Over time, old pipes break down and corrosion begins to take over. Rusted, mineral filled pipes can lead to poor water pressure, water discoloration, and other adverse effects. Severson Plumbing Inc. utilizes only Uponor PEX-A tubing and fittings in all of our repipe work. When we repipe your home, you can be confident knowing your new pipe system is lead-free, doesn't use any chemicals or solvents that are bad for the environment, and backed by a 25-year limited warranty. Repiping your home is a large job and it can be upsetting for some. However, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect so you can have a positive experience. We've outlined some useful information and a brief description of the steps involved to help you feel more confident about repiping your home.
Benefits of Uponor Lead-Free PEX Plumbing Systems
- Meets National Lead-Free Legislation
- Exceeds the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act
- No glues, chemicals, or solvents that harm the environment
- Backed by a 25-year limited warranty
- Water Line Installation
- Reduced leak-points
- Resists corrosion, pitting, and scaling
- Resists condensation on cold-water lines
- Retains heat in hot-water lines
The Repiping Process Explained
1. Proposal/Site Inspection
During the initial site visit we will outline the details of the project and what is included as well as answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. We may also make suggestions intended to improve the general performance or aesthetics of the home plumbing system. This may include things like a water filtration system, water heater, circulating system, or replacing old faucets and fixtures. There is not a more cost effective time to replace that old water heater or lazy flushing toilet than while our crew is on site.
2. System Layout
Once the scope of the job is agreed upon the system layout will be determined. Proper routing of the lines helps improve functionality of the system. Your estimator will walk through the home with you and point out what areas will be affected, where we will be making wall openings and so on. We will also point out the "safe" zones around the house where belongings displaced by the work can be stored out of harms way.
3. Preparation
This is where a little help from you can have a big effect on the job. As much as possible the work areas pointed out in the walk through should be clear of clutter and obstructions. Where these areas will be can vary greatly depending on the layout of your home and the routing of the lines. It will however always include the cabinets below your kitchen and bathroom sinks, and it is always helpful if personal and breakable items are removed from the counter tops as well. The area around your water heater and laundry must be clear too. Your estimator will have specific instructions for your home. Of course, we will be happy to assist in moving large, heavy, or bulky items, but we are not furniture movers and cannot be held responsible for minor damage. If you have items that are particularly valuable or easily damaged (a grand piano, or antique armoire for example) you may want to consider a professional mover to assist you.
4. Installation
On the day of installation the crew will arrive in the morning to begin work. They will lay down protective paper on all hard flooring surfaces, adhesive backed plastic on carpet, and plastic sheeting to cover furniture and other unmovable objects. Plastic sheeting may also be used to set up containment walls around work areas where appropriate. At that point, drywall openings will be made along the previously determined routes and any required holes will be drilled through the framework. It's at this point the full impact of the work will become apparent; don't panic! We've been here many times before and can assure you everything is under control. We've found it helpful to remind yourself at this stage, drywall is an easily repairable material and living without fear of your pipes is worth it.
5. Completion of Repipe
Once all of the new valves and supply lines have been connected, the system is pressurized. This is an exciting moment in the process and will come with much activity and noise as crewmen are moving throughout the house checking fixtures and connections and purging air from the new lines. When we are completely satisfied, everything is water tight and in good working order we begin cleaning up. Plastic will be taken down, tools and materials will be picked up and put away, and a general cleanup of the home will be performed, however, your walls and ceilings will temporarily have holes in them.
6. 1st Inspection
All cities in Orange County require that a repipe operation be permitted and inspected. This ensures that all of the work performed in your home is done properly and complies with the most up to date city building codes. This may be of particular importance if you are planning on selling or refinancing your home in the near future. Severson Plumbing Inc. will make arrangements to get the permit and schedule the initial inspection. We typically charge $100 plus the cost of the permit for this service. The actual permit cost will vary depending on the city or county and the size of the system involved, typically from $250-$500 for most homes. The inspection process requires two site visits from the City. The first happens once the new system has been installed and pressurized, but before the walls are closed up. This allows the inspector to see our work and know that it is done correctly. The second inspection will be the very last step in the process, we'll discuss this more later on.
7. Wall Repair
This is where things begin to return to normal. After completion of the repipe and initial inspection, our in-house drywall crew (we do not sub-contract wall repair to ensure quality work) will repair the walls & ceiling as well as any stucco holes, to a "paint ready" condition. This is a process that is usually completed over the course of a few days. They will then remove all paper and plastic from the work site and finish with general cleanup. We can also offer painting services at competitive prices. Ask your estimator for details.
8. Job Completion & Final Inspection
Once drywall repair has been completed to your satisfaction, it is time to call the City back out for the final inspection. In many cases the drywall represents a fire barrier and the City inspector will need to verify that all holes have been properly patched. *It is the homeowners responsibility to make arrangements for the final inspection.* It is a simple process and your estimator can give you all the details on how to go about doing that. The inspectors' signature on the job card is your assurance that your job was completed in a safe and proper manner. Once that has been completed Severson Plumbing Inc. will come back for a final inspection and walk-through of our own. We will double check our work for functionality and aesthetics and make sure you are happy with the outcome and familiar with the proper maintenance of your new system.
