I recently took advantage of the opportunity to attend a seminar at Buckman’s presented by Jeff Butler, the owner of Repipe Specialists, that CA company that has set up operations here in Nevada to address the Kitec problem in Clark County.  While their CA operations specialize in copper repiping, the company here is offering both an all copper and a Wirsbo repiping solution to address our KITEC fittings problem. Homeowners are encouraged to evaluate the company's offering, as detailed below.

The presentation was especially informative about the nature of plumbing problem we face, and included a computer run graphics slide show to view as well as providing homeowners with a hands-on opportunity to sample pipe and fittings that were passed around. The seminar's format allowed residents an extended opportunity to ask questions. Repipe Specialists was obviously interested in selling you on the value of the plumbing services they were offering. At the end of the seminar, attendees had an opportunity to request a home visit to obtain a quote, whether for copper or for Wirsbo repiping. Specific home pricing was not discussed at the seminar since model configurations and home conditions vary.

For those who might be interested in attending a company seminar, you can do so at one of the following two dates and times at Buckman's Tavern:         

Tuesday, July 10th, at either 3:30 or at 6:30

Monday, July 16, 3:30 or at 6:30.   

   

      Since seating is limited, reservations are requested. You can do so by calling the company's CA main office at 1-800-737-4746 during regular business hours. Whether the company plans to hold any future seminars beyond the July 10th date is unknown.

 

If you are unable to attend a seminar, you can call their toll-free number and schedule an appointment.

In contrast to the offering of some other plumbing companies, Repipe Specialists takes a somewhat unique approach to our plumbing problem. What RS attempts to do is to provide the homeowner with what might be considered a complete solution to the Kitec plumbing problem. That solution, at least in the case of copper, is available only to those who can readily afford that more expensive option. If cost is not an issue to you, copper may be an option a homeowner would want to consider. I will not elaborate here on what that copper option entails. For additional information about copper repiping, click here: Copper repiping.

However, the company also provides a more price competitive option involving the use of Wirsbo’s PEX pipe that homeowners may find attractive for about $7,800. That option is discussed in some detail below.

1. Pricing.  A complete inside home package for $7,800, or thereabouts. The price may vary slightly depending on the individual model home and conditions within the home. [As an example, we obtained a bid from RS for our Monticello model home (2,752 sq. ft.) for $7,970, or $170 above the baseline price of $7,800 due, we were told, to the home's somewhat larger size.]
2. All inclusive. Note that all of the items listed below, No. 3-16 are included in the basic price, for a base price of about $7,800.
3. Fittings.  Wirsbo’s new bronze C314 fittings at no additional charge. [For example, American Leak charges an additional $300, while MC Mechanical charges an additional $800 for the use of C314 fittings.]
4. Angle Stops.  New [BrassCraft] 1/4 turn chrome plated ball valve angle stops at plumbing fixtures at no additional charge. See image.
5. Angle Stops.  New easy access threaded fittings (in lieu of compression fittings) for angle stops that permit easy change out at fixtures when that might be required.
6. Washing Machine.  New ball valves at washing machine.
7. Hose Bibs.  Two new hose bibs.
8. Supply Lines.  New flex water supply lines at fixtures at no additional charge.
9. Drywall & Painting. Drywall repair and painting to match.
10. No Penetration of outside wall. With rare exceptions depending on the model home and homeowner amenities, virtually all repipe work is performed inside the home. As a result, there is typically no need to penetrate the outside stucco wall.
11. Stucco. Stucco repair, if needed.
12. Cleanup. Normal pickup and cleanup.
13. Cleaning Company.  A local professional housecleaning company will perform final clean up services.
14. Labor Warranty.  A lifetime warranty on labor for the current homeowner, plus transfer of that original warranty to a new owner for 5 years.
15. Arrestors.  Water hammer arrestors is a brand new City requirement to prevent knocking when the water is suddenly turned on and off. Arrestors are required for the washing machine and the dishwasher.
16. Insulation.  Standard, as required by City code, the attic pipes are insulated.

NEW Scope of Work.   Attached is the company's "Scope of Work."

Optional Features. The items listed below are optional and are not included in the above pricing. They include:     AMENDED 7/5

• Recirculating Pump.  $600 for the upgraded Grundfos UP15-18 pump, which is designed to lift water to a height of 14', and includes new bronze fittings to replace the existing corroded fittings that currently surround the recirculating pump. [Grundfos pumps are considered the industry standard and Pulte’s decision to purchase and install the lower costing TACO pumps instead of Grundfos pumps in REHAU built homes may have been more cost driven rather than performance driven since a Grundfos pump may cost up to 50% more than TACO pump of equivalent size (head capacity).]
• Landscaping Line.  $400 for a new overhead line and C314 fittings.
• Instant hot water.  $120 per fixture, e.g., the kitchen sink, etc. For those interested in reproducing what they now have in securing instant hot water, Repipe Specialists will bring the hot water recirculating line down the wall in a loop to the area where the fixture(s) are located. Otherwise, homeowners will have to wait a little while longer (about 6-8 seconds) while hot water travels from the attic to where the fixture is located.  
• New Shower Valve.  $295 for a low zinc (less than 10%) shower valve manufactured by Symmons.
• Main Line Valve.  New NIBCO 1" bronze ball valve w/steel ball for the main line shut off in the garage, $120.  See image.
• Recirculating pump fixtures only.  The homeowner keeps their existing Grundfos pump while replacing the already corroded fixtures on the water heater recirculating line with a new 1) check valve, 2) hose bib & 3) ball valve, $120.
• Other.  There are an array of other options available that homeowners may wish to consider along with their repiping.

Ron Johnson, 2 July 2007, Rev. 5 July