What Is PEX Pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) is used in a wide variety of applications. As tubing, it is commonly found in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
In residential plumbing, PEX is most often used for both hot and cold potable water lines, as well as for hydronic heating systems. It has become the preferred plumbing material for repipes and remodels and is increasingly used in new construction as a replacement for copper or CPVC/PVC pipes.
Quality can vary significantly among PEX pipes. Here at Repipe Specialists, we use the Uponor PEX system and provide a lifetime warranty with all our repipe installations. PEX tubing can be installed without solvents, glues, or chemicals and is completely lead-free. It also meets all national and state standards for drinking water quality.
What Are the Key Benefits of PEX?
PEX plumbing has a range of benefits over other plumbing systems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Both the material and installation costs of PEX plumbing systems tend to be lower than alternative systems, often significantly so.
- Freeze Resistance: In areas prone to freezing, PEX tubing can expand more than other materials without failing.
- Safe Installation: During installation, there is no risk of fire, since PEX does not require torches to join pipes to fittings.
- Corrosion Resistance: PEX does not corrode like copper or galvanized steel.
- Efficient Plumbing Layout: PEX can be routed directly from a central manifold to outlets throughout a home. This means fewer potential failure points (fewer connections) and a higher flow rate to each outlet (no sharp bends, fewer connection restrictions, and fewer outlets sharing the same line).
How Much Does a PEX Repipe Cost?
PEX piping is the most affordable repipe option. We have an article specifically dedicated to how much a PEX repipe cost.
On a linear foot basis, PEX is significantly less expensive than copper pipe. Most of our PEX repipes range between $4,500 for smaller homes and up to $15,000 for larger, more complex projects. For a deeper look at what affects repipe pricing, read our guide: How Much Should a Repipe Cost?
Labor costs for a PEX repipe are also comparatively lower than for copper. Because of PEX's flexibility, it can be routed through walls, over attic spaces, in raised foundations, and open basements—all with minimal wall openings and fewer connections compared to installing rigid copper pipe, which requires soldering at each joint.
The exact cost depends on factors such as the number of outlets, the length of piping required, and the accessibility of the areas where the PEX tubing needs to be installed. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our local estimators, who can provide a free, fixed-price quote.
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With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
Should I Choose PEX Tubing or Copper Pipe for My Repipe?
Both PEX and copper are perfectly acceptable materials for a whole-home repipe, and we provide lifetime warranties for repipes using either option. The pros of PEX tend to be more extensive—particularly when it comes to affordability and installation benefits.
- Customer Preference: Some clients choose copper because they prefer not to have plastic pipes in their home, even though most opt for PEX.
- Safety Concerns: Although there have been past concerns about PEX potentially leaching chemicals into water, government testing and reviews confirm that PEX is completely safe for drinking water.
- Quality and Reliability: Unlike older plastic piping systems such as polybutylene piping, modern PEX piping and connectors are widely regarded as high-quality and reliable.
- Lifespan: Copper is theoretically longer-lasting, but its lifespan can be significantly reduced by certain chemicals found in some water supplies. This is less of a concern with PEX.
- Limitations of PEX: PEX cannot be used in areas exposed to UV light. Additionally, if your home is prone to rodent infestations, copper may offer greater durability.
Overall, we believe PEX is the best choice for most repiping projects. It offers homeowners a reliable and long-lasting solution for their plumbing needs.
Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home With PEX Tubing
Here at Repipe Specialists, we have completed over 75,000 full home repipes since 1991, with the majority using durable and flexible Uponor PEX-A tubing. Our customers consistently share positive feedback about their PEX repipe experiences, and we often exceed their expectations in areas such as:
- 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 vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.