Repiping your entire home is one of the biggest plumbing investments you’ll ever make—but for many Chattanooga homeowners with aging pipes, it’s also one of the most important.
Homes built before 1990 often have galvanized steel or early copper pipes that are reaching the end of their lifespan. Waiting until pipes fail can mean water damage, mold, and emergency repairs that cost far more than planned repiping.
This guide covers everything Chattanooga homeowners need to know about whole-house repiping.
📋 Cost Disclaimer: Repiping costs vary significantly based on home size, accessibility, and materials. The estimates provided are typical ranges—get quotes from multiple local plumbers for accurate pricing. Find repiping contractors in our directory.
When Does a Home Need Repiping?
Age of Pipes
Different pipe materials have different lifespans:
| Pipe Material | Expected Lifespan | Common in Chattanooga Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | 40-50 years | Pre-1960 |
| Copper | 50-70 years | 1960-2000 |
| CPVC | 20-25 years | 1980-2000 |
| PEX | 40-50+ years | 2000-present |
| Polybutylene | 10-15 years | 1978-1995 (problematic) |
If your home has galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, repiping should be a priority.
Warning Signs
Consider repiping if you’re experiencing:
Water quality issues:
- Rusty or discolored water
- Metallic taste
- Sediment in water
- Staining on fixtures
Pressure problems:
- Low water pressure throughout the house
- Pressure that’s gotten worse over time
- Uneven pressure between fixtures
Frequent leaks:
- Multiple pinhole leaks
- Leaks in different locations
- Slab leaks
Visible pipe deterioration:
- Corrosion on exposed pipes
- Discoloration or flaking
- Bulging or warping
Chattanooga-Specific Factors
Several local factors accelerate pipe deterioration:
Hard water: Chattanooga’s moderately hard water (6-10 gpg) accelerates corrosion, especially in copper pipes.
Clay soil: Our expansive clay soil puts stress on underground pipes as it expands and contracts.
Older housing stock: Many Chattanooga neighborhoods (North Shore, St. Elmo, Highland Park, Ridgedale) have homes 50-100+ years old with original plumbing.
Pipe Material Options
PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
The most popular choice for modern repiping.
Pros:
- Flexible—fewer fittings, faster installation
- Resistant to scale and chlorine
- Won’t corrode
- Freeze-resistant (can expand slightly)
- Quieter than copper (no water hammer)
- Less expensive than copper
Cons:
- Can’t be used outdoors (UV damage)
- Some concerns about long-term chemical leaching (though approved for potable water)
- Rodents can chew through it
Cost: $0.50 - $1.00 per linear foot (material only)
Best for: Most residential repiping projects
Copper
The traditional choice, still preferred by some.
Pros:
- Proven track record (50+ years)
- Biostatic (inhibits bacteria growth)
- Recyclable
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Higher resale value perception
Cons:
- More expensive
- Requires soldering (more labor)
- Can corrode in acidic water
- Susceptible to pinhole leaks
- Rigid—requires more fittings
Cost: $2.00 - $4.00 per linear foot (material only)
Best for: Homeowners who prefer traditional materials, homes with acidic water
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
A rigid plastic alternative.
Pros:
- Less expensive than copper
- Won’t corrode
- Easy to work with
Cons:
- Brittle—can crack over time
- Sensitive to certain chemicals
- Shorter lifespan than PEX or copper
- Can become brittle with age
Cost: $0.50 - $1.00 per linear foot (material only)
Best for: Budget-conscious projects, though PEX is usually preferred
Our Recommendation
For most Chattanooga homes, PEX is the best choice for repiping. It’s affordable, durable, and well-suited to our water conditions. The flexibility also means faster installation and fewer potential leak points.
The Repiping Process
Step 1: Assessment and Quote
A qualified plumber will:
- Inspect your current plumbing
- Determine the scope of work
- Discuss material options
- Provide a detailed written estimate
This typically takes 1-2 hours and may be free or have a small fee.
Step 2: Permits
Whole-house repiping requires permits in Chattanooga. Your plumber should handle this, including:
- Permit application
- Plan submission (if required)
- Scheduling inspections
Step 3: Preparation
Before work begins:
- Clear areas around plumbing access points
- Protect furniture and belongings
- Plan for water shutoff (usually 1-3 days)
- Arrange alternative water if needed
Step 4: Demolition and Access
Plumbers need access to pipes, which may require:
- Cutting holes in drywall
- Removing sections of ceiling
- Accessing crawl space or attic
- Working in basement or utility areas
A good plumber minimizes damage and plans access points strategically.
Step 5: Pipe Installation
New pipes are run throughout the house:
- Main supply lines
- Branch lines to each fixture
- Hot and cold water lines
- Shut-off valves at fixtures
Step 6: Connection and Testing
Once pipes are installed:
- Connected to main water supply
- Connected to all fixtures
- Pressure tested for leaks
- Flushed to remove debris
Step 7: Inspection
City/county inspector verifies:
- Proper materials used
- Correct installation methods
- Code compliance
- No leaks
Step 8: Restoration
After inspection approval:
- Drywall patched
- Holes repaired
- Cleanup completed
Note: Most repiping quotes include basic patching but not painting or finish work.
