Best Repiping Contractors in Wisconsin Ranked

Repiping is the comprehensive process of replacing a home's old, failing water supply pipes with new, modern materials. In Wisconsin, this is a critical upgrade for many older homes with aging galvanized steel or problematic polybutylene pipes, as it ensures safe, clean water and prevents disruptive leaks. This guide explains what repiping involves, when it's necessary, and how to navigate the process with local professionals to protect your home's plumbing system for decades to come.

Avid Plumbing LLC

818 Post Rd, Madison, WI 53713

Avid Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Madison, WI, and surrounding areas. They offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, repiping, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced tools and techniques to handle various plumbing needs such as fixture replacements, water treatment, and emergency repairs. Avid Plumbing provides same-day service and 24/7 emergency support, ensuring prompt assistance whenever needed.

4.9

875 Reviews

Preferred Plumbing

milwaukee

Preferred Plumbing is a locally owned and operated plumbing company serving Milwaukee, WI, and Waukesha County. They offer a range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, repiping, and general plumbing maintenance. The company provides a 1-year worry-free guarantee covering maintenance and repairs, and they emphasize clear pricing and professional service. Preferred Plumbing also offers a value plan for ongoing maintenance and priority scheduling.

4.9

139 Reviews

Knight Plumbing, Inc.

4270 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Knight Plumbing, Inc. is a family-owned plumbing company serving Milwaukee, WI, and nearby communities. Since 2001, they have provided a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, hydro jetting, sump pump repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. Their team uses modern technology such as video camera inspections to diagnose issues accurately and efficiently. With over 20 years of experience, Knight Plumbing emphasizes quality workmanship and respectful service. They offer same-day appointments and maintain a well-stocked inventory to minimize wait times for repairs and replacements.

4.8

1.1k Reviews

Jeff's Custom Care Plumbing

milwaukee

Jeff's Custom Care Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Milwaukee, WI, and Southeast Wisconsin. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for licensed technicians and upfront pricing, ensuring clear communication and reliable workmanship. Jeff's Custom Care Plumbing has built longstanding relationships with clients by focusing on customer satisfaction and professional service.

4.9

106 Reviews

Viking Plumbing

6968 South 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154

Viking Plumbing is a licensed and insured plumbing contractor serving Milwaukee, WI. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sewer line repair, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. With over 25 years of experience, Viking Plumbing offers expertise in both residential and commercial plumbing projects. Their capabilities include comprehensive plumbing solutions such as gas piping repairs and water filtration system installations. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and clear communication throughout each project.

4.8

766 Reviews

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What Is Whole-House Repiping?

Whole-house repiping, or a full re-pipe, is a major plumbing project where all the pressurized water supply lines running from the main shutoff valve to every faucet, toilet, and appliance are replaced. It does not typically include drain, waste, and vent (DWV) pipes, though those may be addressed separately if needed. The goal is to eliminate pipes that are corroded, restricted, or prone to failure, installing a new system that provides reliable water flow and quality ^{1 2}.

In Wisconsin, this is often the definitive solution for homes built before the 1970s that still have original galvanized steel piping, which rusts from the inside out, leading to poor water pressure and discolored water. It's also the recommended fix for homes with leak-prone polybutylene pipes installed between the late 1970s and mid-1990s ^{3 4}.

Key Signs Your Wisconsin Home May Need Repiping

How do you know if your plumbing problems warrant a simple repair or a full system replacement? Look for these persistent signs:

• Discolored or Rusty Water: Brown, yellow, or reddish water, especially when first turning on a tap, is a classic indicator of corroding galvanized pipes ^{1 5}.
• Consistently Low Water Pressure: Internal rust and mineral buildup can severely restrict the pipe's interior diameter, reducing flow to fixtures throughout the house ^{3 6}.
• Frequent Leaks: If you're constantly patching pinhole leaks in old copper or seeing recurring issues, the entire pipe system may be at the end of its lifespan ^{7 4}.
• Visible Corrosion: Check pipes in your basement, under sinks, or connected to your water heater. Flaking, rust, and significant mineral deposits are clear visual cues ¹.
• Water Quality Issues: A metallic taste or odd smell can stem from deteriorating pipes ⁵.

If you're experiencing multiple symptoms, a professional assessment from a local plumber is the next crucial step.

The Repiping Process: From Assessment to Restoration

A professional repipe is a multi-stage project designed for minimal long-term disruption. Here's what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Assessment & Planning A licensed plumber will conduct a thorough inspection, often using a pipe camera to see inside walls. They will identify the existing pipe material, map the current layout, and assess the home's structure to plan the new system's route-whether through basements, crawl spaces, attics, or walls ^{1 8}. This stage includes selecting the best new piping material for your home and budget.

