The Challenge: Active Fitting Failure & Insurance Threat
In early 2024, a family in the Northridge neighborhood of Highlands Ranch suffered an emergency water leak when an acetal plastic 90-degree elbow split behind their upstairs master bathroom vanity. While their quick action at the main shutoff valve prevented structural ceiling collapse, their insurance adjuster delivered devastating news: because their home was plumbed entirely with original 1988 polybutylene piping, their policy would not be renewed unless the entire plumbing distribution network was replaced within 30 days.
Franchise repiping companies quoted exorbitant rates and warned the homeowners that their fully finished basement ceiling would need to be completely demolished. Desperate for a cleaner, owner-supervised alternative, the homeowners reached out to Shelly and Master Plumber Bill Clark at Just Plumbing, Inc.
The Master Plumber Diagnosis
Upon conducting an on-site mechanical inspection, Bill Clark confirmed that the home had over 1,200 linear feet of gray PB2110 tubing. Decades of exposure to municipal chloramines and pressure spikes had caused severe micro-fracturing along the inner pipe walls, while the acetal insert fittings had become brittle and chalky.
Bill engineered a routing plan: rather than tearing down finished basement drywall, our crew utilized utility chases, drop soffits, and access through closet interiors to route flexible, freeze-proof Uponor PEX-A expansion piping up to the second-floor bathrooms with minimal disturbance to the main living areas.
The 2-Day Execution Timeline
Day 1: Demolition, Containment & Main Trunk Lines
We laid protective floor coverings from the front entrance through all work zones. Bill mapped the home and made small, clean square drywall cuts (typically 6"x6" to 12"x12") at valve manifolds. Our team ran new 3/4-inch Uponor PEX-A main trunks from the incoming water meter, bypassing the old polybutylene entirely. At 4:30 PM, temporary connections were made, the water system was sanitized, and the family enjoyed full water service overnight.
Day 2: Fixture Branch Lines, Trim-Out & Inspection
Our crew ran individual 1/2-inch fixture feeds to all 3.5 bathrooms, kitchen sink, dishwasher, refrigerator icemaker, laundry room, and exterior freeze-proof sillcocks. Every connection was secured using Uponor's full-port ProPEX expansion rings. Bill conducted a sustained 100 PSI hydrostatic pressure test, followed by an in-person walk-through with the Douglas County building inspector, who signed off on the permit with zero corrections.
Turnkey Drywall Restoration Included
Unlike national plumbing franchises that leave homeowners with gaping holes and a list of third-party drywall contractors to call, Just Plumbing handled the entire restoration.
On Day 3, our dedicated professional drywall finisher backed all incisions with wood framing, hung fresh drywall, taped, mudded with multiple feather coats, and applied matching orange-peel spray texture. The homeowner only had to apply touch-up paint.
The Outcome & Client Peace of Mind
The homeowners gained completely unrestricted water pressure, whisper-quiet piping, and permanent protection against freeze bursts. Upon completion, Just Plumbing issued an official Master Plumber Repiping Certificate confirming the 100% removal of all polybutylene piping. Their insurance carrier immediately dropped the policy exclusion, saving the family hundreds of dollars annually in risk surcharges.
Learn more about our Whole-Home Repiping Process, explore our guide on PEX-A vs. PEX-B Quality, or check our other local project reports across our Case Studies Gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions — Highlands Ranch Repiping
Why are Highlands Ranch homes prone to polybutylene pipe failures?
Much of Highlands Ranch was built between 1981 and 1995, coinciding directly with the widespread installation of polybutylene (Quest) plumbing. Over decades of exposure to municipal chloramines and Front Range elevation water pressure spikes, the plastic acetal fittings fracture and the pipe resin degrades from the inside out.
Did the homeowner have to leave the house during the repipe?
No. Just Plumbing completes repiping in structured daily stages. Water service was isolated during working hours and fully restored by 5:00 PM every evening, allowing the family to remain comfortable at home.
Did the homeowner's insurance accept the repipe documentation?
Yes. Upon passing final municipal inspection with Douglas County building authorities, Just Plumbing provided an official Master Plumber Certificate of Completion, enabling the homeowner to retain their coverage and eliminate water damage risk surcharges.