Best Repiping Contractors in Virginia Ranked

Replacing the plumbing system in your Virginia home is a major project that ensures safe, reliable water for years to come. Repiping involves swapping out old, failing pipes-often galvanized steel or lead-with modern materials like PEX or copper, which improves water pressure and quality while preventing leaks and water damage. This guide explains the process, costs, and local requirements to help you plan your project and connect with qualified, licensed professionals in your area.

Blair's Plumbing Repair & Drains

337 Thalia Dr, Newport News, VA 23608

Blair's Plumbing Repair & Drains is a family-run plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the Hampton Roads Peninsula communities. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater service for Rinnai and Navien models, sump pump and sewage pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. The company emphasizes thorough whole home plumbing inspections and detailed explanations to help customers understand their plumbing systems. Founded in 2020 by Army veteran Justan Blair, the business combines skilled plumbing work with a focus on customer education and service.

5.0

382 Reviews

H2O PRO Plumbing

4795 Bethlehem Rd Ste E, Richmond, VA 23230

H2O PRO Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing services in Richmond, VA, including water heater repair and installation, leak detection, drain cleaning, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company emphasizes trustworthy, upfront pricing and quality workmanship, serving residential and commercial clients with tailored solutions. With over 20 years of experience, H2O PRO Plumbing handles everything from minor repairs to major installations, including whole home repiping and emergency plumbing services.

5.0

266 Reviews

RPG Plumbing Services

5305 Cleveland St STE 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

RPG Plumbing Services is a plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, and the Hampton Roads area. Since 2015, they have provided a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. Their team holds Class A Contractor licenses, Master plumber and gas fitter certifications, and specialized training such as Navien certification, enabling them to handle both simple and complex plumbing issues. RPG Plumbing Services offers 24/7 emergency plumbing support to address urgent problems at any time.

5.0

201 Reviews

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters

545 S Birdneck Rd Suite 202-E, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters provides a wide range of plumbing, sewer, and gas line services in Virginia Beach, VA. Their offerings include sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. The company uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify issues and delivers customized solutions for homes and businesses. With nearly four decades of experience since 1987, A1 Sewer & Drain is equipped to handle complex plumbing challenges and offers 24/7 emergency services to the local community.

5.0

147 Reviews

Get Lit Electrical, Plumbing & Water Heater Repair

1720 Lambert Ct Suite B, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Get Lit Electrical, Plumbing & Water Heater Repair offers a wide range of plumbing services in Virginia Beach, VA. Their licensed plumbers handle everything from water heater installation and repair to sewer line repair and hydro jetting. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair and provide advanced leak detection and repiping services. With years of experience, they focus on honest communication and quality workmanship to ensure lasting results. The company also offers modern plumbing upgrades, including tankless water heaters and water softener installations.

5.0

90 Reviews

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Understanding the Repiping Process

A full home repipe is a systematic project that requires careful planning and execution. It's more than just swapping pipes; it's a renovation of your home's critical water infrastructure. The goal is to create a system that is efficient, leak-free, and compliant with all state and local building codes ¹.

The typical process follows these key stages:

• Inspection and Planning: A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough assessment of your existing system. They will identify the current pipe materials, map the layout, diagnose issues like corrosion or low pressure, and help you select the best replacement materials (e.g., PEX, copper, CPVC) for your home and budget ^{1 2 3}.
• Site Preparation: Before work begins, the water supply is shut off. The work area is protected with drop cloths, and strategic access points are cut into walls, floors, or ceilings to reach the old plumbing lines ^{4 5}.
• Pipe Removal and Installation: The old supply (hot and cold) and drain lines are carefully removed. New pipes are then installed, routed, and connected to all fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers) and appliances (water heater, washing machine) ^{3 6}.
• Pressure Testing and Inspection: Once the new system is installed, it undergoes rigorous pressure testing to ensure there are no leaks. At this "rough-in" stage, a local building inspector will often visit to verify the work meets code before walls are closed up ^{1 5}.
• Restoration and Cleanup: After passing inspection, the access points in your walls and ceilings are patched, and any affected flooring is repaired. The job site is thoroughly cleaned, leaving your home functional and tidy ^{3 5}.

Why Virginia Homes Need Repiping

Many older homes across Virginia, from historic properties in Richmond to mid-century builds in the suburbs, still contain outdated plumbing. Galvanized steel pipes, common in homes built before the 1970s, corrode from the inside out, leading to rust-colored water, severely reduced water pressure, and eventual failure ². In some very old homes, lead service lines or solder may also be present, posing a health risk.

Signs your Virginia home may need a repipe include:

• Discolored water (brown, yellow, or red).
• Chronically low water pressure at multiple fixtures.
• Frequent pinhole leaks or visible corrosion on pipe joints.
• A persistent metallic taste in your water.
• Unexplained increases in your water bill, which can indicate hidden leaks.

