Copper Repiping Service
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Copper repiping services remove failed polybutylene, corroded galvanized steel, and pinhole-prone supply lines and replace them with Type L or Type M copper pipe that delivers full pressure, eliminates metallic-tasting water, and carries a service life exceeding 50 years. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers design the new system using International Plumbing Code fixture unit calculations, install dielectric unions at every dissimilar-metal junction to prevent galvanic corrosion, and join all runs with ProPress fittings or lead-free soldered connections rated for the full pipe service life. The American Society of Plumbing Engineers identifies copper as having the longest proven residential supply service record, with documented installations exceeding 80 years.
Copper repiping is the complete replacement of a home’s water supply piping with new copper tubing, typically Type L (medium wall thickness) for underground and high-pressure applications or Type M (thin wall) for interior above-ground runs. Copper repiping restores water pressure, eliminates leaks, and removes contamination risks from corroded or failed pipe materials. — Bonded Plumbworks
Many homes built between 1960 and 1995 contain supply piping that has reached its service life, including galvanized steel, polybutylene, and early CPVC. Copper repiping replaces these materials with a system rated for 50 to 70 years of reliable service.
What Is Copper Repiping
Copper repiping is the process of removing an entire home’s existing water supply lines and replacing them with new copper tubing connected via soldered joints, ProPress mechanical fittings, or compression connections. Copper pipe Type L is the standard for residential supply lines because its medium wall thickness provides the corrosion margin needed for decades of service while remaining workable for field soldering during copper repiping projects. The copper tubing system includes both hot and cold supply lines from the main water entry point to every fixture, appliance, and outdoor connection in the home.
Type L copper tubing has a wall thickness of 0.040 inches for 1/2-inch diameter and 0.045 inches for 3/4-inch diameter, providing greater pressure resistance and corrosion margin than Type M. The Copper Development Association recommends Type L for all underground installations and Type L or M for interior residential applications. — Bonded Plumbworks
Copper is joined using either traditional solder (lead-free solder meeting ASTM B32 requirements) or ProPress mechanical press fittings that create watertight connections without flame. Both methods produce joints rated for the full service life of the pipe.
When to Schedule Copper Repiping
Copper repiping replaces failed polybutylene, corroded galvanized steel, and pinhole-prone existing copper with a permanent, corrosion-resistant supply system.
Consider copper repiping when any of the following conditions exist:
- Your home has polybutylene (gray flexible pipe) supply lines known for premature failure
- Galvanized steel pipes have restricted water flow due to internal corrosion buildup
- Galvanized pipe replacement is overdue — water pressure at the farthest fixture reads below 35 PSI against 60 PSI municipal supply, confirming the internal scaling that copper repiping eliminates permanently
- Multiple pinhole leaks have occurred in existing copper lines due to aggressive water chemistry
- Water pressure has decreased noticeably at multiple fixtures
- Discolored or metallic-tasting water comes from hot or cold taps
- Your existing CPVC pipe shows yellowing, brittleness, or has failed at fittings
- You are renovating and want to upgrade the plumbing system for long-term reliability
- Your insurance company requires repiping to maintain or renew your homeowner’s policy
The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) identifies copper as having the longest proven service record among residential supply piping materials, with documented installations exceeding 80 years.
How Copper Repiping Works
Step 1: System Design and Planning
Our plumber maps the existing supply line layout, identifies all fixture connections, and designs the new copper system with optimized pipe routing. We select pipe diameters based on fixture unit calculations per the International Plumbing Code to ensure adequate pressure and flow at every outlet. We plan access points to minimize wall openings and drywall disruption.
Copper Repiping inspection gives you a live view of the problem before any work starts. You review the findings and approve the quote before any repair begins.
Step 2: Water Shut-Off and Existing Pipe Removal
We shut off the main water supply and drain the existing system. Old piping is removed through planned access openings in walls, ceilings, and floors. We carefully remove all defunct pipe material to prevent future confusion during maintenance or inspections. A dielectric union is installed at every point where new copper pipe connects to existing steel or galvanized components — the union’s insulating barrier prevents galvanic corrosion that would otherwise attack the copper repiping at the dissimilar-metal junction.
