Are you looking into a repipe project for your San Jose home? If so, there are a few things that you need to know before hiring a contractor. Learn more about the steps you should take below and contact Gladiator Repipe to schedule your repipe now!
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Insurance
The first thing that you should check regarding your copper repiping services in San Jose is to make sure the contractor is properly insured. Many “fly-by-night” contractors will present a certificate to the license board to show they are insured for the year and then will cancel the coverage immediately after to save money. Others will misrepresent how much coverage they need to pay less and won’t pass their insurance audit which could result in non-coverage. As a homeowner, hiring a contractor who is underinsured, or not insured at all, can be a costly mistake should something major happen. It can ultimately fall back on you and your personal home insurance. Ask for updated evidence of the coverage form to be emailed to you directly from the insurance agent to avoid being fooled.
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License
Check to make sure the license holder is the owner or actually involved with the business. Unfortunately, in California, many low-level contractors will “lend” their license out to other non-licensed individuals for a monthly fee. It is difficult to avoid this issue, so it is important that you remain diligent. An unlicensed plumber can do a lot of damage to your home during your copper repiping in a short amount of time, so taking the time to vet them thoroughly is in your best interests. Fortunately, there are some tools available that allow you to look into contractors. To check on this information visit this website and do a “license check” under the “online services” tab.
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Ask About Flux
If you are purchasing a copper repipe, ask the contractor what type of flux they use. Flux is a compound that is involved in soldering pipe joints and is crucial to the copper repiping process. Many contractors still use a resin-based flux which, if overused by an inexperienced installer, can get stuck inside the pipes at each joint or connection indefinitely. This flux is acidic and will eventually eat through the metal or copper piping and can lead to your system developing pin holes within 5-7 years after installation.
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Ask About Pex
Alternatively, if you are purchasing a pex repipe, ask the contractor what type of pex they are using. Pex is flexible plastic piping that has grown in popularity over the years because of its versatility. There are several brands of pex piping and connectors that have been under major scrutiny. Companies have even faced lawsuits for their products being faulty or not performing as promised. Uponor Pex Type A clear pipe is the current recommended pipe of choice for the best results and its longevity.
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Test Other Systems
Repiping is a major home renovation project and a lot can happen during the course of the process. Ask your potential contractor if they have a walk-thru procedure or checklist in place to ensure your home is put back in the same or better state that it was in before the project. Remember, if you have HVAC ducts, electrical wiring, or cable/internet wiring next to where the plumbers are working, it is extremely important that the contractor tests these after work is performed to ensure that there was no damage done to these ancillary systems. Once the contractor is gone, it can be difficult to get them to make repairs.
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For more helpful tips on how to ensure a successful repipe project visit us at www.gladiatorrepipe.com. Contact Gladiator Repipe — San Jose’s expert repipe team — to get a quote today!
