Repiping Materials & Options

Purpose

Product knowledge for whole-house and partial repiping materials and options.

When to Use

When a customer needs pipe replacement due to deterioration, leaks, low pressure, or discolored water — typically presented during a sales appointment after a tech has diagnosed the issue.

Piping Materials

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) — Spartan's Primary Choice

• Advantages: Flexible (fewer fittings = fewer leak points), freeze-resistant, corrosion-proof, quieter than copper, faster installation = lower labor cost.
• Types: PEX-A (most flexible, Spartan standard), PEX-B (slightly stiffer), PEX-C (least flexible).
• Color coding: Red = hot, Blue = cold, White = either. Use proper color throughout.
• Lifespan: 50+ years with proper installation.
• Best for: Whole-house repipes, replacing polybutylene (gray pipe), replacing corroded galvanized.

Copper

• Advantages: Proven track record, handles UV exposure (outdoor runs), higher resale value perception.
• Disadvantages: More expensive, requires soldering (more labor), susceptible to corrosion in certain water conditions, pinhole leak risk.
• When to recommend: Customer specifically requests copper, outdoor exposed runs, or when local code requires it for specific applications.

When to Recommend Repiping

• Polybutylene (gray pipe) — known failure-prone material. Recommend full replacement.
• Galvanized steel — corrodes from inside, causing low pressure and rust-colored water.
• Copper with pinhole leaks — if the home has had multiple pinhole leaks, the water chemistry is attacking the copper. Full repipe is better than patching.
• Lead pipes — immediate health concern. Repipe immediately.
• Home is 40+ years old with original plumbing and showing symptoms.

Presenting Repipe Options

• Partial repipe: Replace only the failing sections. Lower cost but doesn't solve the root issue if the whole system is aging.
• Whole-house repipe: Replace everything from the main shutoff to all fixtures. Solves the problem permanently.
• Frame as Good (partial) vs. Better/Best (whole-house with different warranty tiers).
• Show the customer corroded or deteriorated pipe sections — visual evidence sells.

Important Notes

• Always check local code requirements before specifying materials.
• Repiping typically requires permits and inspection — include in the estimate and timeline.
• Set realistic timeline expectations: whole-house repipe is typically 2-3 days.
• Drywall patching may be needed — coordinate with the customer on who handles that (Spartan or their contractor).

Related SOPs

• Repiping Procedures — installation methods
• Whole-House Repiping — full repipe process
• Permit Application & Requirements — permit process