Plumbing · South Florida
Licensed Plumbing Contractor for South Florida Homes
Whole-home repipes, fixture replacement, tankless conversions, and gas lines — by a licensed plumbing contractor serving Broward & Palm Beach Counties.
Reviewed by Aldo Dellamano, Licensed Florida General Contractor·Last updated: April 2026
Introduction
lumbing work in South Florida is more demanding than it looks on a permit application. Salt air corrodes copper faster near the coast. Slab foundations make drain re-routing a real excavation job.
And the Florida Building Code requires licensed contractor sign-off on every rough-in inspection — not a handyman, not a subcontractor you've never met, but a named Certified Plumbing Contractor whose license number appears on the permit. Dellamano Construction meets that standard in-house: Aldo Dellamano holds Florida DBPR licenses as a Certified General Contractor (CGC1525289), a Certified Mechanical Contractor (CMC1251666), and a Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC1434398). That single license holder covers the general, mechanical, and plumbing scopes — so Dellamano self-performs the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) rough-in that most residential GCs hand off to a sub.
Fewer subs means fewer coordination failures, tighter schedules, and one point of accountability when the inspector shows up.
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org) (FBC), and every permit-required plumbing scope — repipes, water heater replacements, new gas lines, drain relocations — must be pulled by a licensed plumbing contractor and inspected before walls close. aspx), and rough-in inspections are required at three stages: underground/under-slab, rough-in above slab, and final. aspx).
“Skipping a permit on a water heater swap or repipe creates a title defect that surfaces at closing — South Florida real estate attorneys flag unpermitted plumbing regularly.”
Skipping a permit on a water heater swap or repipe creates a title defect that surfaces at closing — South Florida real estate attorneys flag unpermitted plumbing regularly. Pulling the permit correctly the first time protects your home's resale value and keeps your homeowner's insurance valid after a water-loss claim.
In the Field
PEX-A Repipe — Open-Wall Rough-In Stage
PEX-A Repipe — Open-Wall Rough-In Stage — Dellamano Construction, Fort Lauderdale, FL
What You Get
What a Full-Service Plumbing Contractor Covers
Whole-Home Repipes
Complete replacement of supply lines using PEX-A (cross-linked polyethylene, expansion-fit) or Type L copper — material selection based on water chemistry, chloramine levels, and salt-air exposure at the site.
Fixture & Drain Replacement
Swapping toilets, vanities, tubs, and shower valves in existing tile without demo overkill — precise core-drilling and sleeve techniques keep adjacent tile intact during drain repositioning.
Tankless & Storage Water Heater Conversions
Gas or electric tankless unit installation including gas line upsizing, venting, and condensate routing — or standard 50–80 gallon tank replacement with permit and final inspection.
Gas Line Routing
Black iron and CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) gas line extensions for outdoor kitchens, generators, and fire features — sized by load calculation per NFPA 54 and FBC Fuel Gas Code.
Water Treatment Tie-In
Whole-home water softener and carbon or reverse-osmosis filtration systems plumbed to the main supply — including bypass valves, drain routing, and brine line termination to code.
-copper decision: water chemistry, coastal exposure, and labor access inside the home. Miami-Dade and Broward municipal water is treated with chloramines (a disinfectant blend of chlorine and ammonia), and high chloramine levels accelerate pitting corrosion in Type M (thin-wall) copper — which is why many 1990s homes are already seeing pinhole leaks at 25–30 years old.
PEX-A, manufactured by the expansion-fitting method, resists chloramine degradation and flexes without splitting during a pressure surge. It also installs faster in slab homes because longer continuous runs reduce fitting count.
“A repipe in a 2,000 sq ft Broward home typically runs 3–5 days for supply lines; add 1–2 days if drain lines are being replaced under the slab.”
