Faq
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowners often have questions before starting a repiping project. Below are clear, straightforward answers to the questions we hear most. If you don’t see your concern listed, reach out — our team is happy to help.
General
Do I have to be home during the repipe?
No. You only need to be home at the start of the day to meet the crew and walk through the plan with our foreman. During this walkthrough, we confirm pipe locations, access points, and which walls may be opened.
After that, you can stay or leave — whatever works best for you. Our team handles the rest and keeps the work moving efficiently.
Will you cover my floors and furniture to protect them from dust?
Yes. Before work begins, our crew protects your home by covering floors, furniture, and work areas as much as possible. We use protective plastic and coverings to help contain dust and keep your space clean throughout the repiping process.
Repipe Process
Other companies said they would need to break tile in our newly remodeled bathroom. Is that true?
Not always. Every home is different, and not all repipe companies take the same approach. At Creative Repipe, we look for the least invasive path first.
Our team gets creative when routing new pipes and often finds ways to avoid breaking tile in bathrooms or kitchens. In many cases, we can access plumbing through walls, ceilings, or alternative pathways that protect finished surfaces.
While some situations do require limited access, we always explore every option to minimize disruption before opening tile. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised by how much we’re able to preserve.
Do you patch walls that are opened during the repipe?
Yes. We patch and texture all walls that are opened during the repipe process.
Our goal is to leave your home clean and structurally restored once the plumbing work is complete. While we do not provide painting services, the patched areas are prepared so your painter can easily finish the job and blend the surface seamlessly.
We’ll walk you through exactly which areas are opened and what to expect before work begins, so there are no surprises.
What if I want to patch my own walls?
No problem at all. If you prefer to handle the wall patching yourself or hire your own contractor, we can deduct the wall patching portion from your estimate.
As an example, for a typical two-story, three-bathroom home under 2,600 square feet, the deduction is often around $1,400 for patching and texturing. The exact amount may vary depending on the scope of work.
We’ll review this with you during your estimate so you know exactly what’s included and can choose the option that works best for you.
Materials
PEX vs. Copper — What’s the Best Choice for Your Home?
We typically recommend PEX piping for home repiping, especially here in California.
Why? Most California water systems use chloramines as a treatment additive. Over time, chloramines can break down copper pipes from the inside out. This is one of the main reasons we see copper plumbing failures—even in homes that are less than 10 years old.
PEX piping is not affected by chloramines, which makes it a more reliable long-term solution for many homeowners.
Not All PEX Is the Same
Although PEX is a great material, quality matters.
There are several approved PEX brands in California, and they vary in thickness, durability, and resistance. Some lower-grade PEX products are commonly sold at big-box stores, while higher-quality systems are typically only available to licensed repipe professionals.
In addition, there are multiple connection methods used with PEX piping, including:
Expansion fittings
Crimp fittings
Press fittings
Sliding sleeve fittings
Compression fittings
Each system performs differently, which is why simply hearing “we use PEX” doesn’t tell the full story.
We Show You the Difference
When we come out for your estimate, we bring actual material samples with us—including piping, fittings, and connections. You’ll be able to see and feel the quality for yourself.
Even if you’re still exploring your options, you’ll walk away knowing:
What materials last longest
What to avoid
What questions to ask any repipe company
That way, when it’s time to repipe your home, you can make a confident, informed decision.
Does the repipe include new hot and cold shut-off valves under sinks and toilets?
Yes. As part of a full home repipe, we install new quarter-turn shut-off valves throughout your home.
This typically includes:
New hot and cold shut-off valves for every sink
New shut-off valves for all toilets
Replacement of all feed lines to sinks and toilets
A new main water shut-off valve where water enters the home
A new shut-off valve at the water heater for hot water control
A dedicated shut-off valve for the refrigerator water line
New hot and cold shut-off valves for the washing machine
These upgrades allow you to shut off water quickly and easily when needed and help prevent future leaks.
Every repipe includes quality components designed to last, so you’re not left with old or failing shut-off valves after the plumbing is replaced.
During your estimate, we’ll walk you through everything that’s included and show you the actual materials we use, so you know exactly what you’re getting before work begins.
Warranty
Will the repipe come with any kind of a warranty?
Yes. All repipes installed by Creative Repipe come with a lifetime warranty.
This warranty:
Covers the repiping work for the life of the home
Is one-time transferable to a new homeowner at no additional cost
Adds long-term value and serves as a strong selling point if you decide to sell
During your estimate, our representative will walk you through the warranty details and provide a folder with important information, including:
Warranty documentation
Materials used in your repipe
Insurance and licensing information
How to prepare your home for the repipe
A step-by-step overview of the repipe process
Guidance on maintaining your new plumbing system
Our goal is to make sure you understand exactly what’s covered and feel confident in your investment before any work begins.
What if the work does not pass city inspection?
If the inspection relates to the repiping work we performed, Creative Repipe is fully responsible for correcting it at no additional cost to you. Our job isn’t finished until the work passes city inspection.
However, if the inspector identifies unrelated code issues that fall outside the repipe scope—such as:
Electrical
Structural
Windows
Pre-existing plumbing not part of the repipe
those items are considered homeowner responsibility, as they are not part of the repipe contract.
We always communicate inspection results clearly, explain what applies to the repipe, and help you understand next steps so there are no surprises.
Do you have a contractor’s license and are you bonded and insured?
Yes. Creative Repipe is fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
California Contractor License #: 986251
You can click the license number to verify our status directly on the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website.We hold two active licenses:
General Contractor License
C-36 Plumbing License
Both licenses are in good standing. Our bond, workers’ compensation, and liability insurance information are publicly available through the CSLB and are also provided to you in writing at your estimate appointment.
During your estimate, we leave you with a folder that includes:
License verification
Insurance documentation
Warranty details
Repiping process overview
So you can review everything with confidence and transparency.
