If your home has galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe, or copper that keeps springing pinhole leaks, a whole-house repipe is often the long-term fix. The biggest decision is the pipe material. Today that's almost always a choice between PEX, a flexible plastic tubing, and copper. Both are approved by plumbing codes and both can last decades. They differ in cost, installation and how they handle your home's conditions.
The cost difference
Copper costs more as a material and takes longer to install, so a copper repipe typically costs roughly 40% to 70% more than PEX for the same house:
| Home | PEX | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bath, under 1,200 sq ft | $2,500 – $5,000 | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| 2 baths, 1,200–1,800 sq ft | $4,000 – $7,500 | $6,000 – $11,000 |
| 3 baths, 1,800–2,500 sq ft | $6,000 – $10,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| 4+ baths, 2,500+ sq ft | $8,000 – $14,000 | $12,000 – $20,000+ |
Installed costs from Plumbing Price Guide. Drywall patching, permits and painting may be extra.
Labor is the biggest part of a repipe, roughly 70% of the bill according to Angi, so the gap comes mostly from how long each material takes to install.
Lifespan
- Copper: commonly 70 to 100 years in good water conditions.
- PEX: commonly rated for 40 to 50 years or more. It has been used in U.S. homes since the 1980s, so its long-term track record is shorter than copper's.
- CPVC: sometimes quoted as a lower-cost option, commonly 25 to 40 years.
For most homeowners, either PEX or copper will outlast their time in the house.
Where PEX has the advantage
- Cost and speed. PEX bends around corners and snakes through walls, so fewer fittings and fewer wall openings are needed. Many homes are repiped in two to five days.
- Freeze tolerance. PEX can expand somewhat when water freezes, so it's less likely to burst than copper, though it can still be damaged.
- No corrosion. PEX doesn't develop the pinhole leaks that copper can in areas with aggressive water chemistry.
- Quieter. Less water hammer and noise than rigid pipe.
Where copper has the advantage
- Longevity and track record. Copper has been used in homes for generations.
- Heat and sunlight. Copper handles high temperatures and UV light. PEX degrades in sunlight and must be kept out of it, both in storage and in the finished install, and installers keep PEX a set distance from water heaters per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Pests. Rodents occasionally chew plastic pipe in attics and crawl spaces.
- Resale perception. Some buyers see copper as a premium feature, though PEX is now standard in new construction.
Water quality questions
If your area has very acidic or aggressive water, copper may develop pinhole leaks over time, which is a common reason homeowners repipe in the first place. In that case PEX avoids the corrosion problem. Some people notice a plastic taste or odor in newly installed PEX, which usually fades after the system is flushed and used for a few weeks. If water quality is a concern, ask your plumber about the specific PEX product and its certification for drinking water (look for NSF/ANSI 61 listing), or test your water before choosing.
Also ask about fittings. PEX connects with brass or plastic fittings. In areas with aggressive water, plumbers often recommend dezincification-resistant brass or poly alloy fittings.
A note for California homeowners
California added PEX to the state plumbing code in 2009, after years of debate. Today it's widely used in repipes across the state, and most plumbers offer both options. Local codes still govern details like installation methods and permit requirements, so pull a permit and have the work inspected.
How to choose
- Choose PEX if budget matters most, you want the fastest install with the fewest wall openings, you have aggressive water that's corroding copper, or you live where pipes can freeze.
- Choose copper if you plan to stay for decades, have pipe runs exposed to sunlight or heat, have had rodent problems, or prefer the longest track record.
Either way, compare quotes on the same scope: the number of fixtures, shut-off valves at every fixture, drywall patching, permits and the warranty. Our guide to comparing contractor quotes helps, and the repipe cost calculator shows both materials for your home size and state.
Frequently asked questions
Is PEX cheaper than copper for repiping?
Yes. PEX repipes typically cost about $4,000 to $10,000 for a standard home, while copper typically costs $6,000 to $15,000 or more, mostly because PEX is faster to install.
How long does PEX pipe last?
PEX is commonly rated for 40 to 50 years or more. Copper commonly lasts 70 to 100 years in good water conditions.
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
PEX sold for potable water in the U.S. is tested and certified for drinking water use. Look for NSF/ANSI 61 listing and flush the system after installation.
Is PEX allowed in California?
Yes. California added PEX to the state plumbing code in 2009, and it's now widely used for repiping.
Sources: Plumbing Price Guide, repiping costs; Angi, cost to repipe a house; Contractor, California approves PEX for state plumbing code.