Repiping a house sounds disruptive, and it can be. The good news is that most of the stress comes from the unknowns, and the unknowns are mostly questions you can get answered before work starts.

United Plumbing provides whole house repiping in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral and across Southwest Florida. This guide explains when repiping makes sense, what moves the cost and the timeline, and what to expect while the work is underway.

When Repiping Makes Sense

• Polybutylene pipe: a known failure risk in homes from roughly 1978 to the mid 1990s. See our guide to polybutylene pipes in Florida.
• Galvanized steel: older pipe that corrodes from the inside, causing low pressure and discolored water.
• Corroded or pinhole-leaking copper: water chemistry can wear copper, and repeated pinholes point to a system-wide problem. See copper vs PEX repiping.
• Repeated leaks: if you keep fixing leaks in different places, the pipes are telling you something.
• A major remodel: if the walls are open anyway, it can be the cheapest time to replace the pipes.

Not every leak means a repipe. A single leak can often be repaired, and leak detection can find the source so you can decide with facts.

What Drives Repiping Cost

We do not publish price ranges, because a repipe is priced to the house. These are the factors that move the number:

United Plumbing gives a written, upfront quote. Financing is available on qualifying projects, subject to credit approval. For how plumbers price work generally, see how much a plumber costs in Fort Myers.

A good repipe quote answers three questions in writing: what pipe goes in, what happens to the walls, and when the water is off.

How A Repipe Works

• 1. Assessment and quote: the plumber inspects the existing pipe, access and fixtures, and quotes the scope in writing.
• 2. Permit and scheduling: permits are handled where required, and the work is scheduled.
• 3. Preparation: the home is protected and the water shutoff plan is set.
• 4. New lines: new supply lines are run, in many Southwest Florida homes through the attic and walls, and connected to the main, the water heater and each fixture.
• 5. Access openings: small openings are cut in drywall where needed to reach the pipes.
• 6. Testing and inspection: the new system is pressure tested and inspected.
• 7. Flush and restore: the system is flushed, and patching and paint are handled if they are part of the agreement.

How Long Does A Repipe Take?

There is no single answer, because the timeline depends on the house. Instead of a quick promise, ask for a written schedule that shows when the water will be off each day and when inspections are planned. These factors move it:

Living Through A Repipe

• Plan for water interruptions: the water is off for stretches while sections are replaced. Plan showers, cooking and laundry around the schedule.
• Clear the way: move items away from walls, closets and under-sink areas where the crew will work.
• Expect some dust: drywall openings create dust, so ask how the crew protects floors and furniture.
• Ask what happens each day: a plain daily plan removes most of the stress.
• After the work: run the faucets, check for leaks and keep the permit, inspection and invoice records.

If a pipe does fail before the project, our 24/7 emergency plumbing team can respond, and what counts as a plumbing emergency explains the first steps. For larger buildings, see commercial repiping and how to minimize downtime.

Sources and Further Reading

• InterNACHI, polybutylene for inspectors: nachi.org
• Florida DBPR, verify a contractor's license: myfloridalicense.com
• More guides from United: Fort Myers plumbing articles.

About the author: United Plumbing Inc has been the Fort Myers plumber for residential, commercial and new construction customers since 1980. Licensed technicians repipe homes across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples and the barrier islands. Florida License CFC 1433130. Head office: 3560 Teeside Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33916. Reviewed by United Plumbing's service management team. Last updated October 2026.