When searching for PEX piping installation services in your area, look for a plumbing company (often referred to as replumb or repipe specialists) with proper qualifications, positive client testimonials, and in-house capabilities for the entire process, as offered by companies like Replumb Specialties Inc.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for when picking a plumber to swap out your old piping for PEX. We have a few tips to help you dodge bad hires and make sure you get the best replumb or repipe experience available in your area.
Choose a Company That Doesn't Use Subcontractors
When choosing a company to replace your plumbing with PEX, one of the key factors to consider is how they manage their projects. Many companies rely on subcontractors for different aspects—plumbing, drywall, texture repair, paint, and tile work. This often leads to inconsistent quality control. One subcontractor might be meticulous with jobsite protection, while the next leaves a mess. You might get a perfect plumbing installation, but poorly done drywall repairs that stand out and diminish the overall finish. Plus, project timelines can drag due to miscommunications and scheduling conflicts between different contractors. We feel this is necessary in order to provide clients with the very best PEX installations and turnkey replumb experiences available.
At Replumb Specialties Inc., we take a different approach. Our entire team is in-house, made up of trained employees who handle every step of the process. From securing permits to completing the plumbing and finishing with paint, one cohesive team ensures consistent, high-quality results throughout the entire project.
Why PEX-A Should Be Your Only Choice, Not PEX-B or PEX-C
When choosing a company to install your PEX piping, make sure you’re getting PEX-A piping. The key difference between PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C lies in how the polyethylene plastic is cross-linked during production. Cross-linking is like tying shoelaces together—it connects individual plastic molecules into a strong, durable, and heat-resistant material. Imagine turning loose strings into a sturdy net.
PEX-A achieves over 85% cross-linking through a peroxide process during extrusion, making it the most flexible and most resistant to cracks. It also offers superior resistance to chlorine and high temperatures, making it the highest quality PEX piping available. In comparison, PEX-B is around 65% cross-linked (the type you’ll typically find at Home Depot), and PEX-C, with less than 60% cross-linking, isn’t even worth considering.
Our team at Replumb Specialties Inc. only installs Uponor PEX-A piping. After more than 30 years of providing our clientele with turnkey pipe replacement solutions, we believe this is the best system available on the market and we stand behind it with our lifetime warranty. We trust this system so much that we’ve installed it in our own homes, using it for both potable water and hydronic radiant heat.
Compare Costs Across Multiple Companies
Just like any major purchase, it’s wise to get bids from multiple companies when considering a PEX overhaul of your plumbing. We firmly believe that a turnkey replumb process—where everything from permits to plumbing to paint is included—offers the best value. We’ve seen some repipe companies charge outrageous amounts, and we’ve even undercut competitor bids by as much as 50% just this year.
A great place to start is our online repipe cost calculator. It provides a comprehensive estimate that covers everything, from permitting fees to plumbing costs, and even paint and tile repairs that might be needed after installing new PEX plumbing. Most of our clients find this convenient because they do not have to schedule an in-person appointment to get an accurate cost estimation. If you’re curious about what factors influence these costs, one of our master plumbers (who also happens to be our web developer) has written an insightful article titled “How Much Does it Cost to Repipe a House with PEX?“
We also suggest inquiring whether the plumbing companies you’re considering offer financing for PEX piping installations. To explore potential financing options, you can check out what we offer here. Even if you choose another company, our rates and options can give you a good starting point for comparison. We even offer a 0% APR option.
Ensure Your Chosen Company Has the Right Qualifications
This section of the article is inspired by an experience we had in the office today. A client called in to inquire about our costs and processes, comparing them to a bid from another contractor. The project involved a condominium pipe replacement – and for jobs like these, it’s essential not only to have a plumbing license but also a general contractor’s license, since building permits are required for commercial residences.
When we heard the name of the other contractor, we had to caution the client. This contractor has reached out to us several times this year to pull permits and complete jobs they couldn’t finish due to lack of proper licensing. Unfortunately a few of their clients have ended up facing additional headaches and costs, needing us to step in and rectify the situation. In fact as we write this, we’re scheduled to fix another one of their jobs next week. The takeaway? Make sure the company you choose has all the necessary licensing and follows the required permitting processes. If you’re unsure about what’s needed, we recommend contacting your local building department for guidance.
Additional Questions?
If you’d like additional advice on how to choose a company for your PEX piping installation or replacement, always feel free to contact our team at Replumb Specialties Inc. We’re available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Denver time) and are happy to answer any questions about finding PEX piping solutions in your area. As we celebrate our 32nd year in business in 2024, we’ve replumbed over 28,000 homes and replaced more than 12 million feet of pipe.
