A whole-house re-pipe is a major project, but it's also one of the highest-return investments a homeowner can make in an older home. It eliminates the slow-drip, surprise-leak, insurance-deductible cycle that comes with end-of-life supply piping, and it leaves you with a plumbing system that's quieter, more pressure-balanced, and demonstrably newer than the rest of the house.
The decision to re-pipe is usually triggered by one of three things: a third leak in 18 months, a Poly B insurance non-renewal, or a planned renovation where it makes sense to do the plumbing all at once. We've done all three, many times, in Kanata.
Common signs you need this service
- Multiple pinhole or slow leaks in the same year
- Original supply piping is more than 40 years old
- Poly B (grey plastic) supply lines anywhere in the house
- Galvanized steel supply lines (1950s-60s homes — rare in Kanata but present)
- Persistent low pressure across multiple fixtures
- Insurer asking for a re-pipe as a condition of continued coverage
Why PEX-A and not copper
We re-pipe almost exclusively in PEX-A (cross-linked polyethylene, type A — the most flexible, most freeze-tolerant variant). Copper is still a fine material, but a copper re-pipe costs 60-100% more, takes longer, requires more drywall opening because copper is rigid, and is significantly more vulnerable to pinhole failures in the long term given Kanata's water chemistry. PEX-A is freeze-tolerant (it expands rather than splits if a freeze ever occurs), absorbs water hammer (your pipes won't bang), and has a 25-year manufacturer warranty when installed with expansion fittings. The two cases where we still recommend copper are: exposed runs that will be visible as a design choice, and short stub-outs at fixtures where rigidity is preferable.
The manifold philosophy
Old plumbing systems are tree-and-branch: one main line splits into smaller branches, each branch feeds multiple fixtures. The problem with tree-and-branch is that any leak anywhere requires shutting off the main, and any pressure event at one fixture affects every other fixture on the same branch. A manifold system runs an individual PEX line (a 'home-run') from a central distribution manifold to each fixture. Every fixture has its own labelled shut-off at the manifold. You can isolate the master bathroom shower without affecting anything else in the house. Pressure is consistent. Water hammer is gone. When you eventually replace a fixture in 15 years, the shut-off is exactly where you'd expect it to be.
The schedule
A typical two-storey, two-bath, 2,000-square-foot Kanata home is a three-working-day project. Day one: assessment confirmation, drop access cuts, manifold install, basement runs. Day two: upstairs runs, fixture connections, pressure test starts. Day three: pressure test review, switchover from old to new system, fixture testing, cleanup, walkthrough. Water is off for a total of 6-8 hours during the switchover on day three. Most families plan to be out for that window — usually a morning at a coffee shop and lunch out, then back to a fully working home.
What we don't touch
A re-pipe replaces the supply piping (the cold and hot lines from the main into every fixture). It does not replace drain and waste piping (that's separate work, scoped only if there's a reason). It does not replace fixtures themselves (we use your existing toilets, faucets, and tubs unless you want them upgraded). It does not include drywall finish (we coordinate that with a drywall partner if you want a turnkey project). The price you're quoted is the price of the plumbing scope — fixture upgrades, drywall finish, and any structural work are quoted as separate, optional add-ons.
Insurance and resale
Most Ontario insurers will note a documented re-pipe favourably, particularly if you're moving away from Poly B or galvanized steel. We provide a written certificate of work, photos of the new manifold and major runs, and the permit and inspection numbers. For resale, a documented PEX-A re-pipe is a positive item on every pre-listing inspection.
Our process
- 1
On-site walkthrough
We map every supply line in the house, identify fixtures, count drops, and produce a detailed scope and quote.
- 2
Schedule and prep
We schedule a window (usually 2-4 working days), confirm parts, and coordinate with you about access and water-off windows.
- 3
Strategic drywall openings
We make minimum-necessary access cuts at chase points to fish new PEX-A through walls — typically 6-12 small openings for a typical 2-bath, 2-storey home.
- 4
Install new manifold and home-runs
A central PEX manifold in the mechanical room with individual home-runs to each fixture. Every fixture has its own shut-off.
- 5
Pressure test and switchover
We pressure-test the new system for 24 hours, then switch from the old system to the new. Old lines are cut, capped, and abandoned in place where they're inside structure.
- 6
Cleanup and documentation
Drywall openings left ready-to-patch (or we coordinate same-week drywall), full as-built drawing of the new system, photos, and warranty paperwork.
What's included
- Detailed on-site assessment and scope
- Permit application (per Ontario Building Code)
- All new PEX-A supply piping
- Central manifold with labelled individual shut-offs
- All new fixture supply lines and angle stops
- Pressure test and water-quality flush
- As-built drawing for your records
- 10-year workmanship warranty
What affects the price
Size and number of fixtures
A 2-bed, 1-bath bungalow is a different project than a 5-bed, 4-bath two-storey.
Wall finishes
Drywall is straightforward. Tile, stone, and plaster walls add complexity at any drop.
Accessible vs. finished basement
An unfinished basement makes the routing dramatically easier and cheaper. A fully finished basement with drop ceilings is the next-easiest.
Choice of additional upgrades
Many homeowners pair a re-pipe with a tankless water heater, water softener, or pressure-reducing valve upgrade — bundled pricing applies.
Why Kanata homeowners choose us
- Re-piping is one of our specialty services — not a side project
- Fish-and-snake technique that minimizes drywall cuts
- PEX-A (Uponor) only — the most flexible, freeze-tolerant, and longest-lived PEX available
- Central manifold so every fixture has its own labelled shut-off
- Coordinated with our preferred drywall partner if you want a turnkey finish
Kanata re-pipes typically fall into three categories: 1960s-70s Glen Cairn and Beaverbrook bungalows with original copper showing systemic pinholes; 1985-1997 Bridlewood, Katimavik, Morgan's Grant two-storeys with Poly B; and the occasional executive home where the original copper was undersized for the current fixture count. Each category has its own routing and material plan.
Materials & brands we trust
- Uponor AquaPEX (PEX-A)
Our exclusive PEX choice. Expansion fittings, freeze-tolerant, 25-year manufacturer warranty.
- Viega manifold systems
Central distribution with labelled, individual fixture shut-offs.
- Owens Corning pipe insulation
All new lines insulated through unheated bays as a matter of course.
Re-pipes are permitted work under Ontario Building Code. We pull the permit, schedule the rough-in inspection (after new piping is in but before drywall closes), and the final inspection. Pressure testing follows OBC Part 7 procedure. Water quality is flushed and verified before the system is put back into service.
A whole-house re-pipe is not a DIY project. Partial DIY re-pipes (homeowner does the basement, plumber does the upstairs) are problematic because the manifold, the routing decisions, and the inspector's sign-off all assume a single coordinated installer. If you want to be involved, the best contribution is access — emptying cabinets, moving furniture, and arranging the family schedule around the water-off windows.