Many times on a remodel, there comes a point where old piping must be cut out and removed, in order to install the new.  Sometimes this old piping is not very valuable, such as galvanized steel, cpvc, or pex.  Other times, the cut out sections of pipe hold more scrap value, such as copper or brass.  Typically, when a plumber is hired to do a job, such as a remodel for instance, everything is cleaned up and left in a tidy manner.  This includes the cut out and removed brass and copper water and drain lines.  Most of the time, this happens with no issue at all.  Other times, we are confronted about the “scrap” metal and asked to leave it behind.  Since we are always more concerned with leaving behind a happy customer, we almost always oblige, although we do not necessarily agree.  The way we see it, if we cut it out as part of our scope of work, we have the right to salvage the precious metals in the same regard that we have the obligation to clean up our mess. It should be understood, if any homeowner would like to keep the cut out copper or brass, they should probably do the demo and remove it themselves, or clearly define their intentions before the work begins.   

Does it really make much sense to put in the time and effort for a few dollars worth of scrap metal when gas is hovering around $4/gallon anyway?    Save yourself the hassle and just figure it into the cost of the job.  

Best Wishes!