Meaning & use
replumb
Last updated
Meanings
verbtransitive
To replace or renew the pipes and plumbing system in a building.
Grammar: Takes an object, usually a building or its pipes: replumb the house.
Patterns
- replumb something
- replumb a house/building
- have something replumbed
They had to replumb the whole house after the old pipes started leaking.
The council plans to replumb the school over the summer holidays.
It cost more to replumb the kitchen than to fit the new cabinets.
verbtransitive
To fit a new set of pipes to a particular appliance or fixture.
Grammar: Often used with a specific object such as a sink or boiler: replumb the boiler.
Patterns
- replumb a sink/boiler
- replumb something for someone
The plumber replumbed the boiler so the hot water reaches the upstairs bathroom.
We replumbed the washing machine to stop it draining into the sink.
Word forms
| third person singular | replumbs |
|---|---|
| past tense | replumbed |
| past participle | replumbed |
| -ing form | replumbing |
Common combinations
- replumb a house
- They decided to replumb the house before moving in.
- have the pipes replumbed
- We had the old pipes replumbed last winter.
- replumb the bathroom
- The builder will replumb the bathroom at the same time.
- cost a fortune to replumb
- It would cost a fortune to replumb the entire block.
Synonyms and how they differ
- repipe
- A rarer technical term used mostly for industrial pipework rather than household plumbing.
- refit
- Broader: it can mean replacing any fittings, not just pipes.
Word family
Commonly confused: replumb or plumb? replumb or replenish?
replumb vs plumb
'Plumb' means to fit pipes or to measure depth; 'replumb' specifically means to replace existing pipes with new ones.
replumb vs replenish
'Replenish' means to fill something up again, such as a supply of food; it has nothing to do with pipes.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'replumb' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Replumb' means to replace the pipes in a building or fixture, so it fits the bathroom. The other options use it as if it meant 'rewrite', 'water' or 'repair a relationship', which it never does.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “replumb”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.