Pipe repair fixes a damaged section of water or drain line. Repiping replaces most or all of a building’s supply pipes, usually with PEX or copper, when the existing pipes are failing in multiple places or are made of a material known to be problematic.
Common pipe problems in Boca Raton homes
- Pinhole leaks in copper pipe, often in homes with original copper from several decades ago
- Polybutylene supply pipe, a gray plastic pipe widely installed in Florida homes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s and known for failing at fittings and with age
- Corroded or cracked cast iron drain pipes in older homes
- Slab leaks where a line under the foundation has worn through
- Damaged pipes from renovations, nails or shifting soil
Repair, reroute or repipe?
| Option | When it makes sense | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Spot repair | A single, isolated leak in otherwise sound pipe. | Least disruptive; doesn’t address aging pipe elsewhere. |
| Reroute | A failed line under the slab can be abandoned and run through walls or the attic instead. | Avoids breaking the slab; requires some drywall access. |
| Partial repipe | One area or one side (hot or cold) is failing repeatedly. | Balances cost and reliability. |
| Whole-home repipe | Polybutylene, widespread corrosion or multiple leaks over time. | Largest project; replaces the risk across the house and usually requires a permit. |
If you’re not sure where a leak is coming from, leak detection comes first, because the location often decides which option is practical.
PEX vs. copper for repiping
Most residential repipes today use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or copper. PEX is flexible, can be run in long continuous lengths with fewer fittings, and is generally faster to install. Copper is rigid and long-established. The right choice depends on the home, budget and the plumber’s recommendation. Ask what material they propose and why.
Signs you may need repiping
- More than one leak in the past few years
- Gray polybutylene pipe visible at the water heater, under sinks or in the attic
- Blue-green corrosion on copper fittings
- Discolored water or reduced pressure throughout the house
- Your insurer has asked about the pipe material in the home
What to expect during a repipe
A whole-home repipe typically involves running new lines through walls and the attic, cutting small access openings in drywall, connecting each fixture, pressure testing, passing inspection and patching. Many homeowners stay in the home during the work with water shut off for portions of each day. Repiping is a larger project, so ask the plumber about permits, timeline, drywall patching and whether painting is included.
Repiping is one of the bigger jobs handled by the Boca Raton plumbing services network we connect callers with, and it’s worth asking several questions before you commit.
What affects the cost of pipe repair or repiping?
- Number of bathrooms and fixtures and the home’s square footage
- Pipe material chosen
- Access: single-story vs. two-story, attic space, slab location
- Permit and inspection requirements
- Drywall repair and finishing scope
What happens when you call
- 01
Explain the history
Tell us about leaks, pipe type if known and the property location.
- 02
Connect with a plumber
We route your call to an independent plumber who handles pipe repair and repiping.
- 03
Inspection and options
The plumber explains spot repair, reroute or repipe with pricing.
- 04
Work, test and inspect
New pipe is installed, pressure tested and inspected where required.
Pipe Repair & Repiping service area in Boca Raton
Pipe repair and repiping calls are connected throughout Boca Raton. Established neighborhoods in Central Boca, Boca Del Mar and Boca West have many homes from the polybutylene era.
Downtown & East Boca
- Downtown Boca Raton33432
- East Boca Raton33431, 33432, 33487
Central Boca
- Central Boca Raton33486, 33431
- Boca Del Mar & Boca Pointe33433
West Boca
- Boca West & Century Village33434
- Broken Sound & Northwest Boca33496, 33487
- Sandalfoot Cove & Loggers' Run33428
- West Boca Raton33498, 33428, 33433, 33434, 33496
ZIP codes covered: 33427, 33428, 33429, 33431, 33432, 33433, 33434, 33464, 33481, 33486, 33487, 33488, 33496, 33497, 33498, 33499.
ZIPs 33427, 33429, 33481, 33488, 33497 are PO Box ZIP codes and 33464, 33499 are single-organization ZIP codes, so they don’t map to one neighborhood. If your mailing address uses one of them, just tell us the street location when you call.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have polybutylene pipes?
Polybutylene is usually gray (sometimes blue or black) flexible plastic pipe, often stamped PB2110. Check where pipes connect at the water heater, under sinks and at the main shut-off. A plumber can confirm.
Why does copper pipe get pinhole leaks?
Pinholes can develop from internal corrosion over time, influenced by water chemistry, flow velocity and the age of the pipe. Multiple pinholes in different places often signal that more will follow.
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
It depends on the size of the home and access. Many single-family repipes take a few days of work plus inspection and drywall patching. The plumber will give you a timeline.
Do I need a permit to repipe in Boca Raton?
Repiping generally requires a plumbing permit. Inside city limits that’s through the City of Boca Raton; in unincorporated West Boca it’s Palm Beach County. Licensed contractors typically pull the permit.
Is rerouting better than breaking the slab?
Often, because it avoids jackhammering floors and leaves the failed line abandoned under the slab. Whether it’s practical depends on the home’s layout.