Full Home Re-Piping in San Diego: PEX vs. Copper – What Homeowners Need to Know During a Remodel

Cal Renovation – Serving San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Point Loma, Poway, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, and all surrounding neighborhoods.

1. Old Galvanized Pipes (Corroded, restricted flow)

Why Re-Piping Matters in San Diego Homes

Many homes across San Diego—including La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Point Loma, Clairemont, Mira Mesa, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Escondido, Poway, Vista, and Rancho Bernardo—were built with aging plumbing systems such as galvanized steel or older copper.

Common issues include:

• Restricted water flow

• Internal corrosion

• Rusty or discolored water

• Pinhole leaks from hard water

• Frequent repairs or slab leaks

A full remodel is the ideal time to upgrade the plumbing system to prevent long-term water damage and ensure reliable performance.

PEX vs. Copper: Understanding the Differences

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

PEX is now the most widely used material in modern re-piping, especially in remodels.

Advantages

• Flexible installation

• Lower cost

• No corrosion

• Fewer fittings and joints

• Ideal for older homes and tight framing conditions

Where We Install PEX

• Interior walls

• Ceilings and attics

• Under-floor runs

• Bathroom, kitchen, and laundry branch lines

Homeowner Considerations

• PEX cannot be exposed to sunlight

• Only PEX-A is recommended for long-term durability

• Lines must be fastened correctly

• Metal protection plates (nail guards) must be installed when PEX passes through studs

1. Waste-Line (PVS) Re-Piping Photos

2. PEX Water Line Installation (Red and Blue Lines)

3. Copper Piping at Water Heater or Exterior Wall

Copper Piping

Copper is still used strategically during remodels when rigid or heat-resistant pipe is needed.

Advantages

• High durability

• Strong heat resistance

• UV-safe for exterior walls

• Long service life

Where We Install Copper

• Water heater connections

• Main water supply entry

• Sun-exposed exterior walls

• Code-required rigid piping sections

Homeowner Notes

• More expensive

• Requires skilled soldering

• Hard water in certain parts of San Diego can cause pinhole leaks

Water Supply Lines vs. Waste Lines

A full re-pipe includes two independent plumbing systems:

Water Supply Lines (PEX-A or Copper)

Carry clean, pressurized water throughout the home.

Waste Lines (ABS/PVS)

Carry drainage away from sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances.

PVS/ABS is required by California plumbing code and commonly used across San Diego remodels.

Why Hiring the Right Contractor Matters

Whether your home is a modest property in Oceanside or Vista, a mid-range home in Clairemont or Mira Mesa, or a high-value coastal property in La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, or Carlsbad, the re-piping process must be handled by a licensed, protocol-driven contractor.

A professional plumbing team ensures:

• Correct material selection

• Proper fastening and pressure testing

• Correct use of protection plates

• Code-compliant installations

• No exposure to UV light

• Full inspection coordination

• Long-term prevention of leaks and hidden damage

Correct workmanship is the difference between a safe remodel and a future, expensive disaster.

Professional Full-Home Re-Piping in San Diego County

Cal Renovation serves:

San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Poway, Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Point Loma, Mission Hills, Pacific Beach, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Eastlake, and all surrounding communities.

We provide:

• Full water-line re-piping

• Waste-line upgrades

• PEX and Copper installation

• Pressure balancing

• Code compliance

• Inspection coordination

• Complete plumbing rough-in and finish

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