You're standing in your bathroom for the third time this year, watching a plumber fix yet another leak. Different pipe, same problem: your plumbing is old and it's failing.
At some point, you have to ask: Is it time to stop patching and just replace the whole system?
If your Brisbane home was built before 1970, the answer is probably yes. Here's what full house repiping actually involves — and whether it's worth it.
When Does Repiping Make Sense?
Your Home's Old Enough to Vote
Pre-1970 Brisbane homes often have galvanised steel pipes. These corrode from the inside out over 40-50 years. By now, they're probably rusted through, giving you brown water, constant leaks, and pathetic water pressure.
Other old pipe materials we still see:
- •Lead pipes (health hazard)
- •Asbestos cement pipes (brittle, crack-prone)
- •Early copper that's corroded
If your house is in Kedron, Clayfield, Wooloowin, Wilston, or any established Brisbane suburb, chances are decent you've got aging pipes.
You're Renovating Anyway
Gutting a bathroom? Ripping out the kitchen? That's the perfect time to repipe.
Walls are already open. Floors are up. Access is there. Replace the pipes now and you won't have to cut into brand-new plaster in three years when they start leaking.
You're Calling Plumbers Every Few Months
Recurring leaks in different spots. Burst pipes. Constant tap repairs. Low pressure everywhere.
If you're spending $500-800 every few months on plumbing repairs, the math tilts toward repiping. One upfront cost, then decades of no problems.
Rule of thumb: If annual repair costs hit 30% of what full replacement would cost, just repipe.
What Actually Happens During Repiping
Full transparency: It's disruptive. But it's not a nightmare.
Timeline: 3-7 days for most homes (depending on size and how easy access is)
Day 1-2: We map your existing plumbing, get permits sorted, protect your floors and furniture.
Day 3-5: Cut access points in walls/ceilings, remove old pipes, install new ones, connect everything, pressure test the system.
Day 6-7: Patch walls and ceilings (basic repair — you'll coordinate painting/finishing with your builder), clean up, final council inspection.
Your water will be off during working hours (6-8 hours a day). We turn it back on each evening so you can shower, cook, use toilets.
Most families stay in their homes during the job. Some choose to stay with relatives for a few days if they want it done faster with full access.
Copper vs PEX: Which Should You Use?
Copper:
- •Lasts 50+ years
- •Handles heat well (great for hot water lines)
- •Brisbane's climate suits copper
- •More expensive
- •Requires skilled installation
PEX (plastic):
- •Flexible, easier to install
- •Corrosion-resistant
- •Quieter (no pipe rattle)
- •Cheaper
- •Can't be used outdoors (UV degrades it)
We usually recommend copper for hot water and external pipes, PEX for internal cold water. Best of both worlds.
What Does It Cost?
Typical range for Brisbane homes: $8,000 - $20,000
Depends on:
- •Size (3-bed vs 5-bed)
- •Pipe material (copper costs more than PEX)
- •Access (easy subfloor vs cutting through concrete slab)
- •Asbestos (if old pipes are asbestos cement, removal costs extra)
- •Fixtures (how many bathrooms, kitchens, laundries)
What's included:
- •All new pipes and fittings
- •Labour and installation
- •Pressure testing
- •Council permits and inspections
- •Basic wall/ceiling patching
- •Cleanup
Not included:
- •Painting
- •Tiling
- •Major wall/ceiling restoration (coordinate with your builder)
Why Bother?
Because after repiping:
- •No more emergency leaks waking you at 3am
- •Consistent water pressure throughout the house
- •Clean water (no rust contamination)
- •Lower insurance premiums (some insurers offer discounts)
- •Massive selling point when you eventually sell
- •50+ year lifespan with proper maintenance
- •Peace of mind
Queenslanders Are Actually Easier
High-set homes and Queenslanders are the easiest to repipe. Subfloor access means we can run most pipes underneath without cutting walls. Less mess, faster job, usually done in 3-4 days.
If you own a Queenslander with galvanised pipes, this is a no-brainer.
Can't Afford Full Repiping? Partial Options
You don't have to do the whole house at once:
- •Hot water lines only — Just the pipes serving your hot water system
- •Single bathroom — Repipe one bathroom during a reno
- •Kitchen — Update kitchen plumbing when you renovate
- •External pipes — Replace corroded outdoor pipes
Less upfront cost, less disruption, still solves your immediate problem.
Before We Arrive
- •Clear access to subfloor, ceiling, walls
- •Empty bathroom and kitchen cabinets
- •Move furniture away from work areas
- •Store drinking water (for days water's off)
- •Let neighbours know there'll be noise
Get a Free Assessment
Not sure if your home needs repiping? We'll inspect your plumbing, test your pipes, and give you an honest answer.
No obligation. No sales pressure. Just straight advice and a fixed-price quote if you decide to go ahead.
Khaki Plumbing — QBCC licensed, Brisbane Northside specialists. Call 1300 158 895 for a free repiping assessment.
Servicing Kedron, Chermside, Clayfield, Aspley, Nundah, Stafford, Wooloowin, North Lakes, and all surrounding suburbs.
Need a Plumber in Brisbane Northside?
QBCC licensed, upfront pricing, 24/7 emergencies. Same-day service available.