Repiping replaces the supply lines inside a house, usually with PEX or copper. It is a big decision, so it should follow a real diagnosis. Repeated pinhole leaks, rust-colored water and falling pressure are the usual reasons people call.
Call (805) 249-7135 any hour to talk through what you are seeing. The line is open 24/7, and same-day appointments are offered when available. If a pipe is leaking right now, shut off the main first.
Signs the pipes are past repair
- More than one pinhole leak in the same year, even if each was fixed.
- Brown or orange water from the tap after it has sat overnight.
- Water pressure that has fallen over time, especially at distant fixtures.
- Green or white crust on copper joints and fittings.
- Galvanized pipe that is visibly rusted or narrowed at the threads.
One leak in a pipe that is otherwise sound is a repair. A pattern is the case for repiping. Before deciding, a short leak detection visit can confirm that supply lines are actually the problem and not a drain.
Pipe materials compared
| Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Typical call |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEX | Flexible, resistant to scale and pitting, quick to install | Not for outdoor sun exposure, needs correct fittings | Most whole-house repipes |
| Copper type L or M | Long record, fire and heat tolerant | Can pit in some water, higher material cost | Homeowners who want metal |
| Galvanized steel | Common in older homes | Corrodes from inside, restricts flow | Replace, do not patch |
| CPVC | Easy to work | Can become brittle over time | Replace when cracking appears |
We recommend PEX in most cases, and copper where you want it. The choice should fit your walls, your budget and your water.
Thinking about a repipe?
Call for an honest diagnosis. The line is open 24/7 and same-day visits are offered when available.
Lompoc water and what it does to pipe
The City of Lompoc's 2025 water quality report lists a pH near 8.4, average hardness near 293 ppm and sulfate near 424 ppm. In August 2025 the city's sampling of 32 homes found no sites over the lead or copper action levels.
That tells you about the water as delivered. It does not tell you how a 40 year old galvanized line inside a specific house looks. Scale from hard water narrows pipe over time, and old steel corrodes from the inside regardless of water quality. We look at the pipe itself before recommending anything.
Water service lines: the pipe from the meter to the house
The water service line carries water from the meter to the house. It is a separate pipe from the plumbing inside, and it is the owner's side of the meter. California licensing for plumbing contractors covers water and gas piping from the utility meter to the structure.
Service line leaks can be silent for months, and they sometimes appear as wet soil, a green patch in the lawn or a high bill. Low pressure through the whole house with no outage is another sign. Replacement can often be done by trenching or by pulling a new line through the old one. Any addition or relocation of water lines requires a permit under the Lompoc building division's rules.
What a whole-house repipe involves
Inspect and plan
We trace the lines, locate the manifold and plan wall access.
Shut off and open access
Water is off for part of the day while small openings are made.
Run new lines
Supply lines run to each fixture, usually in a day or two.
Test and patch
Pressure test, inspection where required and drywall patches.
Most houses are repiped in one to three days. You can stay home, though water is off during part of the work. Drywall patching is separate unless you ask us to include it.
What to do before a repipe starts
- Clear the areas under sinks and around the water heater and main valve.
- Plan for water to be off for part of each day and store drinking water.
- Move pictures and shelves away from walls where access holes will be cut.
- Do not use damaged fixtures or a failing water heater during the job.
- Take photos of walls and ceilings first so condition is on record.
What affects the price of repiping
Insurance rarely pays for repiping, but may cover resulting damage. You get a clear price before work starts. Call (805) 249-7135, or see how we help in Santa Maria.
A repipe is a replacement of the water system, so plan on a City of Lompoc permit and inspection. Pipe, fittings and pressure testing follow the California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5, 2025 edition, effective January 1, 2026), which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
Repiping questions, answered
The 24/7 line is open all hours. If a line is leaking now, shut the main off and ask for a same-day visit when availability allows.
Most homes take one to three days, depending on size and access.
The Lompoc building division says additions or relocations of water lines always need one. Confirm details at the counter.
PEX approved for potable water is widely used in California. We use fittings rated for the pipe.
Replace the service line alone. It does not require repiping the house.
Yes, if the pipe is otherwise sound. See burst pipe repair for the repair route.