Step 3: New Copper Installation
New copper lines are run from the main shut-off through the home to each fixture. Hot and cold lines are routed separately with proper spacing. We use Type L copper for main trunk lines and any below-slab runs, and Type L or M for interior branch lines. Joints are made using lead-free solder or ProPress fittings per code requirements. Every joint receives visual inspection during installation. Copper fittings — elbows for direction changes, tees for branch connections, and couplings for straight joins — are selected in the same type and wall thickness as the pipe to ensure uniform pressure ratings throughout the copper repiping system. Emery cloth abrades the outer surface of the pipe and inner surface of the fitting to remove oxidation before soldering — this preparation step ensures the solder bonds directly to bright copper and creates a leak-free joint critical to copper repiping longevity. A MAP-Pro torch burns 200 degrees hotter than propane, heating copper joints to soldering temperature faster and producing cleaner, more consistent solder flow during copper repiping — reducing the time each joint is exposed to flame near combustible wall materials. No-lead flux certified to NSF 61 (from brands like Oatey and LA-Co) chemically cleans the joint surfaces during the soldering process and draws molten solder into the fitting by capillary action — a mandatory material for copper repiping under the Safe Drinking Water Act’s lead-free requirements.
Step 4: Pressure Testing
Before closing walls, we pressurize the entire new system to 150 percent of operating pressure (typically 120 PSI test pressure) and hold for a minimum of two hours. Any pressure drop indicates a joint leak that is located and repaired immediately. This testing exceeds minimum code requirements for reliability assurance.
Step 5: Fixture Connection and System Activation
We connect all fixtures, water heaters, appliances, and outdoor hose bibbs to the new copper system. We restore water service, bleed air from the lines, and verify pressure and flow at every outlet. We test hot water delivery time at the farthest fixture to confirm proper system performance.
Benefits of Copper Repiping vs Alternative Materials
Copper offers distinct advantages over PEX and CPVC for homeowners prioritizing longevity and water quality. Copper is naturally bacteriostatic, inhibiting bacterial growth inside the pipe wall. It does not leach chemicals into the water supply and maintains structural integrity across a wide temperature range. Copper pipe is also fully recyclable, retaining significant scrap value at end of life.
Copper systems are compatible with all connection types and fixtures without requiring special transition fittings. The Copper Development Association documents that copper maintains consistent performance for 50 to 70 years in residential applications, compared to 25 to 40 years for PEX warranties and variable CPVC longevity depending on water chemistry.
Pricing for Copper Repiping
Copper repiping is a premium investment priced based on the home’s square footage, number of fixtures, pipe access difficulty, and whether slab work is required. Copper material costs more than PEX or CPVC, but the extended service life offsets the initial difference over the ownership period. Copper price fluctuation affects repiping quotes because copper is a commodity metal — material costs can vary 10 to 20 percent between the estimate date and project start. Bonded Plumbworks locks material pricing at the time of the signed copper repiping agreement to protect homeowners from market swings.
Bonded Plumbworks provides a detailed written estimate after the system design phase, itemizing materials, labor, and any necessary drywall or access restoration. Call (855) 557-9600 for a repiping consultation and quote.
Our Qualifications for Copper Repiping
Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed master and journeyman plumbers hold state-certified plumbing contractor licenses with extensive training in copper pipe soldering, brazing, and ProPress mechanical joining. Our technicians have completed hundreds of whole-house repiping projects since 2006 and maintain current certifications from the state licensing authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does copper repiping take?
A typical single-family home copper repiping takes two to four days depending on the home’s size, number of fixtures, and access complexity. We restore water service at the end of each work day when possible. Slab homes requiring concrete penetration may require additional time.
Is copper repiping worth the cost compared to PEX?
Copper costs more upfront but delivers a longer proven service life, better water quality characteristics, and higher home resale value. Copper is also the preferred material for many insurance companies. The right choice depends on your budget, how long you plan to own the home, and your priorities regarding water quality.
Will copper repiping increase my home value?
Yes. A new copper repiping system is a documented infrastructure upgrade that directly increases home value. Real estate inspectors and buyers recognize copper as the premium plumbing material. Complete repiping also removes obstacles during home sale inspections where failed or outdated piping triggers repair demands.
How much does copper repiping cost?
Copper Repiping typically costs $3,000 to $10,000 for a whole-house copper repipe depending on home size. The final price depends on the scope of work, accessibility, and materials required. Bonded Plumbworks provides a written estimate before starting any work, so you know the exact cost upfront. Call (855) 557-9600 for a free estimate.
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Schedule Your Copper Repiping
Upgrade your home’s water supply system with the premium durability of copper. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers provide expert copper repiping. Call (855) 557-9600 to schedule your repiping consultation today. Every copper repiping service includes a 90-day guarantee on copper repiping work, covering parts and labor.