While individual pipe repairs can be a temporary fix, a full repipe is a permanent solution that adds value to your home and eliminates the stress and cost of recurring plumbing emergencies ².

Virginia Codes, Permits, and Inspections

Adhering to local regulations is not optional-it's a critical part of a successful and legal repiping project in Virginia. State and local codes dictate approved materials, proper pipe sizing, installation methods, and frost protection for pipes in exterior walls ^{1 7}.

• Permits: A plumbing permit is almost always required for a whole-house repipe. Your licensed plumber will typically pull this permit on your behalf. The permit ensures the planned work meets safety standards and allows for official inspections ^{8 9}.
• Inspections: City or county inspectors will visit your home at key phases, usually after the new pipes are installed but before the walls are sealed (the "rough-in" inspection) and again at the project's completion (the "final" inspection). Passing these inspections is mandatory and provides official verification that your new system is safe and up to code ^{1 5}.

Requirements can be particularly stringent in Northern Virginia localities. Working with a plumber intimately familiar with the codes in your specific city or county (e.g., Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun) is essential to avoid costly delays or rework ⁷.

Cost Factors for Repiping in Virginia

The cost to repipe a house in Virginia varies significantly based on several factors. It's a considerable investment, but one that protects your home's value and your family's safety.

Primary factors influencing cost include:

• Home Size and Layout: The total square footage and number of bathrooms/kitchens directly correlate to the amount of pipe and labor required. A multi-story home with complex layouts will cost more than a single-story ranch ^{10 11}.
• Pipe Material: Your choice of material is a major cost driver.
  • PEX: The most cost-effective option, known for flexibility, resistance to scale, and freeze tolerance. Material costs range from $0.50 to $2 per linear foot ^{10 12}.
  • Copper: A durable, traditional material that is more expensive. Material costs range from $2 to $8 per linear foot ^{10 12}.
  • CPVC: A rigid plastic option that falls between PEX and copper in price.
• Labor and Accessibility: Labor rates in Virginia, especially in high-cost areas like Northern Virginia, impact the total. Extensive wall and floor opening to access pipes increases labor time and subsequent drywall repair costs ^{8 9}.
• Permits and Inspections: Permit fees vary by locality but are a necessary part of the project budget ⁸.

General Cost Ranges: While every project is unique, general ranges can provide a starting point for budgeting. For a typical Virginia home, a full repipe can cost between $4,000 and $20,000 or more ^{8 10 9}. Many projects fall in the $7,500 to $15,000 range. As an example, for a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot home, costs can range from approximately $7,500 to $17,500 ⁹.

Choosing the Right Pipe Material

Selecting the best pipe material is a key decision in your repiping project. Each has its own advantages and cost considerations.

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): This has become the most popular choice for repiping. Its flexibility allows it to be snaked through walls with fewer fittings, reducing labor time and potential leak points. It is highly resistant to corrosion and scale buildup, and can expand if frozen, making it less likely to burst in Virginia winters. It is also the most budget-friendly option ^{10 12}.
• Copper: The long-standing standard for quality. Copper is extremely durable, resistant to bacteria, and can handle high heat. Its main drawbacks are higher material cost and the skill required for soldering joints. It remains an excellent, though premium, choice ^{10 12}.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): A rigid plastic pipe that is glued together. It is less expensive than copper but more prone to becoming brittle over time, especially if exposed to sunlight during storage. It requires more fittings than PEX for directional changes.

Your licensed plumber can discuss the pros and cons of each material in the context of your home's specific needs, local water conditions, and budget.

Planning and Executing Your Repipe Project

A successful repipe requires more than just hiring a plumber. Proper planning minimizes disruption and ensures a smooth process.

1. Get Multiple Estimates: Obtain detailed, written estimates from at least three licensed and insured plumbing contractors in Virginia. Ensure the estimates specify the pipe material brand/type, scope of work, timeline, and a breakdown of costs (materials, labor, permits, restoration) ⁸.
2. Verify Credentials: Confirm the plumber holds a valid Virginia state license and carries both liability and worker's compensation insurance. Check for membership in professional associations and read reviews from past customers.
3. Plan for Disruption: While plumbers work to minimize impact, you will be without water for periods of time. Plan to be away from home during the most intensive phases, or arrange for alternative water and bathroom facilities. Clear access to walls and the water heater is also necessary.
4. Understand the Timeline: A whole-house repipe for an average home can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on complexity. The timeline includes the plumbing work itself, inspection wait times, and the subsequent drywall repair and painting.
5. Focus on Restoration: Clarify what level of restoration is included. Some plumbing companies include basic drywall patching; others may leave that to a separate contractor you hire. Understand this upfront to avoid surprises.

Investing in a repipe with a qualified professional ensures your Virginia home has a safe, efficient, and reliable plumbing system that will serve you well for decades, while fully complying with all state and local regulations ^{1 8 7}.

Frequently asked questions

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