That said, Type L (medium-wall) copper remains the preferred spec inside finished walls where the pipe will be exposed in a utility room or mechanical closet — it's stiffer, easier to support, and lasts 50+ years when water chemistry is managed. A repipe in a 2,000 sq ft Broward home typically runs 3–5 days for supply lines; add 1–2 days if drain lines are being replaced under the slab.
One License Holder — GC, Mechanical & Plumbing
Aldo Dellamano holds Florida DBPR licenses as a Certified General Contractor (CGC1525289), Certified Mechanical Contractor (CMC1251666), and Certified Plumbing Contractor (CFC1434398) — letting Dellamano self-perform the mechanical and plumbing trades most residential GCs subcontract. Verify any contractor's license at the Florida DBPR contractor lookup before signing a contract.
Switching from a 50-gallon tank to a gas tankless unit delivers unlimited hot water and cuts standby heat loss by about 30%, but the conversion involves more scope than most homeowners expect. A standard residential tankless unit — say, a Rinnai RU199iN or Navien NPE-240A2 — requires 3/4-inch or 1-inch gas supply at adequate BTU capacity, a dedicated Category III stainless exhaust vent (not flex foil), a 120V GFCI outlet within 3 feet, and a condensate drain if the unit is condensing.
That's a plumbing permit, a gas permit, and often an electrical permit — three inspections at minimum. The FBC also requires an expansion tank on any water heater installed in a closed system, which is virtually every home with a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) on the main.
“An ENERGY STAR certified unit qualifies for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, currently up to $600 for qualifying water heaters.”
gov) certified unit qualifies for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, currently up to $600 for qualifying water heaters. Dellamano handles all three permit scopes in-house, which is a direct advantage over contractors who must subcontract the gas line work.
Side-by-Side
PEX-A vs. Type L Copper Repipe
| Feature | PEX-A | Type L Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Chloramine resistance | Excellent — resists pitting from chloramine-treated municipal water | Good with Type L; Type M is vulnerable to pitting at 20–30 years |
| Flexibility & fitting count | High flexibility — fewer fittings in long slab runs | Rigid — more fittings needed around obstacles |
| Freeze resistance | Expands and recovers — lower split risk during rare cold snaps | Can split at freeze point — less forgiving |
| Exposed installation look | Soft tubing — less professional appearance in visible areas | Clean rigid lines — preferred in utility rooms and exposed chases |
| Typical installed cost (2,000 sq ft) | Lower — faster labor offsets material savings | Higher — more fitting labor and material cost |
| Expected service life | 50+ years in residential use per manufacturer data | 50+ years with proper water chemistry management |
One of the fastest-growing plumbing scopes in Broward and Palm Beach Counties is natural gas and LP line extensions for outdoor kitchens and whole-house standby generators. A natural gas outdoor kitchen with a grill, side burner, and infrared heater can demand 150,000–200,000 BTUs total — more than many homes' existing gas meter capacity.
That means a gas load calculation must be performed before the line is extended, and the utility may need to swap the meter to a higher-capacity model. CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) is efficient for long runs across a backyard but requires bonding per NFPA 54 and local amendments — an unbonded CSST run is a code violation and a lightning strike risk in South Florida's thunderstorm-prone summers.
“Generator gas line sizing follows NFPA 37 in addition to the FBC Fuel Gas Code; a 22kW Generac unit needs a 1-inch dedicated line at minimum.”
Generator gas line sizing follows NFPA 37 in addition to the FBC Fuel Gas Code; a 22kW Generac unit needs a 1-inch dedicated line at minimum. Dellamano ties this gas scope into the same Exterior Living & Outdoor Construction project — outdoor kitchen, pergola, and generator pad — without splitting the work across multiple licensed subs.
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In the Field
CSST Gas Rough-In — Outdoor Kitchen and Generator
CSST Gas Rough-In — Outdoor Kitchen and Generator — Dellamano Construction, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Process
How a Plumbing Project Moves from Quote to Final
- 1
Site Walk & Scope Definition
Aldo walks the home to document existing pipe material, water pressure (tested at the hose bib), water heater age and BTU capacity, and any visible corrosion or active leaks. This is the basis for an accurate written proposal — not a ballpark estimate adjusted after demo.
