PEX vs. Copper Re-piping: Cost, Lifespan, and Code
How the two materials compare on install cost, longevity, and resale value.
When repiping a home, PEX runs 30-50% cheaper than copper to install and has become the default in most new construction. Copper remains the premium choice for visible runs and homes targeting top-tier resale.
Cost and install comparison
Whole-home PEX repipe (1,800 sq ft): $4,500-$10,000 typical. Copper equivalent: $7,500-$16,000. The savings come from material cost (PEX is roughly 1/3 the price per foot) and labor (no soldering, fewer fittings).
PEX flexes through wall cavities with fewer joints, reducing leak risk. Copper requires every joint to be soldered or pressed — each joint a potential failure point.
Lifespan and resale impact
Copper: 50-70 years in normal water. Can corrode in aggressive (acidic) water supplies, causing pinhole leaks. PEX: 40-50 year expected lifespan, no corrosion issues, but vulnerable to UV (must stay protected from sunlight) and damage from rodents.
At resale, copper is still considered a slight premium in older homes. PEX is widely accepted today in modern markets and triggers no buyer hesitation in homes built or repiped after 2010.