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.
Absolutely, PEX is becoming increasingly common in new builds and remodels. It's flexible, resistant to scale and chlorine, and generally easier to install compared to traditional copper pipes. Plus, PEX systems can often be more cost-effective, both in terms of material and labor. My credentials?
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.
While both are workable solutions for repipe projects, there are many unique advantages that PEX pipe offers that cannot be found with copper. The most common reason why people generally choose PEX piping over copper is because there is a less of a risk for leaks with PEX piping.
Copper pipes are pretty terrible. Copper reacts with minerals and chemical additives in the water. After a long time, the copper pipe will wear out. You end up with a leak.
Generally, PEX is used in new home construction more often than copper due to the fact that it's easier to install, less expensive, and more durable against freezing conditions.
Disadvantages of Copper Pipes
Copper piping is expensive. It can cost 10 to 15 times more when compared to other types of pipes. Copper may also freeze easily. If your home runs on well water, copper pipes could have problems if the water is acidic.
Of course, PEX piping does carry some disadvantages. It will crack and break apart under the influence of strong UV rays (making it unsuitable for most outdoor use). Plumbers require specialized tools to cut and join this type of modern pipe. Additionally, disposing of used PEX pipe sometimes proves problematic.
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house. Since it is made of plastic it is a more cost-effective alternative to copper. Pex is easier to install and lighter in weight, reducing shipping costs too.
How Much Does PEX Piping Cost? PEX pipe is more affordable than copper, about $0.50 to $2 per linear square foot, on average. Copper costs $2 to $4 per square foot. It's also less expensive to install PEX piping in your home.
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.
Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.
Localized Issues: When plumbing problems are limited to specific areas, such as a single bathroom or kitchen, partial repiping can be the best. Instead of overhauling the entire system, only the affected section is replaced. Budget Constraints: Partial repiping is generally more affordable than a full repipe.
PEX is resistant to leaching, pitting and mineral buildup. SharkBite PEX-b offers the highest-rated chlorine resistance and six-month UV resistance. PEX doesn't carry the theft concerns that copper does.
Cost aside, the best long-term solution is to re-pipe your entire home, replacing copper pipes with PEX. This involves disconnecting and bypassing all your existing copper and running new PEX lines throughout the house. You can either follow the current pattern or start anew with a PEX manifold-and-branch system.
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.
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.
Copper is more likely to freeze and break.
The challenge arises more frequently in older homes needing more insulation. If you reside in a colder region or have experienced water pipe freezing, opting for PEX when it's time for a repiping endeavor is a wise choice.
And repiping a whole-home can be a somewhat intrusive job; there's usually a team of licensed plumbers using tools, getting on ladders, and carrying equipment through your home— not the ideal setting for a family dinner, or even a quiet night to yourself after a long day of work.
Material Concerns: One of the primary concerns about Pex plumbing is the material itself. While Pex pipes are undoubtedly flexible, making them easier to install in tight spaces, they are not as durable as traditional materials like copper or even PVC.
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 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.
The major reason for the rise of alternative piping is cost. Copper plumbing piping is more expensive than plastic piping, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The latter is quickly becoming a standard in many residential applications for its strength and flexibility.
Long-term exposure to copper can cause irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes and it causes headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. Intentionally high uptakes of copper may cause liver and kidney damage and even death. Whether copper is carcinogenic has not been determined yet.
PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.