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What Actually Happens During a Whole-House Repipe in Sacramento

If you’ve got rusty water, constant leaks, or pipes that rattle like they’re ready to fall apart — repiping may be the fix.

At Golden Valley Plumbing, we do whole-house repipes in Sacramento all the time, and most homeowners have no idea what actually happens during the process. It’s not just “pulling out the old stuff and sticking in new pipes.” There’s a plan, a sequence — and yes, a bit of drywall dust.

Let me walk you through it — step by step.

Step 1: We Start with a Full Inspection

We don’t just show up with tools and start tearing into walls. First, we check everything — what material your pipes are, where they run, what kind of water pressure you’re getting, and whether we’re dealing with galvanized, copper, or outdated polybutylene.

Sacramento homes range from 100-year-old bungalows to recent builds, so we tailor every repipe to what we find.

Step 2: Planning the Route (and the Least Disruption)

We map out the new piping routes, choosing walls, ceilings, or crawlspaces that allow us to make the fewest cuts possible. If you’re living in the house during the repipe, we plan it so you’re not without water any longer than needed.

We also walk you through everything before we start — where the cuts will be, how long it’ll take, and what you’ll need to move (like furniture or photos).

Step 3: Time to Repipe

This is the part most folks worry about — but it’s not as messy as you’d think. We:

  • Shut off the water (usually for just a few hours)
  • Open small access points in drywall or paneling
  • Remove old pipe sections
  • Install brand-new PEX or copper lines, up to modern code
  • Secure the new lines and check for leaks

And yes, we label everything clearly for future plumbers (and your peace of mind).

Step 4: Testing, Cleanup, and Patching

Once all new piping is in, we run pressure tests to make sure everything’s tight and leak-free. We clean the area, haul away the old piping, and — if arranged — patch drywall and paint to match.

We don’t leave behind a mess. Just a better plumbing system.

Why Repiping Is Worth It in Sacramento

Old pipes don’t just leak — they kill your water pressure, ruin appliances, and quietly waste thousands of gallons a year. And in Sacramento, many homes still have outdated lines from decades ago.

If you’re dealing with:

  • Rusty or smelly water
  • Frequent leaks
  • Water pressure that’s all over the place

…it’s time to talk.

Learn more on our whole-house repiping service page, where we cover materials, timelines, and pricing for repipes in Sacramento.

We’re Golden Valley Plumbing — local, licensed, and honest. If it’s time for a repipe, we’ll make the process easier than you think.