Repiping means replacing the water supply lines inside your home, not the sewer or drain lines. It is a bigger job than a single repair, so we walk you through the scope and give a clear price before work starts.
Many Westminster homes were built in the 1960s and early 1970s, and plumbing from that era is now showing its age. If you only have one failing section, a burst pipe repair may be all you need. Our 24/7 phone line is there for urgent failures while you decide on a bigger plan.
Signs your pipes are due for replacement, not another patch
One leak does not mean a repipe. A pattern does. Brown or rusty water after the tap sits, pressure that has dropped across the whole house, and pinhole leaks that keep reappearing in different places all point to pipes that are wearing out from the inside.
Check under sinks and in the garage for green crust on copper, flaking on galvanized steel and damp spots on drywall. Repeated repairs on the same system can cost more over time than replacing it.
Warning signs to watch for
- Brown, yellow or metallic-tasting water
- Low pressure at several fixtures
- Pinhole leaks or green stains on copper
- Water bills rising with no change in use
- Wet drywall, stained ceilings or musty smells
- Several repairs in the past couple of years
What a 1971 Westminster tract home has behind its walls
The median home here dates to about 1971, and most neighborhoods were built during the 1960s boom. Homes from that period often have copper that has been in service for fifty years, and some older additions and mobile homes use galvanized steel or early plastic.
The City of Westminster reports no lead or galvanized service lines needing replacement in its inventory. That covers the pipe from the main to the meter. Your house piping on the property side is a separate matter, and that is what a repipe replaces.
Need repiping in Westminster? Our phone line is open 24/7.
Call (714) 750-8637PEX or copper: which fits your house
Both materials work well. PEX is flexible, faster to install and easier to route through existing walls. Copper is rigid, has a long track record and handles heat well.
Water chemistry matters too. Westminster water is hard, averaging roughly 14.7 grains per gallon, and slightly alkaline at pH 7.9. Hard water scales inside any hot water line, so a softener or filter is worth considering with either material.
| Factor | PEX | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Install time | Shorter, flexible routing | Longer, more fittings |
| Wall damage | Usually less drywall opened | Often more access needed |
| Cost | Generally lower materials cost | Generally higher materials cost |
| Heat and sunlight | Not for UV exposure | Tolerates exposure |
| Lifespan | Long when installed properly | Long, but can pinhole |
| Noise | Quieter | Can tick or hammer |
Slab homes, attics and crawlspaces: how the pipes get routed
If your house is on a concrete slab, that changes the plan. Ask whether an electrician needs to check the electrical ground, since some homes bond it to the metal water pipe. Rather than breaking the floor, new lines are usually run through the attic and down the walls. This avoids the slab and keeps flooring intact.
If your supply lines run under the slab and have started to leak, a slab leak repair or a reroute may be the sensible alternative to a full repipe. Your plumber will tell you which route fits the layout of the house.
Same-day appointments are offered when available. Call to ask about repiping.
Call (714) 750-8637What a repipe day looks like
A repipe is done in stages so the water is off as little as possible. Here is the typical sequence, though the details change with the house.
- 1
Walk-through and plan
We look at the layout, fixtures and access, then lay out the new routes and give you a price.
- 2
Shut off and open access
Water is shut off at the main, and small openings are cut where lines pass through walls.
- 3
Run new lines
New supply lines are routed to each fixture, and connections are made at the water heater and main.
- 4
Test, restore and patch
The system is pressure-tested, water is turned back on, and drywall openings are closed or left ready for finishing.
Expect water to be off for part of a day or longer, depending on house size. Plan for showers, cooking and laundry elsewhere.
Mobile homes and older additions
Roughly 10 percent of Westminster housing is mobile homes. Their supply lines run under the floor and through narrow spaces, so the plan is different from a block-and-stucco house. PEX is often favored there because it bends around framing.
Older room additions can mix materials, such as copper meeting galvanized. Those transitions corrode first. We check each connection when we plan the job.
Permits, inspection and drywall
Repiping is major work, so ask the City Building Division at 8200 Westminster Blvd, (714) 548-3254, whether a permit applies. They are open for walk-ins on weekdays. Permitted work gets inspected, which matters when you sell the house.
Opening walls means drywall patching. Ask what is included in the price and what is left for a drywall or paint contractor. We explain the scope up front so there are no surprises.
Ask what is included: water heater connections, shutoff valves, wall patching and haul-away. Confirm the permit question with the Building Division so inspection timing is built into the schedule.
Cost, timing and what changes the price
Whole-house repiping can reach several thousand dollars, and the range varies a lot by job. What moves the price: house size, number of bathrooms, material, how many walls need opening, and whether the water heater and valves are replaced at the same time.
We give a clear price before work starts. Same-day appointments are offered when available, and our installation work can handle new fixtures while the walls are open.
According to the City of Westminster's 2024 Water Quality Report, the city's lead service line inventory found none needing lead or galvanized replacement, so repiping decisions here focus on the home's own pipes. Work follows the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5), and the Building Division can say whether a permit applies.
Repiping questions from Westminster homeowners
How do I know if I need a repipe or just a repair?
A single leak in an otherwise sound system is a repair. Repeated pinholes, discolored water and low pressure across the house point to a repipe. A plumber can look at the pipe condition and give you a plain opinion.
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
It depends on the size of the house and how easy the access is. Many jobs take a day or a few days. Water will be off for part of that time.
Will repiping make a mess of my walls?
Some drywall openings are normal. PEX often needs fewer openings than copper. We explain what gets patched and what you will need to finish.
Is PEX better than copper?
Neither is better in every case. PEX installs faster and costs less in many homes. Copper is rigid, durable and handles heat. The right choice depends on the house and your preferences.
Do I need a permit to repipe my house in Westminster?
Ask the City Building Division at (714) 548-3254 whether a permit applies to your job. They can tell you what is required.
Does the city need to replace the line to my house?
The City reports no lead or galvanized service lines needing replacement. That is the city-side line. Your house plumbing is a separate matter.