San Francisco, CA · plumbing service
Repiping in San Francisco, CA
Many pre-war buildings still have galvanized supply pipe, which corrodes and narrows over decades. Call to be connected with an independent, licensed plumber who handles repiping in San Francisco; they diagnose the problem and quote the work before starting.
By calling, you agree to be connected with an independent plumbing contractor serving your area. Calls may be recorded for quality and training. The call and referral are free, and you are never obligated to hire.- Licensed local plumbers
- Free call and referral
- You approve the quote first
Common signs
- Rusty water
- falling pressure
- repeated pinhole leaks
Repiping services in San Francisco
- RepipingReplacing old galvanized, polybutylene or failing copper lines.
- Pipe RepairLeaks, corrosion, cracked lines and low pressure from damaged pipes.
- Leak DetectionHidden leaks behind walls, ceilings or floors, or a bill that suddenly jumps.
- Water Line RepairLeaks and breaks in the main line from the meter.
- Water Pressure ProblemsDiagnosing low or high water pressure.
Problems repiping fixes
- Rusty or discolored water
- Pinhole leaks in different places
- Falling water pressure
- Galvanized or polybutylene supply pipe
Why repiping comes up in San Francisco
Many pre-war buildings still have galvanized supply pipe, which corrodes and narrows over decades.
With 75% of San Francisco's housing built before 1980, a large share of homes still has original galvanized steel or early copper supply lines. Galvanized pipe rusts from the inside, which is why repiping questions here usually start with brown water or falling pressure.
- Typical home built
- 1946
- Homes before 1980
- 75%
- Winter freezes
- Rare
How the work is done
- 1Survey the systemIdentify the pipe material, its condition and the fixture count.
- 2Plan the routeChoose PEX or copper and plan wall openings to keep them small.
- 3Permit and installRepiping usually requires a permit; fixtures are reconnected in stages.
- 4Pressure test and patchTest before inspection; openings are patched afterward.
What affects the price
The plumbing company sets the price after seeing the job; ask for it in writing before work starts.
- Size of the home and number of fixtures
- PEX or copper
- Access through walls, attic or crawlspace
- Drywall repair
- Permit and inspection
Plumbing work we connect San Francisco homeowners with
Repiping in San Francisco: questions
Do I need a permit to repipe a house in San Francisco?
Yes. San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection requires a permit before cutting into or replacing pipes, and the work must be inspected before pipes are covered.
Who owns the water service line in San Francisco?
The SFPUC owns the line from the main to the meter box; the property owner owns the line from the meter box to the plumbing inside the building.
Does San Francisco help if I replace a galvanized water line?
Yes. The SFPUC Water Quality Division (415-934-3900) provides free pitcher filters and extra free lead testing to customers replacing their service line.
Why is repiping a common call in San Francisco?
Many pre-war buildings still have galvanized supply pipe, which corrodes and narrows over decades.
How old are most homes in San Francisco?
The median home in San Francisco was built in 1946, and 75% of homes were built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey).
Should old pipes in a San Francisco home be repaired or replaced?
One leak in otherwise sound pipe is usually repaired; when galvanized or failing pipe leaks in several places, repiping costs less over time. In San Francisco: many pre-war buildings still have galvanized supply pipe, which corrodes and narrows over decades.
Repiping near San Francisco
More plumbing services in San Francisco
Local rules and details for San Francisco
San Francisco facts behind this page
- The median home in San Francisco was built in 1946. [1]
- About 75% of San Francisco's housing units were built before 1980, the era of galvanized steel supply pipe, cast iron drains and clay sewer laterals. [1]
- Water from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra supplies up to 85% of San Francisco's water. It is exempt from state and federal filtration requirements because of its exceptional quality, and is disinfected with ultraviolet light and chlorine. [2]
- San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection requires a permit before cutting into or replacing pipes, particularly pipes that will be covered by a wall or buried in the ground, with exemptions in San Francisco Plumbing Code Section 104.2. Contractors need a C4, C16, C20, C36, C54, B, or A license, and work must be inspected before pipes are covered. [3]
- The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) owns the portion of the water service line from the water main to the meter box. The property owner owns the portion from the meter box to the plumbing inside the home or business, so replacing that section is the owner's responsibility. [4]
- The SFPUC says galvanized service lines may still contain lead trapped from lead lines removed years ago. If you plan to replace your San Francisco service line, contact the SFPUC Water Quality Division at 415-934-3900 or quality@sfwater.org for free pitcher filters and additional free lead testing. [4]
San Francisco rules and programs for repiping
- San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection requires a permit before cutting into or replacing pipes, particularly pipes that will be covered by a wall or buried in the ground, with exemptions in San Francisco Plumbing Code Section 104.2. Contractors need a C4, C16, C20, C36, C54, B, or A license, and work must be inspected before pipes are covered. [3]
- The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) owns the portion of the water service line from the water main to the meter box. The property owner owns the portion from the meter box to the plumbing inside the home or business, so replacing that section is the owner's responsibility. [4]
- The SFPUC says galvanized service lines may still contain lead trapped from lead lines removed years ago. If you plan to replace your San Francisco service line, contact the SFPUC Water Quality Division at 415-934-3900 or quality@sfwater.org for free pitcher filters and additional free lead testing. [4]
Other common plumbing calls in San Francisco
- Sewer Line Repair: old clay and cast iron laterals under century-old buildings crack and let roots in.
- Bathroom Remodel Plumbing: remodels in older flats usually uncover original drain and supply lines, and California's fixture rules apply.
Sources (4)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- SFPUC, 2025 Annual Water Quality Report, City of San Francisco · checked 2026-10-01
- SF.gov, Apply for a plumbing and mechanical permit · checked 2026-10-19
- SFPUC, Identifying Customer-Owned Service Lines · checked 2026-10-19