Why Homeowners Choose PEX for Repiping
PEX plumbing has become the preferred choice for most repiping projects because it solves many of the common problems associated with older plumbing systems.
It is corrosion-resistant, flexible, and does not require soldering or open flames during installation, which makes the process safer and more efficient.
One of the biggest advantages of PEX is its flexibility. Unlike rigid copper pipes, PEX can be run through walls, ceilings, attics, and raised foundations with minimal disruption. This means fewer wall cuts, fewer fittings, and fewer potential leak points.
Just some of the key benefits include:
- Cost-effectiveness: Both material and labor costs are typically lower than copper systems.
- Freeze resistance: PEX can expand slightly under freezing conditions without immediately failing.
- Corrosion resistance: PEX does not rust or corrode like metal piping.
- Efficient water flow design: PEX systems can be configured with a central manifold for balanced distribution.
- Safe installation process: There is no soldering or flame-based work required in a PEX installation.
PEX is also fully approved for potable water use and meets national and state plumbing standards when installed as part of a compliant system.
Our full home repipes (it is all we do) use Uponor PEX-A tubing, which is designed for long-term residential reliability and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Step-by-Step Guide to Repiping a House with PEX
Repiping a home with PEX is a structured process that replaces all existing water supply lines with new, flexible tubing.
While the exact approach depends on the home's layout and plumbing configuration, most professional repipes (including our own) follow a similar sequence.
1. Home Assessment and Planning
A licensed repipe company will inspect your home's plumbing system, identify existing pipe materials, and map out the most efficient routing for new PEX lines. This includes determining fixture locations, water pressure requirements, and access points such as attics or crawl spaces.
2. Shutting Off Water and Preparing the Site
The water supply is shut off, and the system is drained. Protective coverings are installed throughout the home to minimize disruption and protect floors and furnishings during the work.
3. Removing or Bypassing Old Piping
In many repipes, existing pipes are left in place rather than fully removed. This reduces structural disruption and speeds up installation. New PEX lines are routed alongside or through existing pathways where possible.
4. Installing New PEX Tubing
New PEX pipes are run from a central manifold or main line out to each fixture. Because of its flexibility, PEX can be installed with fewer wall openings compared to rigid piping systems.
Connections are made using approved PEX fittings and crimp or expansion systems depending on the product used. At Repipe Specialists, we exclusively use Uponor PEX-A tubing for its ProPEX expansion fittings.
5. Connecting Fixtures and Water Outlets
Once the new PEX lines are in place, your repipe service will connect sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances to the updated system. Each connection is checked to ensure it is properly fitted and securely sealed.
6. Pressure Testing and System Inspection
The entire PEX system is pressurized and tested to ensure there are no leaks or weak connections. This step is critical for verifying system integrity before the home is fully restored.
7. Wall Repairs and Final Restoration
After installation and inspection, any access points created during the repipe are patched. Many professional services include wall repairs as part of a full-service repiping package.
Get your free estimate today
With over 80,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
How Much Does It Cost to Repipe a House with PEX?
PEX is generally the most cost-effective option for full-home repiping. On a linear footage basis, it is significantly cheaper than copper, both in material cost and installation labor. This is largely due to its flexibility, which reduces the need for extensive wall demolition and complex joint work.
Most full-home PEX repipes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000. The final price will depend on several factors, including home size, pipe accessibility, and the number of plumbing fixtures being serviced.
Some other factors that could influence the cost of a repipe are:
- Total length of piping required: The overall length of piping needed has a direct impact on both material and labor costs. Larger homes or more complex layouts will naturally require more PEX tubing and installation time.
- Number of bathrooms, kitchens, and water outlets: Each additional plumbing fixture increases the scope of work. Homes with multiple bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, or outdoor taps will require more individual water line connections.
- Ease of access (attics, crawl spaces, slab foundations): Homes with open or accessible plumbing routes allow for faster installation. In contrast, tight crawl spaces or slab foundations can increase labor time due to more complex routing requirements.
- Condition of existing plumbing system: The state of the current plumbing can affect how smoothly the repipe is completed. Older or deteriorated systems may require additional care during installation or adjustments to routing.
- Local permitting and compliance requirements: Permit fees, inspection processes, and local plumbing regulations can vary by region and may influence both the timeline and overall cost of the project.
Labor is also a major cost consideration. Because PEX does not require soldering and can be installed in longer continuous runs, our installation time is far shorter when compared to copper systems.
At Repipe Specialists, we complete PEX repipes through our highly streamlined One-Stop Repipe™ process, which is tailor-made to minimize disruption to your home.
In most cases, our crews can complete the full repipe in a much shorter timeframe, with fewer wall openings and a cleaner installation approach than typical industry standards. This combination of speed, precision, and experience allows us to deliver a more efficient and less intrusive PEX repipe service overall.
This efficiency is one of the main reasons homeowners choose PEX when balancing performance and budget. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our local repipe consultants and receive a free written quote, either in-home or remotely.
Get a Quote for a Professional PEX Repipe
At Repipe Specialists, we've completed over 80,000 full-home repipes since 1991, with the majority using high-quality PEX systems such as Uponor PEX-A tubing. Our One-Stop Repipe™ Process covers everything from permits and installation through to inspection and wall patching, making the experience as streamlined as possible for homeowners. Homeowners choose us for:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits to wall patching to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing Programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost than generalist plumbers. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consultation today, and one of our local repipe experts will assess your home, explain your options, and provide a clear, fixed-price quote so you can move forward with confidence and protect your home for years to come.