Top Repiping Contractors in Virginia Beach, Virginia Ranked

A whole-house repiping project is a significant investment in your home's long-term health, safety, and comfort. It involves replacing all the water supply pipes running through your walls and ceilings, which can degrade over decades. In Virginia Beach, where older homes may have outdated galvanized steel, cast iron, or even polybutylene pipes, a full re-pipe can resolve persistent issues like low water pressure, discolored water, and leaks. This guide will help you understand the process, materials, and considerations, making it easier to connect with qualified local professionals for your pipe replacement needs.

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

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

Power Plumbing LLC

2141 Chesapeake Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23324

Power Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing and gas service provider based in Virginia Beach, VA. They offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning with hydro-jetting, sewer line inspection and repair, sump pump services, gas line installation and repair, and leak detection. The company uses advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing and gas services. Power Plumbing LLC emphasizes experienced, licensed professionals and transparent communication to meet customer needs.

4.9

118 Reviews

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Understanding the Need for a Full Pipe Replacement

Why would a Virginia Beach homeowner consider such a major project? The answer often lies in the age and material of the existing plumbing system. Homes built before the 1960s frequently used galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to internal rust and corrosion. This buildup severely restricts water flow, leading to the frustrating trickle from a faucet when another fixture is in use. You might also notice reddish-brown discoloration in your water, a telltale sign of rust flakes breaking loose inside the pipes ¹.

Later, from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, a material called polybutylene was commonly used. Unfortunately, this plastic piping is now known to become brittle and fail when exposed to chlorine in municipal water supplies, leading to sudden and catastrophic leaks. If your home falls into this age range, a proactive plumbing system overhaul can prevent extensive water damage ¹. Other clear signals include persistent pinhole leaks, a sudden increase in your water bill, or the sound of water running when all fixtures are off.

The Repiping Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

A professional whole-house repipe is a meticulously planned operation, not a chaotic demolition. Understanding the steps can alleviate anxiety and help you prepare your home.

1. Inspection and Planning The journey begins with a thorough assessment. A licensed plumber will evaluate your current system, identifying the pipe materials, the home's layout, and the best paths for new lines. This is when they'll determine if a full re-pipe is necessary or if a partial replacement will suffice. They'll also discuss your options for new pipe materials and create a detailed plan ^{1 2}.

2. Preparation Before work begins, the main water supply will be shut off. The plumbing team will protect your floors, furniture, and belongings from dust and debris. To access the old pipes, strategic access points will be created in drywall or ceilings. The goal is to minimize disruption, but homeowners should expect some wall repair work after the new pipes are in ^{3 4}.

3. Removal and Installation The old pipes are carefully removed. Then, the new hot and cold water supply lines are installed. Modern materials like flexible PEX tubing allow for longer, continuous runs with fewer fittings, which can speed up installation and reduce potential leak points. The plumber will run new lines to every fixture-sinks, toilets, showers, washing machine, and water heater ^{2 5}.

4. Testing and Inspection Once installed, the entire new system is pressurized and tested for leaks. This critical step ensures everything is sealed and secure before the walls are closed up. In many areas, the work must also pass an inspection by the local building department to comply with plumbing codes ^{3 6}.

5. Restoration and Cleanup After passing inspection, the plumber will reconnect all fixtures and restore water service. The access holes in your walls and ceilings will be patched, though finishing work like texturing and painting is typically the homeowner's responsibility or can be arranged as an additional service. A final cleanup leaves your home functional ^{4 6}.

Choosing the Right Pipe Material for Your Home

The choice of material is one of the most important decisions in a repiping project, affecting cost, longevity, and performance. Here are the most common options used in Virginia Beach today:

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): This is the most popular choice for modern repiping projects. PEX is flexible, making it easier and faster to install with fewer joints. It's highly resistant to scale and chlorine corrosion, won't pinhole, and can expand slightly if water freezes, reducing the chance of bursting. It's also generally the most budget-friendly option ^{7 5 8}.
• Copper: The long-standing gold standard for durability. Copper pipes have a proven lifespan of 50+ years, resist bacterial growth, and can handle high heat. The installation is more labor-intensive, as it requires soldering each joint, which makes it a more expensive option than PEX. However, many homeowners value its longevity and reliability ^{7 9 10}.
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): A rigid plastic pipe that is glued together at fittings. CPVC is cost-effective and resistant to corrosion, but it can become brittle over time, especially in unconditioned spaces like attics, and may not handle extreme hot water temperatures as well as other materials ^{9 8}.

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

Project Timeline and Living Through a Repipe

A common question is, "How long will I be without water?" While the total project for an average Virginia Beach home typically takes 1 to 5 days, skilled plumbers often work to restore water service at the end of each workday ^{1 11}. You may have periods without water, but it's rarely an entire multi-day blackout.

Preparation is key:

• Plan for Limited Water Access: Fill pitchers or bottles with drinking water. Consider timing showers for the evening after work is done for the day.
• Create Access: Clear out closets and under-sink areas so plumbers have clear pathways.
• Discuss Logistics: Talk with your plumbing professional about their daily schedule, where they will need access, and how they will protect your home.

Cost Considerations for Repiping in Virginia Beach

The cost of a whole-house pipe replacement is significant and varies based on several key factors. While every home is unique, here are general guidelines based on home size and material ^{7 12 13}:

• 1,000 - 1,500 sq ft home: A repipe with PEX or copper can range from approximately $5,500 to $11,000.
• Up to 2,000 sq ft: The project cost may rise to around $17,500.
• Over 3,000 sq ft: For larger homes, costs can reach $27,000 or more.

What Drives the Cost?

1. Home Size & Number of Fixtures: More bathrooms, kitchens, and wet bars mean more pipe and labor.
2. Pipe Material: Copper is generally more expensive than PEX due to material and installation costs.
3. Labor & Accessibility: Multi-story homes, finished basements, and complex layouts increase labor time. Easy access to pipe chases can reduce cost.
4. System Complexity: Adding new fixtures, relocating lines, or upgrading manifold systems adds to the project scope.
5. Restoration Work: The quote should clarify if it includes patching drywall and painting, or if that is a separate cost.

Always get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed and insured plumbing contractors in Virginia Beach. The lowest price isn't always the best value; consider the proposed materials, warranty, and the company's reputation.

The Benefits of a Modern Plumbing System

Beyond fixing immediate problems, a whole-house repipe offers substantial long-term advantages:

• Improved Water Quality and Pressure: Say goodbye to rust-colored water and enjoy strong, consistent flow at every fixture.
• Increased Home Value and Safety: Updated plumbing is a major selling point and eliminates the risks associated with lead-soldered joints or failing polybutylene.
• Reduced Risk of Leaks: Modern materials and fewer joints mean a more reliable system, potentially lowering your risk of costly water damage.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your home's vital water infrastructure is new and under warranty provides incredible long-term security.

Frequently asked questions

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