When plumbing issues become persistent or you’re remodeling your home, rerouting house plumbing might be the smartest and most cost-effective solution. Whether you’re dealing with slab leaks, outdated pipes, or adding new fixtures, rerouting house plumbing allows you to bypass old, problematic water lines and create a more efficient system.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about this process—from when it’s necessary, to how it’s done, and what it costs.
What Is Rerouting House Plumbing?
Rerouting house plumbing involves redirecting water supply lines or drainpipes through alternative pathways in your home to replace or bypass damaged or outdated piping. This is especially common in homes with slab foundations where accessing the old piping would require invasive and costly demolition.
Instead of tearing up flooring or jackhammering through concrete, plumbing rerouting uses walls, ceilings, and attics to run new pipes, making the process less disruptive and often more affordable.
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When Is Rerouting House Plumbing Necessary?
There are several scenarios where rerouting house plumbing becomes necessary:
1. Slab Leaks
Homes built on concrete slabs often have water lines running beneath the foundation. A leak under the slab can lead to structural damage and mold. Rerouting house plumbing is often preferred over slab repair to avoid breaking through concrete.
2. Frequent Leaks and Repairs
If you’re constantly calling a plumber to fix leaks, it might be time to consider rerouting house plumbing as a long-term solution.
3. Remodeling and Additions
Kitchen or bathroom remodels may require moving fixtures or upgrading to newer plumbing layouts. Rerouting house plumbing ensures your systems meet current codes and accommodate your new layout.
4. Corroded or Outdated Pipes
Galvanized steel and polybutylene pipes are prone to corrosion and failure. Replacing these with modern PEX or copper through plumbing rerouting improves efficiency and safety.
How Rerouting House Plumbing Works
Inspection and Planning
A licensed plumber inspects your current system using cameras, pressure tests, or leak detection tools. They create a reroute plan to ensure optimal flow and minimal disruption.
Shut Off Water Supply
The main water line is shut off to prevent flooding during the rerouting process.
Access Creation
Drywall may be removed in strategic spots (e.g., ceilings, closets, or behind cabinets) to install new piping. In most cases, the floor remains untouched.
Installing New Pipes
Modern materials like PEX piping are commonly used for their flexibility, durability, and ease of installation. Pipes are routed around problem areas or through attics and walls.
Testing the New System
Once installed, the system is pressure-tested to ensure there are no leaks or weak points.
Restoring Walls and Ceilings
Drywall is patched, painted, and restored to match the original condition of your home.
Read this: How Trap Primers Keep Your Plumbing System Fresh
Pros and Cons of Rerouting House PlumbingPros
- Less Invasive: No need to tear up floors or concrete slabs.
- Cost-Effective: Lower labor and restoration costs.
- Improved Efficiency: Updated layout and materials can enhance water pressure and reduce future issues.
- Future-Proofing: Prepares your home for new appliances or future upgrades.
Cons
- Wall Access Required: Some cosmetic repairs will be needed.
- Not Always Ideal for Large-Scale Replacement: In some cases, a full repipe may be more efficient.
Common Materials Used in Plumbing Rerouting
1. PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)
- Flexible and easy to install.
- Resistant to corrosion and scale buildup.
- Great for tight spaces and long runs.
2. Copper
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Preferred in areas with high water pressure.
- More expensive and requires soldering.
3. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Cheaper than copper.
- Heat resistant and good for hot water lines.
Recommended Products:
- SharkBite PEX Pipe
- Viega PEX Crimp Tools
Cost of Rerouting House Plumbing
The average cost of rerouting house plumbing ranges from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on:
- Scope of work
- Accessibility
- Type of materials used
- Labor costs in your area
Slab leak rerouting, for example, often ranges from $1,500 to $4,000, while a full home reroute could exceed $10,000.
Tip: Get multiple estimates and ensure your contractor is licensed and insured.
Read this: What to Do When Water Is Leaking from Your Light Fixture
How to Choose the Right Plumber for Rerouting
Choosing a qualified and experienced plumber is crucial. Here’s what to look for:
- Licensing and Insurance
- Experience with slab foundations
- Positive reviews or referrals
- Transparent estimates and timelines
Use trusted directories like HomeAdvisor or Angi to find top-rated local pros.
DIY Rerouting vs. Hiring a Professional
While it’s tempting to tackle plumbing yourself, rerouting house plumbing is best left to licensed professionals. Here’s why:
DIY Risks:
- Violating local codes
- Causing leaks or water damage
- Improper pressure or flow issues
When DIY Works:
- Rerouting exposed pipes in crawl spaces or basements
- Small fixture relocations like a laundry sink
For anything beyond minor changes, professional rerouting ensures safety, efficiency, and long-term value.
Signs You May Need Plumbing Rerouting
Look for these red flags:
- Persistent water damage with no obvious source
- Low water pressure in isolated areas
- Uneven hot/cold water delivery
- Mold or mildew in odd places
- Wet spots in the yard or near the foundation
These may all signal underlying pipe issues that can be resolved through rerouting house plumbing.
Preventative Tips After Plumbing Reroute
Once you’ve invested in rerouting house plumbing, protect your investment with these tips:
- Install water leak sensors near fixtures and appliances.
- Insulate pipes in attics and exterior walls to prevent freezing.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections.
- Upgrade to smart shut-off valves like Flo by Moen to monitor leaks in real time.
Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Home with Smart Plumbing Rerouting
Rerouting house plumbing is more than a quick fix—it’s a smart investment in the longevity, safety, and functionality of your home. By avoiding costly slab excavation and upgrading outdated piping, you ensure better water efficiency and peace of mind for years to come. Whether you’re addressing a slab leak or modernizing your plumbing during a remodel, rerouting is often the fastest path to a worry-free plumbing system.
FAQs
Q1: How long does rerouting house plumbing take?
Most projects take 1 to 5 days, depending on the complexity and how accessible the new routes are.
Q2: Is rerouting cheaper than repiping?
Yes. Rerouting house plumbing typically involves fewer materials and less labor compared to a full repipe, especially for isolated issues like slab leaks.
Q3: Can I reroute plumbing during a remodel?
Absolutely! Rerouting house plumbing is often ideal during remodeling when walls are already open, making the process faster and more efficient.