2. Obtaining Permits In Wisconsin, a repiping project almost always requires a permit from your local municipality (city or county building department). Your plumbing professional will typically handle this, ensuring the planned work complies with the Wisconsin Uniform Building Code and any local amendments ^{3 9}. This step is non-negotiable for safety and legality.

3. Installation: Access, Removal, and New Pipe Runs The crew will strategically cut access holes in drywall to reach old pipes. After shutting off the main water supply, they will remove the old piping and install the new supply lines. Plumbers work systematically to minimize the number of access points and keep parts of the home functional as long as possible ^{10 11}.

4. Pressure Testing and Inspection Once the new pipes are installed but before walls are closed up, the system is pressurized with air or water to test for leaks. A city or county inspector will then perform a "rough-in" inspection to verify the work meets all code requirements for materials, support, and connections ¹².

5. System Activation and Restoration After passing inspection, the new system is connected to the main supply and activated. Fixtures are reconnected, and the water is turned on. Finally, the plumbing team or a partnered contractor will patch drywall, repair walls and ceilings, and return your home to its pre-work condition ^{13 8}.

Understanding Repiping Costs in Wisconsin

The cost to repipe a house in Wisconsin varies significantly based on several key factors. While prices can range from roughly $1,500 for a very limited job to $15,000 or more for a large, complex whole-home repipe, understanding the variables helps in budgeting ^{2 14}.

Primary Cost Factors:

• Home Size & Layout: Square footage and the number of bathrooms and kitchens are the biggest drivers. A multi-story home with complex layouts costs more than a simple ranch ^{15 16}.
• Pipe Material Choice: This is a major cost component. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is generally the most affordable and popular option today. Copper is more expensive due to material costs but is highly durable. CPVC is another lower-cost option ^{2 17}.
• Labor & Accessibility: Homes with easy access in basements or crawl spaces are less labor-intensive than those requiring extensive cutting into finished walls and ceilings on multiple floors ¹⁴.
• Local Wisconsin Rates: Labor costs and permit fees can differ between regions like Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and more rural areas.

Example Cost Ranges (PEX Material):

• Small Home (1,000-1,500 sq ft): $4,000 - $7,000
• Medium Home (1,500-2,000 sq ft): $1,500 - $4,000
• Large/Complex Home: $3,000 - $15,000+ ^{2 15 16}

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

Wisconsin Building Codes and Inspections

Adherence to code is not just a formality-it ensures the safety and longevity of your new plumbing system. Wisconsin follows the Uniform Building Code (UBC), with local municipalities enforcing it and often adding their own amendments ^{9 12}.

• Permits: Your plumber will pull the necessary permits, which trigger the inspection process. This protects you as the homeowner by providing an official record of the work.
• Inspections: Expect at least two inspections: the rough-in inspection (after pipes are installed but before walls are closed) and the final inspection (after the system is complete and operational). The inspector verifies proper materials, secure hanging/support, correct fittings, and adequate pressure ¹².
• Code Compliance: Key code aspects include using approved materials (like PEX, Copper, CPVC), proper pipe sizing for adequate flow, correct support intervals to prevent sagging, and proper connections to prevent leaks.

Choosing the Right Piping Material for Your Home

Today's plumbers primarily use three materials for repiping. Here's how they compare:

• PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene): The modern standard for most repipes. It's flexible, allowing for long runs with fewer fittings (which reduces leak points), resistant to scale and chlorine, and won't corrode. It's also the most cost-effective and faster to install, causing less disruption ^{2 10}.
• Copper: A traditional, durable material with a long history of reliability. It's resistant to bacteria and can handle high heat. The main drawbacks are significantly higher material cost, required soldering at joints, and potential for theft from job sites. It remains a premium choice ².
• CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride): A rigid plastic pipe glued together at joints. It's less expensive than copper and resistant to corrosion, but it can become brittle over time, especially in cold Wisconsin temperatures, and is not as flexible as PEX for installation ².

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

Preparing for a Repiping Project

A little preparation can make the process smoother for your household:

1. Clear the Work Areas: Move furniture, decorations, and stored items away from walls where plumbers will need access, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms.
2. Plan for Water Outages: You will be without water for periods during the cut-over from old to new pipes. Your plumber will provide a schedule. Fill containers with water for drinking and cooking, and consider using a gym or friend's house for showers on key days.
3. Discuss Logistics: Talk with your plumber about work hours, protecting flooring and furnishings, dust control, and where equipment will be stored.
4. Plan for Restoration: Understand who is responsible for drywall repair and painting-whether it's the plumbing company, a subcontractor they coordinate, or if you prefer to handle it yourself.

Frequently asked questions

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