Repiping and rewiring Fix it while it is open
Repiping and rewiring replace a home’s water supply pipes, drains or electrical wiring, ideally while walls are already open during a renovation. What matters most is deciding before drywall goes back up: old galvanized pipe and ungrounded or knob-and-tube wiring are far easier to replace with the framing exposed. Call 804-566-7669.
How it works
- Call 804-566-7669Your call connects to an independent contractor in your area.
- Talk it throughSay what you want done, the age of the house and when you hope to start.
- Get it in writingScope, schedule and price on paper before any work starts. Then you decide.
1What repiping and rewiring involves
Repiping usually means replacing supply lines, the pipes that carry pressurized water to fixtures. Older homes often have galvanized steel pipe, which corrodes inside over decades and causes low pressure, rusty water and leaks. Some homes have polybutylene, a gray plastic pipe with a history of failures. Replacements are typically PEX or copper. With walls open, drains and vents can be updated too, especially old cast iron or galvanized drain lines. A plumber can tell you which lines are worth replacing.
Rewiring replaces old branch circuits and often the panel. Warning signs include knob-and-tube wiring, two-prong ungrounded outlets, cloth-insulated cable, aluminum branch wiring in some homes, or a panel too small for modern loads. New circuits usually need to meet current code, which in many places means AFCI protection for living areas and GFCI protection near water, in kitchens, baths, laundry rooms and garages. An electrician also checks grounding and the service size.
Open walls also make it easy to add what you will want later: more outlets, dedicated kitchen circuits, a circuit for an EV charger or heat pump, network cable, and pipe for a future bathroom or laundry. Running these now costs a fraction of the disruption it would take after drywall. Both trades rough in their work, then an inspector checks it before insulation and drywall cover it.
How the work usually goes
- Assess existing systemsA plumber and electrician identify pipe and wire types, their condition, and what code updates new work will trigger.
- Plan the new layoutMap fixtures, outlets, switches, lighting and any future needs so runs can be placed while the framing is open.
- Remove old pipe and wireOld lines are disconnected and pulled out, or abandoned in place where removal is not practical and allowed.
- Rough in new systemsNew supply lines, drains, vents and wiring are run through the framing, with protection plates where they pass near the face of studs.
- Test and inspectPlumbing is pressure tested, circuits are checked, and rough-in inspections are passed before walls are closed.
- Trim out after drywallFixtures, outlets, switches and devices are installed once drywall and paint are done, followed by final inspection.
2What decides it
Need old pipes or wiring replaced?
3Common mistakes
- Closing walls over old systemsNew drywall over galvanized pipe or ungrounded wiring means opening finished walls later. Decide on replacement before insulation goes in.
- Replacing only part of the pipeConnecting new pipe to old galvanized sections leaves the weak link in place. Replace runs back to the main where practical.
- Ignoring panel capacityNew circuits can overload an old panel or small service. Have the electrician check capacity before planning added loads.
- Not planning for the futureAdding a circuit or pipe run later is much harder. Think about future appliances, chargers, baths or laundry now.
4When to call a pro
Need old pipes or wiring replaced?
Talk to a local contractor about it today.
5Questions
What happens when I call?
Your call to 804-566-7669 connects to an independent local contractor. Describe the project, ask your questions, and decide whether you want a quote. Calling does not commit you to anything. iLikeToFix earns a referral fee when a call connects; here is how that works.
How do I know if my house needs repiping?
Common signs are low water pressure, discolored or rusty water, frequent leaks and visibly corroded pipe. Galvanized steel and polybutylene are the two pipe types most often replaced. Look where pipes are exposed, such as in the basement or near the water heater: galvanized is gray metal with threaded fittings, while polybutylene is usually gray plastic. A plumber can confirm what you have.
Is knob-and-tube wiring dangerous?
Knob-and-tube is very old wiring with no ground wire, and its insulation can become brittle with age. It was not designed for modern loads or for being buried in insulation, and it is often spliced into by later work. Many insurers and lenders ask about it. Whether it needs replacement depends on its condition, but most homeowners replace it when walls are open.
PEX or copper: which is better for repiping?
Both are widely used. PEX is flexible, needs fewer fittings, and is usually faster to install, which can lower labor. Copper is rigid, long-lasting and handles heat well, but costs more in material and labor. Local code, water chemistry and the plumber’s experience all play a part. Many repipes use PEX for supply lines, with copper or other materials in specific spots.
Can you rewire a house without opening every wall?
Often, yes. Electricians can fish new cable through walls from the attic, basement or small access holes, which limits drywall damage. It is slower and leaves patching to do. When walls are already open for a renovation, rewiring is faster and lets the electrician place outlets, switches and lighting exactly where you want them.
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Repiping and rewiring start with one call
Talk to a local contractor. Calling does not commit you to anything.