The wall closes once — do it right first
Once the drywall is up and painted, getting back to the plumbing behind it means cutting, patching, and repainting. The cheapest time to do plumbing right is while the wall is open. The most expensive time is after it's closed.
- •Add access panels at every shutoff and cleanout you can't reach
- •Replace old supply lines while the wall is open, not later
- •Make sure drain slope is right before the floor goes back
- •Add shutoffs where there weren't any
What I look at during a reno
When I come in during a renovation, I look at the whole run, not just the spot being changed — because the pipe six inches away is the next failure. If the wall's open, fixing that weak spot is nearly free. If it's closed, it's a separate job with its own demolition.
Call me in early
The best call is before the wall closes. Tell me what you're renovating and I'll tell you what to address while it's all open. It's the difference between a clean job and a patch job.
Have a plumbing issue right now?
Call and leave a voicemail — Bob calls back during business hours. For the fastest reply (usually within the hour), email him directly.