Frequently Asked Questions for Homeowners

What is the problem with the plumbing system? How can I tell if I have a problem?

It is difficult to spot problem pipes without an inspection. If your home was built, or had pipes replaced in the late 1970's through mid 1990's, you may have defective polybutylene pipes. If your home was built within the last eight years you may have yellow brass fittings that are susceptible to premature deterioration through a process called dezincification. Dezincified brass fittings can cause clogging of pipes, debris in fixtures and ultimately complete fitting failure with catastrophic water damage the result. Old copper and galvanized pipes have outlived their useful life when they begin to leak, your water becomes discolored or stains your sinks and tubs or low water pressure becomes a problem However, all of these problems can be solved by replacing the defective or outdated plumbing.

Are homeowners currently having leaks or problems with these types of plumbing systems?

6 to 10 million homes and multifamily units were built with defective polybutylene plumbing. The number has still to be determined, but by some estimates, millions of homes may be affected by defective brass fittings. Homes with copper and galvanized pipes can reach the end of their useful life after 30 years of service, and in some areas with aggressive water, copper pipes can fail in less than 10 years.

Are there any health concerns from the affected systems?

No.

How will this affect me if I am trying to sell my home?

Since the new plumbing system installed by Plumbing Express or Sagewater carries a transferable 25-year limited warranty, any potential buyer of the home will have the benefit of that warranty as well as the benefit of a new plumbing system installed in the home. This should improve the marketability of your home.

What steps do I need to take in order to get my house repaired?

There will be minimal preparation needed. Plumbing Express will take care of everything. The project team leader will meet with you before the project begins and will give you the details about preparing your home for the replacement process.

What if I have a leak that needs be addressed now?

If you experience plumbing leaks that require immediate attention, please contact Plumbing Express directly at 888-584-9990. We will coordinate the process to arrange for a prompt inspection of your plumbing system and schedule the necessary repairs at the earliest possible date, often beginning the next day.

How do I know that repiping will take care of the problem?

Plumbing Express has completed more than more than 67,000 similar repairs all over the country. We have years of experience performing this type of work, following industry standards for repairs using proven products. With 25 million pipe feet replaced, we are America's repipe specialist.

How much will I personally need to do in order to have the replacement work completed?

Our goal is to minimize your inconvenience or disruptions to your daily schedule, so you have to do very little personally. Our One Call Repipe is a turnkey solution, so you don't have to juggle separate contractors for each stage of the repair.

How long does the pipe replacement project take?

Most repipes will be completed in 3-5 days, depending on specific conditions in your home. Homes that require stucco repair take an additional 1-2 days to complete.

Will we have to move out during the work?

No. The project teams will respect your privacy. The replacement process is designed to minimize any inconvenience or interruptions to your daily schedule. The experts working on your house will be meticulous — about one-third of the total project time is devoted to keeping your house as clean as possible. They will also explain where work will occur in your home at each stage of the process so that you will know which rooms will not be affected. If you have concerns about staying in the home during the repairs, we are available to discuss your specific needs.

Does someone need to be home during the work?

No. Your participation is only needed at the beginning and end of the project. You should plan on meeting the crew on the first day to show them around your home. After that, the crew will handle the work, clean up every night, and leave you a progress update each evening. When the project is completed, Plumbing Express will perform a "walk through" of your house with you, to be sure you are completely satisfied. Please note that unattended minors may not be in the home during the work.

Will my water be turned off?

Yes, but only for about eight to ten hours during the first day while Plumbing Express is working on the system. The crew will restore water service that evening for your convenience.

Do I have to move anything out of the way?

You should move any personal property of special concern and other items as directed in our "Home Owner Preparation" document before the project begins. You should also remove all household items from beneath the sinks. The project manager will show you where work will occur and the order in which repairs will occur in each room. Other than that, our project teams will respect your home and personal property as if it were their own.

What about all of the dust and construction debris?

About one-third of the project's time is devoted to managing cleanliness on the job and we'll take painstaking care to manage dust and debris during the replacement work. The project team will also clean your home after each day's work is complete.