Piping and repiping services are typically handled by a seasoned professional rather than a general plumber. Fixing leaks, installing fixtures, and cleaning drains fall under a general contractor’s capabilities. But piping and repiping require an advanced skill set and in-depth knowledge of your home plumbing system and its intricacies. In some cases, repiping can involve replacing your entire plumbing system.
Why You Need a Repipe Specialist
Piping services are different than the more common plumbing service visits. When you need extensive pipe repairs or water supply and drainage pipes replaced, you need a qualified specialist for the following reasons:
- Advanced Expertise: When you hire a repipe specialist, you benefit from their knowledge of the latest techniques and technologies. They can quickly assess the condition of your pipes to determine if they need to be replaced or if there are other repair options. Removing your existing pipes can be challenging.
A skilled technician has worked with all types of plumbing systems. They can troubleshoot difficult situations, anticipate issues before they occur, and use their problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions. Therefore, they can work more efficiently and ensure the project goes as smoothly as possible.
- Knowledge of Specialized Tools and Equipment: Piping and repiping can’t be done with standard wrenches, pliers, or augers. It requires pipe cutters, pipe threading machines, and other advanced tools that not every general plumber uses every day. Hiring an inexperienced person or a handyman can result in improper installation and leaks. Using certain tools without experience can lead to plumbing/water damage and potentially serious injuries.
- Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations: Anyone who repipes your home must comply with various building codes and regulations, which can vary from one location to another. The work also requires obtaining a permit and scheduling an inspection. Noncompliance can lead to costly fines and plumbing issues, not to mention have legal implications. While a general plumber may not be familiar with local codes for repiping, a repipe specialist has detailed knowledge of them.
- A Detailed Evaluation: Advanced training and experience enable a repiping contractor to accurately assess your plumbing system. An inspection is often performed for free. It entails looking for signs of damage, wear, and corrosion and deciding how to address specific issues. Some plumbing issues are more difficult to spot than others.
Even if you or a general plumber missed something, a specialist can identify the most subtle problems and help make an informed decision on how to resolve them. Their recommendations are also customized based on their findings and your specific needs.
- High-Quality Materials: Before performing repiping services, a specialist will explain the materials they will use and any options you have. The most common pipe materials include:
- PEX: Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a durable and flexible material that’s used in many plumbing applications. It’s suited for hot and cold water lines. A PEX pipe can be bent around corners and requires fewer fittings. It’s also resistant to mineral scale, chlorine, and bursting due to freezing.
- PVC/CPVC: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a lightweight plastic that’s chemical- and corrosion-resistant. It is suited for many applications. Created via a chlorination process, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes withstand higher temperatures, so are often used for hot water lines.
- Copper: Copper pipe has been used for many years and is reliable and long-lasting. It handles high pressures and temperatures, resists corrosion and bacteria, and is recyclable. However, since installing copper pipes requires soldering, you need a skilled specialist with experience in this area.
Before repiping your home, your local specialist will likely discuss the benefits of PEX vs.copper or other pipe materials.
- Superior Customer Service: A repipe specialist understands your concerns and is dedicated to solving your plumbing issues and meeting your expectations. They provide high-quality work and are efficient. Exceptional service helps improve their reputation and chances of getting great reviews, high ratings, and word-of-mouth referrals.
You should receive a precise estimate that includes materials, permits, and labor costs and the project’s expected timeline. Information on warranties should also be provided.
- Potential for Cost Savings: Working with a piping services contractor can save you money over hiring a general plumber. High-quality materials and workmanship can avoid future issues and costly repairs. Even small water leaks throughout the system can cost you money. Repiping your home isn’t cheap, but avoiding rework and persistent issues means you’ll save in the long run.
- Faster Project Completion: A specialist can plan and complete a repiping project faster than a general plumber. Their expertise in pipe materials, installation methods, and tools allows them to work efficiently. Hiring a repiping specialist also reduces the risk of mistakes that can increase installation time. This can mean less of a disruption in your routine and getting your home back in order more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are General Plumbers Unsuited for Repiping?
Most general plumbers are quite versatile. However, they are better trained and equipped to handle the most common problems. Installing and replacing supply lines, drain pipes, and other plumbing components requires more advanced skills. A lack of specialized knowledge can result in subpar work, increased costs, and project delays. It also increases the risk of using lower-quality materials and violating local building codes.
Do I Need a Piping Service?
If you’re weighing whether to hire a general plumber vs. a repiping specialist, consider the following:
- Project Complexity: If the project requires more than minor repairs and entails addressing multiple issues or upgrading an aging plumbing system, you need a repiping service.
- Long-Term Value: A general plumber can’t ensure the integrity and efficiency of a new plumbing system. However, a specialist can provide high-quality service that justifies the upfront cost of repiping.
- Proper Care and Attention for Your Home: A knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated professional will ensure the project’s success and that your home will be safe, functional, and efficient.
How Do I Find a Reputable Repipe Specialist?
Repiping is a highly specialized type of plumbing project. When searching for a professional, include the type of work you need in your query. Then research the companies you find by reading online reviews and checking their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends are also helpful.
Get multiple estimates before choosing a company to work with. When evaluating a quote, review what it covers, the scope of the work, the materials used, and labor costs. The company should include a warranty on parts, materials, and workmanship. It should also explain the installation method and its impact on your daily routine.
You also want to consider the following when hiring a repiping specialist:
- Experience with past piping and repiping projects
- The contractor’s licensing and insurance
- Your questions are answered in detail
- The representative’s/technician’s communication skills
- The quality and durability of materials
- A schedule for project completion
What Does a Repiping Service Look Like?
Repiping should start with an initial inspection. The contractor should examine your plumbing system, determine its condition, and identify what issues are present, before planning all the fine details of the project. Then they will clear the work area and take steps to protect your home. The water supply will be shut off. Your old pipes will be removed and the technician will install the new ones. Lastly, a series of tests will determine if the pipes are functional and leak-free, and then the work area will be fully cleaned.
Depending on your plumbing system, the size of your home, and the materials used, repiping can take as little as one to two days.
How Long Will My New Pipes Last?
Copper and CPVC pipes can last over 70 years. Depending on operating conditions, PEX pipes can last 20 to 50 years. Water quality and environmental factors can affect the lifespan of any pipe.
Should I Repipe My Home?
You should consider repiping your plumbing system if you notice the following signs:
- Toilets, sinks, and other drains clog frequently
- Plumbing backups are becoming more common
- Pipes freeze, which can cause leaks, cracks, and pipe failure
- Water pressure is too high, too low, or fluctuating
- Signs of leaks such as stained walls and ceilings
- Mold and mildew appear unexpectedly
- Water is draining more slowly
- Discoloration, strange tastes, and other water quality issues
- Unusual sounds from your plumbing
- Your water bills increase without explanation
A problem in one part of your plumbing system can lead to issues that warrant calling a repiping specialist. Pipe replacement fully restores your plumbing service and can protect your home from further damage. A general plumber cannot guarantee such benefits, so isn’t suited for a home repiping project.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
At Sky Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide high-quality piping and repiping services in and around Portland. We perform a free inspection to determine the scope of the damage, use the highest-quality ISO-certified materials and products, and provide fast installation. Our team is also available 24/7 to address emergencies. Inquire about special offers and financing for a more affordable repiping service. To request an evaluation and schedule professional plumbing services in your home, call (888) 961-4282 today.