Whole-House Repiping in Atlanta

Your plumber begins with a diagnostic inspection, checking the existing pipe material, age, condition, and water pressure. A pressure test confirms whether leaks are active and where. From there, your plumber creates a routing plan to minimize wall openings—often running new pipe through attics, crawl spaces, or alongside existing lines. This plan is submitted with the permit application to the city or county building department.

Once the permit is approved, work begins. New lines are roughed in (installed but not yet connected to fixtures), tested for leaks at high pressure, and inspected by the building department. After inspection passes, lines are connected to each fixture, shut-off valves are installed, and the system is flushed and pressure-tested again. Water is restored by end of business each day. Final drywall patching and repairs wrap up the job, and a final inspection confirms code compliance.

The entire process typically takes 3–5 days for a whole house. Your plumber will discuss access (whether lines run through finished ceilings, exterior walls, or crawl spaces) and any drywall work that will be needed. A written estimate will break down labor hours, materials, the permit fee, and the inspection, so you know the total cost before work starts.

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is flexible, affordable, and fast to install. It resists corrosion and freezing better than galvanized steel or copper, making it ideal for Atlanta's climate where occasional hard freezes can burst rigid pipe in attics and exterior walls. PEX comes in large coils, so fewer fittings are needed, reducing leak points. It costs $1.00–$2.50 per linear foot for material, while labor and fittings add another $50–$100 per hour. Most Atlanta homeowners choose PEX for whole-house jobs because it is durable, code-approved, and cost-effective.

Copper is the traditional choice and lasts 50–70 years with excellent corrosion resistance. It looks polished and professional, and many homeowners prefer it for aesthetic or resale value reasons. However, copper requires soldering at each joint, which demands a skilled plumber and adds labor time. Copper costs $3.00–$5.00 per linear foot plus $75–$150 per hour in labor. It is an excellent choice if your home is high-end or if you want maximum longevity, but the total job cost will be 30–50% higher than PEX. Both materials meet Atlanta plumbing code and carry 25–50 year warranties.