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Portland, OR 503-994-2960
Vancouver, WA 360-227-0692
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How to Tell If You Need Repiping or Pipe Installation

Cutting and installing PEX plastic water supply plumbing pipe in wall of house.
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When it comes to your home’s plumbing, it’s easy to assume all pipework is the same—but there’s a big difference between piping and repiping. If you're unsure which service you need, you're not alone. At Legacy Plumbing & Excavation, we help homeowners and business owners across the Portland-Vancouver area make the right call by offering clear guidance and expert solutions.

What Is Pipe Installation?

Pipe installation refers to the initial setup of your plumbing system. This is common in new construction, home additions, and full remodels where new piping is laid out to supply water and remove waste. It involves careful planning of pipe layout, materials, water flow, and pressure requirements.

In a new installation, the pipes are installed from scratch—without needing to work around existing systems. This gives our team the opportunity to design the most efficient, code-compliant system possible. At Legacy Plumbing & Excavation, we specialize in plumbing-only remodels and upgrades, which means pipe installation is done cleanly, correctly, and with long-term performance in mind.

What Is Repiping?

Repiping is the process of replacing old or failing plumbing pipes with new ones. It’s a necessary step when your home has outdated materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene—or when you’ve experienced frequent leaks, low water pressure, or visible corrosion.

Unlike new installation, repiping is a surgical job. We carefully remove or bypass damaged sections, work around existing structures, and upgrade your system without unnecessary disruption. Our team handles the job from start to finish—communicating clearly and backing the work with strong warranties, including a 10-year warranty on water line replacements.

Signs You Might Need Repiping

  • Discolored or rusty water

  • Low water pressure in multiple areas

  • Frequent leaks or pipe bursts

  • Old plumbing materials (50+ years old)

  • Noisy pipes or odd smells from fixtures

If you're experiencing these issues, a full or partial repipe may be more cost-effective than constant repairs.

Choosing the Right Option

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide:

  • New construction or full remodel? You’ll need pipe installation.

  • Old home with frequent plumbing problems? You’re likely due for repiping.

  • Adding a bathroom or moving fixtures? Could involve both services depending on layout.

At Legacy Plumbing & Excavation, we never push unnecessary work. We assess your plumbing system, explain your options clearly, and offer upfront pricing with financing options available. We also offer same-day service and bilingual support—se habla español.

Trusted Plumbing Work in the Portland-Vancouver Area

Whether you're building something new or fixing what’s already there, Legacy Plumbing & Excavation provides expert-level pipe installation and repiping services backed by experience, clean workmanship, and local trust. Call us at (360) 227-0692 to schedule your free estimate today.