If you are looking into replacing your home's plumbing pipes, you will typically spend between $2,250 and $15,000 for PEX piping OR between $2,500 and $15,000 for
Compared to copper piping, which would cost $8,000 – $10,000 to replace in a two-bathroom home, PEX would only cost on average $4,000 – $6,000 – offering significant cost-saving opportunities. PEX is also a flexible plastic hose that can be snaked into walls with minimal damage.
PEX has a high tensile strength and is highly durable, cost-effective, and flexible. Yet, it can still experience the concern of pipe cracks or general damage when under the influence of things like significantly intense UV rays.
Replace All Copper With PEX
Cost aside, the best long-term solution is to re-pipe your entire home, replacing copper pipes with PEX.
If repairs need to be made, the average cost to repipe 2000 sq ft house will be between $3,500-$15,000, depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the job. To begin, a thorough assessment must be done in order to evaluate the pipes and determine the scope of the job.
A majority of the time, homeowners insurance policies do not cover whole house repiping. Insurance policies are designed to cover unexpected problems. For example, if you have a pipe burst, then your homeowners' insurance may cover the cost of repairs due to the water damage.
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
PEX Plumbing in your Area
Although PEX tubing is approved by all major building codes and major model plumbing codes, it still has not received acceptance with local codes in some parts of the country. For example, PEX tubing has only recently been allowed for use in the state of California.
With a lifespan of 40 to 50 years or more, PEX pipes offer a durable and cost-effective solution for modern plumbing systems. Their resistance to corrosion, ease of installation, and flexibility make them an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Coupled with low production and shipping costs, the savings resulting from installing PEX instead of copper pipes can be significant. Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time.
Currently, PEX plumbing is one of the most widely used plumbing systems around the world. It was temporarily banned in California for a while due to concerns about toxic materials but this was later disproven by laboratory tests.
PEX pipe can be used as a service line based on its corrosion resistance to soil and water, its long life and its oxidative resistance. Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling.
PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable
Rodents Chewing Through PEX Pipe is a common problem in our area. It doesn't matter how old your home is, if you have an attic, you need to watch for rodent damage to PEX Pipe or PVC. If you're hearing rustling noises coming from the attic, it's time to do an inspection.
Repiping a house is a big undertaking and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the size and complexity of your home. A typical three-bedroom home may take a plumber or repiping contractor between 3-8 days to complete the job.
There's also stainless steel, which can be either flexible or rigid and is extremely resistant to corrosion but is even more expensive than copper. If you're planning on repiping your entire house, copper or PEX are going to be your best choices.
PEX PIPING IS NOT Leak Resistant
It's lack of required fittings and flexible nature allow for quicker installs than traditional rigid pipe systems. This seemingly quick and flexible installation does have its downfalls.
PEX pipe is safe for drinking water in households and commercial systems. NSF International has teams of toxologists and other technical professionals who administer the NSF 61 standard which requires all components in a water system to be safe for drinking water. This includes PEX pipe systems with drinking water.
Lower Lifespan Than Other Materials
While PEX plumbing is cheaper upfront, the cost benefits may be negligible when you consider that it might not last as long as copper or other materials. PEX pipes have an average lifespan of about 40-50 years, while copper can last over 70 years.
Back in the late 90's, certain PEX piping systems used yellow brass fittings which, under certain circumstances, dezincified and failed prematurely resulting in a series of class action lawsuits and settlements.
However, even if the local building code says it's okay, you shouldn't connect PEX directly to a gas water heater. The flue gas that emanates off of the vent pipe can melt PEX, resulting in a catastrophic leak.
No matter, which option you choose—a, b, or c—PEX surpasses copper piping for reliability across all indoor applications. You're guaranteed to save project costs and labor and extend the lifespan of your system with fewer maintenance requests or problems down the road with your water source.
PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
The answer is yes! PEX piping is approved for use in potable water systems by regulatory agencies like NSF International and meets strict safety standards for drinking water quality. In fact, many homeowners prefer PEX piping for its clean, tasteless water and resistance to bacterial growth.
Key Takeaways. All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.