Most whole-house repipes take a few days of on-site work. Larger homes, two-story homes, many bathrooms, copper instead of PEX-A, and difficult attic or wall access can add time. Water is typically shut off only during working hours, and the permit inspection is scheduled as part of the project.
A typical repipe timeline
While every home is different, most projects follow the same order:
- Before day one: inspection, written estimate, scheduling and permit.
- Prep: floors and furniture covered, work areas sealed off.
- Install: new lines run through the attic and down to each fixture.
- Connect and test: fixtures reconnected, every line pressure-tested and flushed.
- Inspection and walkthrough: the city or county inspection, then a final walkthrough with you.
What makes a repipe take longer?
Home size, the number of bathrooms and fixtures, a second story, tight or deeply insulated attics, tile walls and choosing copper over PEX-A all add time. Your estimate should include a schedule built around your specific home.
Will I have water during the repipe?
In most projects the water is off during working hours and back on in the evening, so you can usually stay in your home. The crew should tell you in advance exactly when it will be off.
Do I need to move out?
Usually not. Most families stay home throughout. If someone in the home needs uninterrupted water for medical reasons, tell the plumber during the estimate so the schedule can be planned around it.
Get a free in-home inspection and a written, itemized estimate from a licensed Clean Team plumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a repipe take for a two-story house?
Two-story homes generally take longer than single-story homes of similar size because of longer runs and more wall access. Your written estimate should give you the schedule.
Does the inspection delay the project?
The permit inspection is part of the timeline. A well-run project schedules it so it doesn’t hold up the rest of the work.