Olympia is full of homes with character, from the older houses near downtown and the Capitol Campus to mid-century homes across the Eastside and Westside, and many still rely on original plumbing. If you are wondering about signs you need to repipe your house, the most common ones are frequent leaks or water damage, low water pressure throughout the house, discolored or foul-smelling water, recurring clogs or backups, and older pipes made from materials like galvanized steel or lead.
Pipes rarely fail all at once. In many Olympia homes, especially older ones, the system starts showing smaller warning signs first, and it is easy to keep paying for one repair after another without addressing the bigger problem. Repiping means replacing the old water supply pipes in your home with new, modern piping, and it is often the long-term fix that protects the house from ongoing leaks, poor water quality, and larger plumbing failures while restoring more reliable water service.
As repiping specialists with an office right here in Olympia, Bob Larson Plumbing helps local homeowners decide when a repair will do and when a whole house repipe makes more sense. Below, we walk through the five signs to watch for, what to expect during a repiping project, why acting sooner can prevent more damage, and how our team handles the process.
The 5 Signs You Need to Repipe Your House
1. Frequent Leaks and Water Damage
One water pipe leak can happen to any home. When leaks keep showing up in different spots, or you notice water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors that seem to come from your plumbing, it usually means the pipes are breaking down throughout the house. Recurring pinhole leaks in copper pipes are a common example. Each repair stops one leak, but the rest of the system is the same age and in the same condition, so the next leak is often not far behind.
2. Low Water Pressure in the House
If your showers have turned into a trickle and it takes forever to fill a pot at the kitchen sink, your pipes may be the cause. Low water pressure in the house is often the result of mineral buildup or corrosion inside older pipes, which narrows the space water can flow through. When the drop in pressure affects several fixtures instead of just one, it is a strong sign the problem is in the piping itself.
3. Discolored or Foul Smelling Water
Brown water from the tap, rusty water from the faucet, or discolored water with a strange odor are all reasons to pay attention. These changes often mean the inside of your pipes is corroding and that rust, debris, or even bacterial growth in deteriorating lines are making their way into your water, along with other contaminants. Besides being unpleasant, it is a clear sign your plumbing is deteriorating. Repiping can improve water quality by removing rust and contaminants from the system.
4. Old Plumbing Pipes Made From Outdated Materials
The age and material of your plumbing say a lot about how much life it has left, and outdated pipe materials are often already past their 40- to 50-year service life by the time problems show up. Older homes may still have lead or galvanized steel pipes, materials that are now considered unsafe or unreliable, and corroded pipes can affect both water quality and performance. Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside over time as corrosion builds inside the pipe and can restrict water flow, which leads to many of the other signs on this list. If your Olympia home was built before the 1970s and has never been repiped, it is worth having your plumbing checked, and galvanized pipe replacement may be the right next step; a licensed plumber can inspect the home’s plumbing and determine whether aging materials are the root cause of recurring issues.
5. Frequent Clogs and Backups
Drains that clog again and again, or backups that keep coming back after they are cleared, can point to pipes in poor condition. Corrosion, sediment, and scale buildup inside damaged pipes can trap debris, cause repeat clogs, and restrict normal water flow. If you are calling for drain cleaning more often than you would expect, it may be time to look at the bigger picture.
What to Expect When Repiping a House
If you notice one or more of these signs, the next step is a professional inspection. A whole house repipe follows a clear process designed to keep disruption to a minimum.
- Inspection and assessment. A plumber evaluates your current pipes to identify the root cause of the plumbing problem before any work begins and determine what to replace.
- Removing the old pipes. The old piping is taken out with care to limit disruption to your home.
- Installing the new pipes. New pipes, typically copper or PEX, are installed throughout the home. Proper installations matter, and a licensed plumber can install PEX so it lasts up to 25 years with proper installation.
- Testing and inspection. The new system is tested, and a licensed plumber checks code compliance before the job is complete.
- Cleanup and restoration. Once the work is complete, the work areas are cleaned up and restored.
Homeowners should know where to shut off the main water supply before work begins in case a plumbing problem worsens.
Most repiping projects take about 3 to 5 days, depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the plumbing. With proper maintenance, a new plumbing system can last 50 years or more.
Why Act Sooner Rather Than Later
Waiting on a failing plumbing system can lead to hidden leaks, a higher water bill, and more costly repairs, while also increasing the risk of major water damage or related failures. Repiping before a major failure helps protect your investment, restores reliable water pressure and clean water, reduces maintenance by preventing future leaks and clogs, can increase your home’s resale value, and gives you peace of mind for decades.
Repiping in Olympia With Bob Larson Plumbing
Repiping is a major service, and working with experienced repiping specialists makes a real difference. Our Olympia office on State Avenue NE puts our team close to homeowners throughout the city and the surrounding area.
We start with a thorough inspection, explain what we find in plain language with clear communication about the next steps, and recommend the right solution for your home, whether that is a targeted repair or a whole house repipe. Our licensed plumbers and skilled plumbers use quality materials, follow local codes, and clean up when the job is done, so your installation supports the manufacturer’s warranty and labor warranty while you get back to enjoying your home.
Repiping FAQs for Olympia Homeowners
When should you repipe a house?
It is time to consider repiping when you see recurring leaks, low water pressure throughout the house, discolored or smelly water, frequent clogs, or when your home still has old lead or galvanized steel pipes. Homes built before the 1970s that have never been repiped are good candidates for an inspection.
How long does it take to repipe a house?
Most repiping projects take about 3 to 5 days, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the plumbing.
Do I need to leave my home during repiping?
Usually not. Most homeowners stay in their homes during the project. Temporary relocation may only be needed if significant structural work is involved. Access to pipes in areas like the basement can affect how disruptive the work feels and whether a short stay elsewhere is necessary.
How long do pipes last in a house after repiping?
With proper maintenance, a new plumbing system can last 50 years or more for some materials, while PEX pipes can last around 25 years with proper installation. Material choice can also depend on cold weather, since flexible PEX handles freezing conditions better than rigid piping.
What kind of pipes are used for repiping?
Copper and PEX are the most common materials for repiping a house because they help restore better water pressure and improve overall water flow. Your plumber will recommend the best option based on the age of your home, your goals for the plumbing system, and your needs.
Schedule a Repiping Inspection in Olympia
Leaks, low water pressure, rusty water, outdated materials, and constant clogs are your plumbing’s way of asking for help. Catching these signs early can save you from bigger repairs and water damage down the road.
If you have noticed any of these warning signs, Bob Larson Plumbing is the Olympia plumber ready to help. We will inspect your plumbing and give you honest answers about whether repiping is right for your home.
Call Bob Larson Plumbing at (253) 780-0844 to schedule a repiping inspection for your Olympia home.
