Choosing the right repiping contractor is one of the most important decisions a building owner, property manager, or strata council will make. Replacing the water piping system in a multi-unit building is not a routine plumbing job but rather a major undertaking that affects every suite, every resident, and the long-term value of your property.
When done right, a quality repipe installation will protect your building for 50 years or more. At Cambridge Plumbing Systems, we have been helping building owners across Metro Vancouver make the right choice since 1967. Here is what we recommend asking before you commit to anything.
Why the Contractor You Choose Matters More Than the Price
Most apartment buildings and strata complexes in Metro Vancouver are well over 25 years old. Aging copper pipe systems corrode from the inside out, leading to leaks, water damage, and creates unwanted pressure from your insurers to repipe. When those problems become frequent, repiping is no longer optional, it is necessary.
The challenge is that very few contractors truly specialize in building repiping. Many general service plumbers will take on the work, but a multi-unit repipe demands a completely different level of planning, coordination, and experience than standard plumbing repairs. The risks of hiring unqualified contractors are real. Some of the potential pitfalls are:
- Engineering and Permit gaps that create problems with insurers or the city
- Improper installation that does not meet current building or plumbing codes
- Scheduling that leaves residents without water for extended periods
- Low price quotes that balloon once hidden costs surface
- Work occurring within suites for unreasonable durations, often longer than stated
- Work that simply does not hold up over time
- Plumbers may not be factory trained and certified to install certain plumbing systems such as Uponor Wirsbo Aquapex, which will affect or even void the manufacturer’s warranty
- Unreliable subtrades are used that do not work directly for the Contractor
Taking the time to ask the right questions upfront protects you, your residents, and your investment.
The Case for a True Repiping Specialist
Most apartment buildings and strata complexes in Metro Vancouver are well over 25 years old. Aging copper pipe systems corrode from the inside out, leading to leaks, water damage, and creates unwanted pressure from your insurers to repipe. When those problems become frequent, repiping is no longer optional, it is necessary.
The challenge is that very few contractors truly specialize in building repiping. Many general service plumbers will take on the work, but a multi-unit repipe demands a completely different level of planning, coordination, and experience than standard plumbing repairs. The risks of hiring unqualified contractors are real. Some of the potential pitfalls are:
- Engineering and Permit gaps that create problems with insurers or the city
- Improper installation that does not meet current building or plumbing codes
- Scheduling that leaves residents without water for extended periods
- Low price quotes that balloon once hidden costs surface
- Work occurring within suites for unreasonable durations, often longer than stated
- Work that simply does not hold up over time
- Plumbers may not be factory trained and certified to install certain plumbing systems such as Uponor Wirsbo Aquapex, which will affect or even void the manufacturer’s warranty
- Unreliable subtrades are used that do not work directly for the Contractor
Taking the time to ask the right questions upfront protects you, your residents, and your investment.
Questions to Ask Every Contractor Before You Hire
How many complete building repiping projects have you completed? Ask specifically about multi-unit residential buildings, apartments, strata complexes, and care homes. Experience in this area is non-negotiable.
Do you specialize in repiping, or is it one of many services you offer? A contractor who focuses exclusively on repiping will bring a higher level of expertise and systems than one who takes on repipe projects occasionally.
Are engineering and permits included as a standard part of your process? They should be. Any contractor who treats permits as optional or extra should raise a red flag.
What piping materials do you use, and why? Understand what you are getting and how long it is expected to last. Ask about corrosion resistance, warranty, and why those materials are the right choice for your building.
What are your standard written communication procedures to the residents of the building before, during and after the work is completed? An experienced repipe company will have a thorough notice system where they will outline the work to occur, identify the work areas affected, and indicate the time frame that each suite shall expect the work to occur. They will also indicate the pathway of communication for any questions that may arise.
What is your plan for minimizing disruption to residents? A well-organized repipe can be completed while residents remain in their units, with water service interrupted only for short, pre-scheduled windows. Ask how the contractor communicates with and respects residents throughout the project.
Do you carry a minimum of $5 million in liability insurance, and are you in good standing with WorkSafe BC? These are baseline requirements worth verifying before proceeding.
Will you provide a detailed, transparent estimate that clearly outlines scope, materials, permits, and finishing work? There should be no surprises. A clear, itemized proposal protects everyone.
Metro Vancouver's Most Trusted Repiping Specialists
Cambridge Plumbing Systems has been the leading name in building repiping across Metro Vancouver for nearly 60 years. We pioneered professional repiping in this region, and our reputation has been built through quality workmanship, careful planning, and genuine respect for the residents who live in the properties we work in.
We specialize in repiping for:
- Strata and condominium complexes, both low-rise and high-rise buildings
- Rental apartment buildings
- Townhome communities
- Retirement and care homes
- Hotels and mixed-use buildings
Our process covers; site evaluation and planning, owner education, engineering and permits, scheduling and coordination, full pipe installation, and complete drywall and painting restoration when the work is done.
When it comes to your building’s water system, quality and experience matter far more than the lowest price. We invite you to contact us for a free evaluation and find out why building owners and strata councils across Metro Vancouver have trusted Cambridge for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is hiring a repipe specialist more expensive?
Not in the Long-Term. While upfront costs may be slightly higher, it saves money in the long run by avoiding repairs, issues with the City, undersized pipe, and poor repair decisions. Note that most ‘repairs’ are removed during a complete repipe.
2. How long does a repiping project last?
A properly installed system can last 50 years or more.
3. Will residents need to move out during the work?
In most cases, no. Work is planned in stages to minimize disruption.
4. Does repiping improve hot water delivery?
If your current system does not supply hot water consistently, which can often be the case in older buildings without proper measures taken to ensure a balanced hot water system, the newly engineered system will ensure that hot water flow is designed to be evenly distributed throughout.
5. Is the work approved by insurance companies?
Yes, when done by experienced and licensed specialists, it is generally accepted by insurers. If your building’s insurance premiums have been raised due to excessive leaks and claims, you may receive reductions once the new system has proven itself to be reliable with no issues.