- 2
Permit Application
Dellamano files the plumbing permit — and the gas permit if applicable — as the licensed contractor of record. License number CFC1434398 appears on the permit application. Most Broward and Palm Beach County plumbing permits are issued digitally within 3–10 business days for standard residential scope.
- 3
Rough-In & Underground Work
Supply lines, drain lines, and gas piping are installed before drywall closes. Any under-slab work — drain relocations, new cleanouts — is completed in this phase and scheduled for the underground inspection before concrete is poured back.
- 4
Rough-In Inspection
The county inspector reviews all rough-in piping for correct slope (1/4 inch per foot minimum on drain lines), support spacing, material compliance, and pressure test results. Work cannot be covered until this inspection passes.
- 5
Finish & Final Inspection
Fixtures, valves, water heater, and appliances are set and connected. Dellamano schedules the final plumbing inspection, receives the signed-off permit card, and closes the permit — creating a clean record in the county's permitting system.
Permit Skipping Creates Title Defects
Unpermitted plumbing work — even a water heater swap — surfaces as a title defect at closing and can void a homeowner's insurance claim after a water-loss event. Every scope Dellamano touches is permitted and inspected.
South Florida municipal water is hard — Palm Beach County averages 10–14 grains per gallon (gpg) of hardness, and Broward County runs 8–12 gpg depending on the utility. At those levels, scale builds inside tankless water heaters in 2–3 years and can cut the heat exchanger's rated life in half. A properly sized water softener — typically a 48,000–64,000 grain unit for a 3–4 bath home — removes calcium and magnesium via ion exchange and extends fixture, appliance, and pipe life significantly.
Installation requires a bypass valve on the inlet, a drain line for the brine cycle, and a dedicated 120V outlet nearby. For homes on well water, a whole-home carbon filtration system addresses hydrogen sulfide odor (the classic 'rotten egg' smell common in western Palm Beach County well zones like Wellington and Royal Palm Beach). gov/watersense) certified fixtures paired with a filtration system reduce both water consumption and scale-related maintenance costs.
“South Florida municipal water is hard — Palm Beach County averages 10–14 grains per gallon (gpg) of hardness, and Broward County runs 8–12 gpg depending on the utility.”
Dellamano integrates water treatment plumbing into Interior Renovation projects — utility room, laundry, and kitchen — as part of the broader Construction & Renovation scope rather than leaving it as an afterthought add-on.
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By the Numbers
South Florida Plumbing by the Numbers
3 Licenses
GC, Mechanical & Plumbing
CGC1525289, CMC1251666, CFC1434398 — all held by Aldo Dellamano
3–5 Days
Typical Repipe Timeline
Supply line repipe in a 2,000 sq ft South Florida home
10–14 gpg
Water Hardness — Palm Beach County
High hardness accelerates scale in tankless heat exchangers
30%
Standby Heat-Loss Reduction
Tankless vs. storage water heater, per ENERGY STAR data
Part of a Larger Renovation? One GC Covers Everything
When plumbing is part of a kitchen remodel, bathroom addition, or custom home build, Dellamano manages it all under one Construction & Renovation contract — no separate plumbing sub to schedule or coordinate.
Get a Licensed Plumbing Contractor on Your Project
Whether you need a full repipe, a tankless water heater conversion, a gas line for your new outdoor kitchen, or a water softener tie-in, Dellamano Construction brings a licensed plumbing contractor — and a licensed GC — to the same project. Serving homeowners across Broward County and Palm Beach County, from Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach on the coast to Parkland, Weston, and Coral Springs inland, and from Boca Raton and Delray Beach through West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Contact us for a free estimate and let's pull the permit right the first time.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions
Does plumbing work in Florida require a permit?
