If youโve noticed low water pressure, discolored water, or frequent leaks, your homeโs plumbing system might be crying out for a full repipe. Many homeowners in Houston are turning to a Houston plumbing company on TV that repipe your entire houseโbut not all advertised services deliver what they promise. In this guide, weโll cut through the marketing noise and help you find a reliable, licensed, and experienced plumbing team that actually solves your problemโnot just sells you one.
What Does โRepipe Your Entire Houseโ Really Mean?
Re-piping means replacing all (or most) of the existing water supply pipes in your home with new, modern materials like PEX or copper. Older homesโespecially those built before 1980โoften have galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, which corrode over time and can lead to leaks, contamination, or even burst pipes.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, outdated plumbing contributes to nearly 10,000 gallons of wasted water per household annually due to undetected leaks. A full repipe isnโt just a luxuryโitโs often a necessary investment in your homeโs safety, efficiency, and value.
Why Are So Many Houston Plumbing Companies Advertising on TV?
Television ads offer high visibility, and plumbing emergencies create urgent demand. Companies like Mr. Rooter, Benjamin Franklin, and local Houston names such as John Moore Services or One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating (which also offers plumbing) frequently appear on local channels.
But hereโs the catch: TV presence โ quality service. A flashy commercial doesnโt guarantee licensing, insurance, or fair pricing. Always verify credentials through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners before hiring.
๐ก Pro Tip: Check Google Reviews, BBB ratings, and YouTube testimonialsโnot just their 30-second ad.
How to Spot a Reputable Houston Plumbing Company That Actually Repipes Homes
Not every โplumbing company on TVโ offers whole-house repiping. Some only handle minor repairs. To ensure youโre working with a true repiping specialist, ask these questions:
Are you licensed and insured in Texas? (Required by law)
How many full-home repipes have you completed in the last year?
Do you use PEX, copper, or another materialโand why?
Can I see before-and-after photos of past projects?
Do you offer a warranty on labor and materials?
A trustworthy company will provide transparent answersโand often a free in-home inspection with a detailed quote.
PEX vs. Copper: Which Pipe Material Is Best for Houston Homes?
Feature
PEX Pipes
Copper Pipes
Cost
$0.40โ$2.00/ft
$2.50โ$4.00/ft
Installation Time
Faster (flexible, fewer joints)
Slower (requires soldering)
Lifespan
40โ50 years
50โ70 years
Freeze Resistance
High (expands without cracking)
Low (can burst when frozen)
Houston Climate Fit
โ Ideal for humid, variable temps
โ Prone to corrosion in acidic soil
Most Houston repiping experts now recommend PEX tubing due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to Houstonโs humid climate and occasional cold snaps. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) confirms PEX has become the industry standard for residential repiping since 2010.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During a Full-House Repipe in Houston
A professional repipe typically takes 2โ5 days, depending on home size and layout. Hereโs the standard process:
Inspection & Quote A licensed plumber inspects your current system, checks water pressure, and identifies pipe types. Theyโll provide a written estimateโusually between $4,000 and $15,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home.
Permit Acquisition Reputable companies pull city permits (required in Houston). This ensures work meets code and can be inspected.
Water Shut-Off & Demolition Water is turned off. Small access holes (6โ12 inches) are cut in walls, floors, or ceilingsโnot full drywall removal.
New Pipe Installation PEX lines are run from the main shut-off to every fixture. Manifolds may be installed for better flow control.
Pressure Testing The system is pressurized for 2+ hours to check for leaks before closing walls.
Cleanup & Final Inspection Debris is removed. City inspector verifies compliance. Walls are patched (some companies include basic patching; others subcontract it).
โ ๏ธ Warning: Avoid companies that skip permits or pressure-test for less than 1 hour. This is a red flag for subpar work.
Real Houston Case Study: The Smith Familyโs Repipe Experience
In 2024, the Smiths (Spring Branch, Houston) hired a TV-advertised plumber after seeing a late-night commercial promising โ$299 whole-house repipe.โ After paying a $1,500 deposit, they discovered the company only replaced visible pipes under sinksโnot the main lines.
They switched to a local, non-TV company with strong Yelp reviews. The second plumber completed a full PEX repipe for $8,200, including permits, wall patching, and a 25-year warranty. Their water pressure improved by 60%, and their monthly water bill dropped by $22.
Moral: Donโt let a catchy jingle override due diligence.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is there really a Houston plumbing company on TV that repipes entire houses?
Yesโseveral do, including national franchises and local brands. However, always verify their actual repiping experience. Some use โrepipeโ in ads but only offer partial fixes.
Q2: How much does a full repipe cost in Houston?
Most homeowners pay $4,000โ$15,000, depending on square footage, pipe material (PEX vs. copper), and wall accessibility. Get at least 3 written quotes.
Q3: How long does a repipe last?
PEX lasts 40โ50 years; copper can last 50โ70 years if installed correctly and protected from soil corrosion (a concern in parts of Houston).
Q4: Will my walls be destroyed during repiping?
Minimal damage occurs. Professionals make small access points and patch them afterward. Full drywall replacement is rarely needed.
Q5: Can I stay in my house during the repipe?
Yesโbut expect no running water for 1โ3 days. Plan to use neighborsโ bathrooms or portable facilities if needed.
Q6: Are TV-advertised plumbers more expensive?
Often, yes. TV ads cost thousands per month, and those costs are passed to customers. Local, referral-based companies may offer better value.
Conclusion
Finding a genuine Houston plumbing company on TV that repipe your entire house requires more than tuning into your favorite channelโit demands research, verification, and smart questions. A full repipe is a major home upgrade that boosts safety, efficiency, and property value when done right.
If this guide helped you avoid a plumbing scam or clarified your repipe options, share it with friends or family in Houston! A quick post on Facebook or Nextdoor could save someone thousandsโand prevent a flooded kitchen.
๐ง Your pipes shouldnโt be a mystery. Choose expertise over entertainment.
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