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When it comes to plumbing upgrades in your home or business, two common services often get confused: repiping and pipe installation. While both involve the addition or replacement of piping, they serve very different purposes. At Thomas Service Company, we believe in educating our customers so they can make confident, informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between repiping and pipe installation—and how to know which one is right for your situation.
What Is Pipe Installation?
Pipe installation usually refers to the process of adding plumbing to a new structure or area of your home that hasn’t previously had piping. For example, if you’re building an addition, remodeling your kitchen, or installing a new bathroom, you’ll need pipe installation to connect the new space to your home’s water supply and drainage systems.
This type of work involves designing the plumbing layout, selecting the right materials (such as PEX, copper, or PVC), and ensuring everything is installed according to local building codes. Pipe installation is all about setting up a system from scratch or expanding an existing one.
What Is Repiping?
Repiping, on the other hand, means replacing the existing pipes throughout your home. This service is typically needed when the old pipes are damaged, corroded, or no longer performing efficiently. Repiping may involve replacing just a section of your plumbing or the entire system, depending on the age of your pipes and the severity of the issues.
Signs you may need repiping include:
Frequent leaks or water damage
Discolored or rusty water
Low water pressure
Strange tasting or smelling water
Pipes older than 50 years (especially if they’re galvanized steel or polybutylene)
Unlike pipe installation, repiping is about restoring what’s already there—replacing outdated or deteriorating pipes to improve water quality, pressure, and reliability.
Which One Do You Need?
Determining whether you need repiping or pipe installation comes down to the condition of your current plumbing and the nature of your project.
New home or addition? You’ll need pipe installation to get water and drainage where it’s needed.
Older home with plumbing problems? It might be time to consider repiping to replace aging or failing systems.
If you’re unsure which service is right for your situation, the team at Thomas Service Company is here to help. We’ll perform a thorough inspection and provide honest recommendations tailored to your home’s needs and your budget.
Call the Plumbing Pros You Can Trust
Whether you're starting from scratch or restoring what’s already in place, Thomas Service Company offers expert pipe installation and repiping services you can rely on. We’ve been serving homeowners in the Huntsville area with integrity, quality workmanship, and clear communication since 2005.
Give us a call today at (256) 908-8588 to schedule an evaluation or get answers to your plumbing questions. We’re here to make sure your water flows where it should—safely, efficiently, and reliably.