Remove & Replace Plumbing — Done Right

When a faucet is shot, a toilet won't stop running, or a garbage disposal finally gives out — you don't always need a licensed plumber. If it's a straightforward remove-and-replace job, Build & Fortify handles it faster and at a fraction of the cost.

Build & Fortify handles common plumbing swaps for homeowners, renters, landlords, and commercial tenants throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. If it's a fixture you can see and access, and the job is remove the old one, install the new one — that's our bread and butter.

What We Handle

Faucet replacement — kitchen, bathroom, and utility sinks. Remove the old faucet, install the new one, connect supply lines
Toilet replacement — remove old toilet, install new one including wax seal and supply line
Garbage disposal replacement — swap out a failed unit for a new one
Dishwasher hookup — supply and drain connection for new dishwashers
Supply line replacement — braided stainless lines for sinks, toilets, and appliances (at the fixture, not at the street)
Basic diagnosis — if something's leaking or not working right, Chad can take a look and tell you what it needs. If it's a simple fix, we'll handle it. If it needs a plumber, we'll tell you honestly

What We Don't Do

Build & Fortify is upfront about scope. We don't do work that requires shutting off water at the street, cutting or rerouting pipes, or anything behind walls. Specifically:

No valve replacement — shut-off valves, main valves, anything requiring water shutoff at the street
No pipe work — no rerouting, soldering, or cutting into supply or drain lines
No water heater work — installation, repair, or replacement
No sewer or drain line work — main line issues need a licensed plumber
No permit-required work — anything that needs a plumbing permit goes to a licensed plumber

If your job falls into that category, we'll tell you honestly and can recommend a local plumber.

We Also Handle Basic Electrical Swaps

Same philosophy applies to electrical: if it's a straightforward remove-and-replace, Build & Fortify can handle it.

Light switch replacement — single pole, three-way, dimmer switches
Outlet replacement — standard outlets, GFCI outlets
Light fixture swaps — remove old fixture, install new one
Ceiling fan installation — where existing wiring and a fan-rated box are already in place

Anything deeper — new circuits, panel work, rewiring, running new wire — needs a licensed electrician. Chad will tell you straight up if the job is beyond scope.

★★★★★

"Chad did an excellent job. He repaired my fence lines, added privacy lattice, welded and repaired a gazebo frame, reinforced sections of the fence, and repaired a plumbing leak. He had good suggestions, an eye for detail and was prompt with his communication."

— Joss M., Santa Rosa

Handyman vs. Plumber — When to Call Which

A licensed plumber typically charges $100-$200+ per hour with a minimum service call fee. For a faucet swap or a toilet replacement, that's expensive for what's actually a straightforward job. A handyman handles the same remove-and-replace for significantly less.

Call a handyman when: you're replacing a fixture — faucet, toilet, disposal, dishwasher hookup. The old one comes out, the new one goes in.

Call a plumber when: something's leaking inside a wall, you need valves replaced, pipes rerouted, or anything that requires shutting water off at the street or pulling a permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy the faucet/toilet myself?

Yes — purchase the fixture you want ahead of time and have it on-site. That way you get exactly the style, finish, and brand you like. Chad handles the removal and installation.

Can you fix a leak?

It depends on the leak. If it's at a visible connection point (under the sink, at a supply line fitting), Chad can usually diagnose and fix it. If it's behind a wall, in the slab, or requires shutting off water at the street — that's plumber territory.

Plumbing Repair