Timeline
| Home Size | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Small (1-2 bath) | 2-3 days |
| Medium (2-3 bath) | 3-5 days |
| Large (4+ bath) | 5-7 days |
Add time for drywall repair and painting if included.
Repiping Costs in Chattanooga
Price Factors
1. Home size
- Square footage
- Number of bathrooms
- Number of fixtures
2. Pipe material
- PEX: Least expensive
- Copper: Most expensive
- CPVC: Mid-range
3. Accessibility
- Slab foundation: More expensive (may require rerouting)
- Crawl space: Easier access, lower cost
- Multi-story: More complex, higher cost
4. Current pipe location
- Pipes in walls: Standard
- Pipes in slab: May need rerouting
- Pipes in concrete: Most expensive
5. Restoration needs
- Basic patching: Usually included
- Drywall finishing: May be extra
- Painting: Usually not included
Cost Ranges
| Home Type | PEX Repiping | Copper Repiping |
|---|---|---|
| Small (1,000 sq ft, 1 bath) | $4,000 - $6,000 | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Medium (1,500 sq ft, 2 bath) | $5,000 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $14,000 |
| Large (2,500 sq ft, 3 bath) | $8,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Very Large (3,500+ sq ft, 4+ bath) | $12,000 - $18,000 | $18,000 - $30,000 |
Slab foundation homes: Add 20-40% for rerouting pipes through attic/walls instead of under slab.
Repiping vs. Spot Repairs
When does full repiping make more sense than fixing individual problems?
Choose Spot Repairs When:
- Pipes are relatively new (under 30 years)
- Only one or two problem areas
- Issues are isolated, not systemic
- Budget is very limited
Choose Full Repiping When:
- Pipes are galvanized steel or polybutylene
- Multiple leaks in different locations
- Widespread corrosion
- Planning to stay in home long-term
- Doing major renovation anyway
- Water quality issues throughout house
Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Spot Repairs (5 years) | Full Repipe |
|---|---|---|
| 3 leak repairs | $1,500 - $3,000 | — |
| Water damage restoration | $2,000 - $5,000 | — |
| Emergency calls | $500 - $1,000 | — |
| Ongoing issues | Stress, inconvenience | — |
| Total | $4,000 - $9,000 | $5,000 - $10,000 |
Full repiping often costs similar to years of repairs—with the benefit of solving the problem permanently.
Choosing a Repiping Contractor
What to Look For
Experience
- Ask specifically about whole-house repiping experience
- Request photos of previous work
- Ask for references from repiping customers
Licensing
- Valid Tennessee plumbing contractor license
- Verify at verify.tn.gov
Insurance
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation
Detailed Quote
- Itemized estimate
- Material specifications
- Timeline
- What’s included in restoration
- Payment schedule
Warranty
- Labor warranty (minimum 1-2 years)
- Material warranty (varies by manufacturer)
Questions to Ask
- How many whole-house repipes have you completed?
- What material do you recommend and why?
- How will you minimize damage to walls and ceilings?
- What’s included in the restoration?
- How long will we be without water?
- Do you pull permits and schedule inspections?
- What warranty do you offer?
Red Flags
- Won’t provide license number
- No written estimate
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Quote significantly lower than others
- Suggests skipping permits
- Can’t provide references
Living Through a Repipe
Prepare For:
Water shutoff
- Usually 1-3 days without water
- Plan for bathing, cooking, toilet use
- Stock bottled water
- Consider staying elsewhere
Noise and disruption
- Cutting, drilling, hammering
- Workers in your home
- Dust and debris
Access needs
- Clear areas around plumbing
- Move furniture if needed
- Protect belongings from dust
Tips for Survival
- Schedule during mild weather (no AC/heat issues)
- Use a gym for showers
- Stock paper plates and utensils
- Fill bathtub before shutoff for flushing toilets
- Keep pets secured away from work areas
- Communicate with your plumber daily
After the Repipe
Immediate Steps
- Run all faucets to flush debris
- Check for any leaks
- Test water pressure
- Verify hot water at all fixtures
Long-Term Benefits
- Better water pressure throughout the house
- Cleaner water without rust or sediment
- Peace of mind knowing pipes won’t fail
- Lower insurance risk with modern plumbing
- Increased home value with updated plumbing
Maintenance
New pipes require minimal maintenance:
- Annual visual inspection of exposed pipes
- Check shut-off valves work properly
- Address any issues promptly
Key Takeaways
- Galvanized and polybutylene pipes should be replaced
- PEX is the best choice for most Chattanooga homes
- Expect to pay $5,000-$15,000 for typical homes
- Full repiping often costs similar to years of repairs
- Choose experienced contractors with proper licensing
- Plan for 2-5 days of disruption
Ready to discuss repiping? Browse our directory of licensed Chattanooga plumbers who specialize in whole-house repiping.