of water supply pipes within your home's walls and foundation, swapping out old, failing materials for modern, reliable ones. This significant home improvement is crucial for maintaining water quality, ensuring consistent pressure, and preventing catastrophic water damage. For Austin residents dealing with the city's notoriously hard water, which accelerates pipe corrosion, understanding the repiping process is the first step toward finding a qualified professional to restore the health of your plumbing.

Austin's Greatest Plumbing

2210 Melissa Oaks Ln, Austin, TX 78744

Austin's Greatest Plumbing offers a wide range of plumbing services in Austin, TX, including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use advanced technology such as video camera inspections to accurately diagnose plumbing issues and provide solutions like whole house repiping and slab leak repair. The company provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent problems like burst pipes and significant leaks, ensuring timely assistance whenever needed.

5.0

227 Reviews

Pfriendly Plumber

austin

Pfriendly Plumber is a locally owned plumbing service based in Austin, TX, offering water heater repair and installation, leak detection, and repiping services. They provide thorough diagnostics and present multiple repair or replacement options with upfront pricing to help customers make informed decisions. The company stands behind its work with a two-year warranty on residential projects and a one-year warranty on commercial work. Pfriendly Plumber serves the Austin community with a focus on clear communication and detailed service.

5.0

136 Reviews

Plumbing Outfitters

24 Co Rd 496, Taylor, TX 76574

Plumbing Outfitters is a licensed plumbing company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding Central Texas area. Led by Master Plumber Warren Stroud and co-owner Ashley Stroud, the team offers a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and sump pump repair. They use advanced diagnostic tools such as cameras and pressure gauges to provide code-compliant plumbing solutions with materials like copper and PVC. With decades of combined experience, Plumbing Outfitters focuses on clear diagnostics and honest repairs to address plumbing challenges in both older and remodeled homes. They also provide 24-hour emergency plumbing services for urgent issues like slab leaks and burst pipes.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

OnCall Plumbing

247 Clear Frk Lp, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

OnCall Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding Central Texas area. They provide a wide range of services including tankless water heater installation, leak detection, sewer line repair, repiping, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. Established in 2010, OnCall Plumbing brings over 20 years of professional experience to residential, commercial, and new construction clients. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent needs promptly.

4.9

582 Reviews

Neighborhood Plumbing and Drain - Georgetown

104 Country Rd, Georgetown, TX 78628

Neighborhood Plumbing and Drain - Georgetown is a licensed plumbing company serving the Georgetown area near Austin, TX. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, leak detection, repiping, sewer line inspection and trenchless sewer repair, as well as garbage disposal repair. The company uses advanced tools such as high-resolution sewer cameras and modern leak detection equipment to deliver precise diagnostics and repairs. Their team focuses on addressing plumbing issues thoroughly to prevent recurring problems. Neighborhood Plumbing and Drain emphasizes transparent pricing and customer satisfaction in all their work.

4.9

543 Reviews

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Why Austin Homes Often Need Repiping

Austin's unique environmental factors make plumbing systems particularly vulnerable. The primary culprit is the region's hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate inside pipes, drastically reducing water flow and pressure at your fixtures ¹. This scaling is especially damaging to older pipe materials.

Many homes in Austin's established neighborhoods, built before the 1970s, were originally plumbed with galvanized steel. While durable initially, these pipes are highly susceptible to internal rust and corrosion. You might notice symptoms like discolored (brown or yellow) water, a persistent metallic taste, or a sudden drop in water pressure from multiple faucets. Replacing these aging systems isn't just about fixing a leak; it's about protecting your home's value and your family's health by ensuring clean, clear water from every tap.

Understanding the Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

A full home repipe is a coordinated project that involves careful planning, skilled execution, and final restoration. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare your home and family for the temporary disruptions.

1. Initial Assessment and Planning A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough inspection of your existing system. This involves checking pipes in the basement, crawl spaces, and behind access panels to identify the material (e.g., galvanized steel, copper, polybutylene) and map the entire water line layout. They will assess the extent of corrosion and plan the new pipe routes, aiming to minimize the number of walls and ceilings that need to be opened ^{1 2 3}.

2. Securing Permits and Preparing the Site Before any work begins, your plumbing contractor will pull the necessary permits from the City of Austin. This ensures the project meets all local building codes. On the first day of work, the crew will prepare your home by moving furniture, laying down protective coverings, and identifying the precise locations for access points.

3. Access, Demolition, and Removal To reach the old pipes, technicians will need to create strategic openings in drywall or plaster, typically behind fixtures and along joist lines. The old water supply lines are then completely disconnected and removed from the house ^{1 3 4}.