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Yes. Under the Florida Building Code, most plumbing scopes in Florida — including water heater replacements, repipes, new drain lines, and gas line extensions — require a permit pulled by a licensed plumbing contractor. In Broward County, permits are filed through Broward County Building Code Services. In Palm Beach County, they go through Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building. Skipping the permit creates a title defect that shows up at closing and can void a homeowner's insurance claim after a water-damage event. Dellamano Construction files all permits under license number CFC1434398.
What is PEX-A and is it better than copper in South Florida?
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PEX-A is a type of cross-linked polyethylene pipe made by the expansion-fitting method — the most flexible and freeze-resistant form of PEX. In South Florida, it's often the better choice for supply line repipes because municipal water in Broward and Palm Beach Counties is treated with chloramines, which accelerate pitting corrosion in thin-wall Type M copper over 20–30 years. PEX-A resists chloramine degradation, requires fewer fittings in long slab runs, and installs faster. Type L copper remains preferred for exposed utility-room runs or where rigid aesthetics matter. The right choice depends on your home's water chemistry, age, and layout — Dellamano evaluates both during the site walk.
What's involved in a tankless water heater conversion?
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Converting from a storage tank to a gas tankless water heater in a South Florida home typically requires upsizing the gas supply line, installing a Category III stainless exhaust vent, adding a 120V GFCI outlet within 3 feet of the unit, and routing a condensate drain for condensing models. A closed-system home (with a pressure-reducing valve) also needs an expansion tank on the cold supply. The project spans three permits — plumbing, gas, and electrical — all of which Dellamano pulls in-house under one contractor. ENERGY STAR certified tankless units qualify for federal tax credits up to $600 under current law.
Can a gas line be added for an outdoor kitchen?
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Yes, and it's one of the most common plumbing scopes Dellamano handles alongside outdoor construction projects. A natural gas outdoor kitchen with a grill, side burner, and heater can require 150,000–200,000 BTUs total, which may exceed the existing meter capacity. A gas load calculation is performed first to confirm meter size, then the line is extended using black iron pipe or CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing), properly bonded per NFPA 54 to prevent lightning strike risk. The scope is permitted as a gas line extension under the Florida Building Code Fuel Gas provisions. Dellamano handles this as part of the broader outdoor kitchen and exterior living project.
How do I verify a plumbing contractor's Florida license?
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Florida licenses all plumbing contractors through the DBPR (Department of Business and Professional Regulation). You can verify any contractor's license status — active, expired, or disciplined — at the Florida DBPR contractor lookup at myfloridalicense.com. Search by name or license number. Aldo Dellamano's Certified Plumbing Contractor license is CFC1434398. Always verify before signing a contract; an unlicensed plumber cannot legally pull a permit in Florida, which means any work they do is unpermitted by default.
Do I need a water softener in South Florida?
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It depends on your water source and fixture budget. Palm Beach County municipal water averages 10–14 grains per gallon of hardness — a level that causes visible scale on fixtures and can cut a tankless water heater's heat exchanger life in half without regular maintenance. A 48,000–64,000 grain softener handles a 3–4 bath home. Western Palm Beach County well users in areas like Wellington and Royal Palm Beach often deal with additional hydrogen sulfide odor, which requires a carbon or oxidizing filtration system rather than a softener alone. Dellamano installs both types as part of a full plumbing or renovation project.
Does Dellamano install whole-home water filtration systems?
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Yes. Dellamano Construction installs whole-home water softeners and filtration systems — carbon, reverse-osmosis bypass, and oxidizing filters for well water — as a plumbing scope under the same licensed plumbing contractor permit. Installation includes bypass valving, brine or drain line routing to code, and integration with the home's main supply before the water heater. These systems are often added during a bathroom renovation, kitchen remodel, or utility room buildout as part of a broader interior renovation project managed by Dellamano.