If your plumbing has been acting up lately — slow drains, rusty water, low pressure, or pipes that sound like they’re auditioning for a horror movie — you might be wondering if repiping is the answer. And once you hear the word repiping, the next question pops up almost immediately:

How long does it take to repipe a house?

Great question. The truth is, repiping sounds like a massive project, but it usually moves faster than most people expect. In this guide, we’ll break down the actual timeline, what affects it, what happens during the process, and how to prepare your home so everything goes smoothly.

The goal?
To give you a clear, friendly, real-world explanation without the confusing jargon.

Let’s dive in.

In This Article

What Does “Repiping a House” Actually Mean?

Before talking timelines, let’s make sure we’re on the same page.

Repiping means replacing all (or most) of the water supply pipes inside your home. This includes removing old, worn-out, leaking, or unsafe pipes and installing brand-new lines — usually made of copper, PEX, or CPVC.

You’re not replacing drains or sewer lines.
You’re not tearing down the whole house.
You’re simply upgrading the plumbing system that delivers clean water to your sinks, showers, and appliances.

Pretty straightforward, right?

So, How Long Does It Take to Repipe a House?

Here’s the simple answer:

Most homes take 1–5 days to repipe.
A full cleanup and patchwork process can add 3–7 more days, depending on your contractor and materials.

In total, expect 4–12 days from start to finish.

But why such a wide range? Many factors affect the schedule — and some might surprise you.

Let’s break them down.

Factors That Affect How Long Repiping Takes

1. The Size of the House

This is the biggest one.

Small homes (1–2 bathrooms): 1–2 days
Medium homes (2–3 bathrooms): 2–4 days
Large homes (4+ bathrooms): 3–5 days

More bathrooms = more pipes = more time.

2. Type of Pipe Being Installed

Different materials have different installation times.

PEX piping: Fastest to install
CPVC: Slightly longer
Copper: Usually takes the most time because it requires more precise work

And yes, the material you choose can affect the cost too.

3. Age and Layout of Your Home

Older homes tend to be trickier.

Why?

Because:

Walls may be thick or fragile
Pipes may be hidden behind plaster
Crawlspaces might be tight
Wiring may complicate access

If your home has multiple stories, unusual floor plans, or lots of corners, installation naturally takes longer.

4. Accessibility

If plumbers can easily reach your pipes, the job is fast.
If everything is cramped or blocked, even a simple repipe becomes slow.

For example:

Low crawlspaces slow workers down
Slab foundations require innovative routing
Cabinets and built-ins can obstruct access

5. The Crew Size

A two-person team works slower than a full crew of six.

Pro tip:
Always ask your contractor how many people will be working on your home. It makes a huge difference.

6. Patchwork and Finishing Time

Many homeowners forget this part.

Once the new pipes are installed, walls have to be patched, textured, and repainted. This alone can take anywhere from 2 to 7 days depending on scheduling and drying time.

What Happens During the Repiping Process?

If you’ve never been through it, the whole idea might feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple walkthrough of what actually happens.

Step 1: Inspection and Planning (1–2 hours)

The plumber checks your existing system, takes measurements, and plans the routing.

Step 2: Protecting Your Home (1–2 hours)

Workers lay down plastic sheets, cover furniture, and make sure your floors and belongings stay clean.

Step 3: Cutting Access Holes (1 day or less)

Small holes are made behind sinks, in closets, and in walls — just enough to reach old pipes.

Don’t worry, they’re usually about the size of a book.

Step 4: Removing Old Pipes (Varies)

Old pipes are cut out. Some lines may be abandoned behind walls if removal would cause unnecessary damage.

Step 5: Installing New Pipes (1–3 days)

This is the biggest chunk of the timeline.

PEX is fastest, copper is slowest.

Step 6: Connecting Fixtures & Testing (Few hours)

Plumbers test water pressure, check for leaks, and make sure everything flows correctly.

Step 7: Wall Repair & Clean-Up (2–7 days)

A separate crew may handle this part. They patch, texture, and paint the areas where holes were made.

Do You Have to Leave Your Home During Repiping?

Good news: Most homeowners stay home throughout the process.

You might lose water for several hours each day, but plumbers usually restore it by nighttime — especially in bathroom-heavy homes.

Expect:

Some dust
Noise
Workers going in and out

If you work from home or have toddlers, pets, or elderly family members, plan accordingly.

How Long Does Water Stay Turned Off?

This is the part most people worry about.

Water is usually turned off for:

4–6 hours per day during installation
Sometimes one full day for final connection

You won’t lose water for the entire project unless something unusual happens.

Signs You Actually Need to Repipe Your House

Before committing, make sure you’re repiping for the right reasons.

Here are the biggest red flags:

Rusty, brown, or yellow water
Frequent leaks or bursts
Noticeably low water pressure
Old galvanized steel pipes
Strange-tasting water
Repeated plumbing repairs
Water that fluctuates from hot to cold quickly

If you’re experiencing several of these issues, repiping is often the most cost-effective fix.

Tips to Make Repiping Faster and Easier

Want to reduce the timeline even further? Here’s what actually helps.

1. Clear the Work Areas

Move furniture, empty under-sink cabinets, and clear closets where pipes run.

This alone can shave hours off the work.

2. Discuss Pipe Routing Early

Ask your plumber about alternatives that save time, like running pipes through the attic.

3. Choose the Right Material

PEX is usually fastest and most flexible.

4. Hire a Well-Staffed Team

A bigger crew = a shorter project.

5. Confirm If They Handle Wall Repairs

Some companies include patching, others don’t. Knowing early helps you plan.

Is Repiping Worth It?

In most cases, yes — especially if your house is old.

Benefits include:

Clean, safe water
Higher home value
Stronger water pressure
Fewer plumbing emergencies
Peace of mind

Plus, modern materials last decades.

PEX can last 50+ years, and copper even longer.

How Much Does Repiping Usually Cost?

While this article focuses on time, cost is still part of the equation.

Typical repipe ranges:

Small home: $3,000–$8,000
Medium home: $8,000–$15,000
Large home: $15,000–$30,000+

Material choice, local labor rates, and home design heavily influence the final price.

If you’re financing home repairs, you may want to read related guides like:

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to repipe a house?

Usually just 1–5 days for the installation and up to a week more for wall repairs.

The total timeline depends on your home’s size, layout, pipe material, and how easy it is to access your plumbing.

Repiping might sound intimidating, but with the right team, it’s a relatively quick project that brings massive long-term benefits.

If your plumbing is giving you constant problems, rusty water, or pressure issues, don’t ignore the signs. A repipe might be exactly what your home needs.

FAQ: How Long Does It Take to Repipe a House?

1. Will I have running water during the repiping process?

Yes, most of the time. Water may be turned off for 4–6 hours a day, but plumbers typically restore it each evening.

2. Does repiping require tearing down walls?

Only small access holes are needed. Full wall demolition is extremely rare.

3. How long do repipe materials last?

PEX lasts 40–60 years. Copper often lasts even longer with proper maintenance.

4. Can I repipe one room instead of the whole house?

Yes, but partial repipes often cost more per foot and aren’t always the best long-term solution.

5. Is repiping messy?

Expect dust and noise, but crews cover furniture and clean up after the work.