4. Installation of New Piping The new piping material (PEX or copper) is run through the open walls and ceilings, following the planned route from the main water shut-off to every fixture-sinks, toilets, showers, washing machine, and water heater. This stage requires precision to ensure proper slope and support ^{5 6 7}.

5. Connecting Fixtures and Appliances Each fixture is connected to the new supply system with fresh valves and connectors. This is a critical phase where attention to detail prevents future leaks at faucets, toilets, and appliances.

6. Pressure Testing and City Inspection Once installed, the entire new system is sealed and pressurized with air or water to test for leaks. After passing the plumber's test, a city inspector will visit to approve the work, ensuring it complies with Austin's plumbing code ^{3 8}.

7. Patching, Repair, and Cleanup After inspection approval, the project shifts to restoration. The plumbing team or a partnered drywall contractor will patch all access holes, apply tape and mud, and sand them smooth. Once primed and painted to match your wall, the work area is thoroughly cleaned up, leaving your home functional and tidy ^{1 4}.

Choosing the Right Pipe Material for Your Home

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

• PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene): This flexible, plastic tubing has become the go-to choice for many repiping jobs. Its flexibility allows it to be snaked through walls with far fewer fittings and joints than rigid pipe, which reduces potential leak points. It's also highly resistant to scale and corrosion from hard water, quieter than copper, and typically more cost-effective both in material and installation labor ^{1 9 2}. For most Austin homeowners, PEX offers an excellent balance of performance, longevity, and value.

• Copper: The traditional gold standard for water lines, copper is extremely durable and has a proven lifespan of 50+ years. It's resistant to bacteria and can handle high heat, making it a good choice for hot water lines. However, it is more expensive than PEX, both for the material itself and due to the more labor-intensive installation process requiring soldering. In areas with acidic water, copper can corrode over a very long period, but this is less of a concern in Austin compared to hard water scaling issues ^{1 9 5}.

Timeline and What to Expect During the Project

A whole-house repipe is not an overnight job. For a typical 1,500 to 2,500 square foot Austin home, the process usually takes between three days to a full week ^{3 4 10}. The timeline depends on several factors:

• The size and layout of your home.
• The number of bathrooms and fixtures.
• The chosen piping material (PEX installations are often faster).
• The size of the crew working on the project.

During this time, your water service will be shut off intermittently. Your plumbing team should provide a clear schedule for when water will be off and when it will be temporarily restored. It's wise to plan for alternative arrangements for cooking and bathroom use during the main installation phases. Good communication from your contractor is key to managing this temporary inconvenience.

Cost Considerations for Repiping in Austin

The investment for a repipe in Austin varies widely based on your home's specifics. As a general range, homeowners can expect costs to span from $4,000 to $16,000 or more ^{9 11 12}. Here's a closer look at what influences the price:

• Home Size and Layout: More square footage and complex multi-story layouts increase labor and material costs.
• Number of Fixtures: Each sink, toilet, shower, and appliance adds to the project scope. Fixture connections can add $220 to $1,800 each to the total cost ¹³.
• Pipe Material: As noted, a copper repipe system typically costs significantly more than a PEX system for the same home.
• Wall Access and Restoration: The ease of accessing old pipes and the extent of drywall repair needed are major cost factors. Minimally invasive techniques may cost more upfront but save on restoration.
• Permits and Inspections: These are required and factored into the project cost.
• Contractor Expertise: Rates vary between companies based on experience, licensing, insurance, and reputation.

Example Estimates for Texas Homes:

• A 1,500 sq ft home: PEX repipe estimated at $4,000-$6,000; Copper estimated at $8,000-$10,000+ ^{9 11}.
• A 2,000 sq ft home: PEX repipe estimated at $5,500-$8,000; Copper estimated at $8,000-$16,000 ^{9 12}.

Always obtain detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed plumbers that break down material, labor, permit, and restoration costs.

Signs Your Austin Home May Need a Repipe

How do you know if you need a full re-pipe or just a spot repair? Look for these telltale signs, especially if your home is over 40 years old:

• Discolored Water: Brown, yellow, or rusty water, especially when first turning on the tap.
• Low Water Pressure: A noticeable drop in pressure from multiple fixtures, not explained by a single clogged aerator.
• Frequent Leaks: Recurring pinhole leaks in your pipes, indicating widespread corrosion.
• Visible Corrosion: Flaky rust on pipe joints or at the water heater connection.
• Water Quality Issues: A persistent metallic taste or odor in your drinking water.

If you're experiencing several of these issues, a professional evaluation for a whole-house pipe replacement is a prudent next step.

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