Why walls get opened
New supply lines have to reach every fixture. In a slab-on-grade house they usually come down from the attic through interior walls, and the crew needs openings to pull pipe, secure it and make connections behind sinks, tubs and appliances.
Flexible PEX can often be pulled through with fewer, smaller openings than rigid copper, but neither material eliminates them. Planning where openings go, and how they will be closed, saves a lot of frustration later.
Where openings commonly go
| Location | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Behind sinks and vanities | Connections to faucet supply valves | Clear cabinets the day before |
| Shower and tub walls | Feeding the shower valve | Ask whether access can come from the back side of the wall |
| Hallway ceilings | Routing between attic and walls | Move light furniture out of the hall |
| Kitchen | Sink, dishwasher and refrigerator lines | Empty sink base cabinets |
| Laundry and garage | Washer box, water heater and main line | Clear access to the water heater |
What patching can mean
Basic patch
- Openings closed with new drywall.
- Seams taped and mudded.
- Left ready for texture and paint by others.
Finished patch
- Drywall closed and taped.
- Texture matched as closely as practical.
- Primed and painted, sometimes to the nearest corner.
Get these in writing
- Estimated number and locations of openings.
- Whether patching includes texture, primer and paint.
- Who supplies the paint, and whether you need to provide leftover cans.
- How dust will be contained during cutting and sanding.
- Whether any access panels will be installed.
Questions to ask
- Can you walk me through where every opening will go before you start?
- Do your own crew or a separate trade do the patching?
- How closely can you match my wall texture?
- What happens if an opening needs to be larger than planned?
Common questions
Will I be able to see the patches?
Good patching with matched texture and paint is hard to spot, but perfect matches are not guaranteed, especially on older finishes.
Do they cut into the outside stucco?
Most repipe work is done from inside, but hose bibs and the main line can involve exterior work. Ask about it.
Should I repaint the whole room?
Some owners do for a uniform finish. Ask whether the patch will be painted wall to wall or just over the opening.
General information for Yorba Linda, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.