San Francisco homes — whether they’re 1920s Marina flats, mid-century Sunset houses, Richmond District row homes, or TIC/condo conversions — often contain aging plumbing systems that need thoughtful, code-compliant upgrades. At Heidi’s House Construction, we specialize in whole-house repiping, rough-in plumbing for renovations and ADUs, finish plumbing installations, and targeted plumbing repairs throughout San Francisco and the North Bay.

With over 40 years of plumbing and construction experience, we’ve seen every kind of plumbing system San Francisco has to offer: mixed galvanized lines, partial copper retrofits, cast iron stacks tied into ABS branches, outdated venting, tight crawlspaces, and tricky transitions in older remodels. Our job is to modernize your plumbing safely, cleanly, and efficiently — without surprises and without unnecessary demolition.

Why Plumbing & Repiping Is More Complex in San Francisco Homes

San Francisco’s unique combination of climate, soil conditions, and older building stock means plumbing systems behave differently than in newer suburban homes. Some factors that require experienced design and installation:

• Aging infrastructure: Many homes still rely on original galvanized piping installed 60–100 years ago.
• Mixed materials: Copper-to-galvanized transitions, cast iron tied to ABS, and irregular venting layouts are common.
• Limited access: Narrow crawlspaces, attached garages, sealed walls, or HOA restrictions can impact routing.
• High water pressure variability: PRV (pressure reducing valve) calibration is essential for fixture longevity.
• Fog and moisture: Add stress on exterior piping, valves, vents, and exposed copper.
• Seismic considerations: Piping must be properly supported, strapped, and protected around structural elements.

Every home is different. We evaluate the system as a whole and develop a plumbing plan that improves performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

Comprehensive Plumbing & Repiping Services

We provide full-scope plumbing services for homeowners, condo owners, HOAs, and ADU/lower-level conversions throughout the city.

Whole-House Repiping

We replace outdated galvanized supply lines with modern copper or PEX systems designed for consistent pressure, safe drinking water, and long-term durability.

• Hot & cold water supply repiping
• Copper, PEX, or hybrid copper-to-PEX solutions
• New shutoff valves at logical locations
• Pressure balancing & PRV calibration
• Water heater tie-ins and recirculation options

Drain, Waste & Vent (DWV) Upgrades

We inspect and replace aging cast iron, correct improper transitions, improve venting, and ensure proper slope and cleanout access.

• Cast iron to ABS transitions
• New venting for bathrooms, kitchens, and ADUs
• Drain line replacements
• Cleanout installation
• Code-compliant slope corrections

Rough-In Plumbing for Renovations & ADUs

We provide rough-in systems for bathroom remodels, kitchen renovations, garage conversions, ADUs, and lower-level build-outs.

• Shower, tub, and wall and floor mount toilet rough-ins
• Vanity, laundry, and kitchen rough plumbing
• Shower pan and linear drain prep
• Water heater and heat pump water heater tie-ins
• Gas line additions or replacements

Finish Plumbing Installations

We finish your remodel with precise fixture installation and system testing.

• Bathroom and kitchen fixtures
• Shower valves & trims
• Wall-hung or floor-mount toilets
• Faucets, tubs, and sinks
• Dishwashers and disposers

Smart Plumbing & Leak Protection

We install Moen Flo and other smart water shutoff systems to prevent leaks and floods — especially important for multi-unit buildings, downtown high-rises, or homeowners who travel frequently.

• Smart leak detection sensors
• Automatic shutoff devices
• System monitoring & configuration
• Troubleshooting and replacement of obsolete smart valves

Plumbing Repairs & Troubleshooting

We diagnose and repair leaks, pressure issues, drainage problems, and fixture failures with a long-term, systems-level approach.

• Leak diagnostics
• Clogged or slow drains
• Pinhole leaks in copper or PEX
• Toilet repair or replacement
• Valve replacement and upgrades

Our Plumbing & Repiping Process

1. System Evaluation

We start by mapping your existing supply and DWV systems—including shutoffs, PRV, heater location, risers, and fixture branches.

2. Material & Layout Planning

Based on the home’s structure, access, and code requirements, we design an efficient, maintainable plumbing system.

3. Permit Coordination

Repipes and major plumbing upgrades typically require permits. We coordinate all DBI inspections (rough, top-out, final) and ensure everything is accessible and code-correct.

4. Phased Installation

We minimize downtime by replacing sections strategically and keeping at least one bathroom operational when possible.

5. Testing, Balancing & Calibration

Once installed, we test pressure, inspect joints, calibrate PRVs, insulate pipes, and ensure the entire system runs smoothly.

When a Repipe Is Recommended

You may need a whole-house repipe if you notice:

• Rusty or discolored water
• Low or inconsistent pressure
• Multiple leaks in recent years
• Galvanized or mixed-material piping
• Upcoming major renovations (bathrooms, kitchens, ADUs)

A repipe can save money in the long run by reducing the need for repeated repairs and protecting new renovations from leaks or water damage.

Plumbing Material Options for San Francisco

Copper (Type L)

• Extremely durable and reliable
• Ideal for exposed piping in garages or basements
• Resistant to UV and structural movement

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)

• Flexible and easier to route through tight spaces
• Excellent for multi-fixture pressure balancing
• Lower material cost than copper

Hybrid Systems

• Copper mains with PEX branches
• Perfect balance of cost, durability, and ease of installation

Drainage Material Options

Cast Iron

• Quiet and durable, ideal for multi-unit buildings
• Often required in specific conditions or owner preference

ABS

• Code-approved, lightweight, cost-effective
• Standard for modern renovations

San Francisco Plumbing & Repipe Costs

Costs vary based on home size, material choice, access, and fixture layout, but general ranges include:

• Partial repipe: $6,000–$15,000+
• Whole-house repipe: $18,000–$40,000+
• Bathroom plumbing rough: $5,000–$12,000+
• Kitchen plumbing rough: $3,500–$9,000+
• DWV upgrades: $3,000–$25,000+

We provide clear estimates and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising durability or code compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need a permit for repipe work in San Francisco?

A1: Yes. Most repipes, DWV upgrades, water heater replacements, and rough plumbing work require DBI permits. We handle all permitting and inspection coordination.

Q2: How long does a whole-house repipe take?

A2: Most repipes take 3–7 days depending on size and access, plus patching and final inspection. Multi-unit buildings take longer due to coordination needs.

Q3: Will my walls need to be opened?

A3: Strategic openings are usually required to access risers, fixture lines, and drains. We minimize openings and provide patch-ready closures.

Q4: Will repiping improve my water pressure?

A4: Yes—replacing old galvanized lines typically restores strong, consistent pressure throughout the home.

Q5: Can you repipe only part of my home?

A5: Yes. We can target problem areas or combine repipe work with upcoming bathroom/kitchen projects.

Next Steps

If you’re experiencing plumbing issues, planning a remodel, or want to modernize your home’s systems, we’d be happy to inspect your plumbing, provide options, and create a clean, code-compliant plan. Contact us to schedule a consultation for plumbing, repiping, or rough/finish plumbing services in San Francisco.