How to Repipe a House with PEX and Learn the Benefits!

When your home’s plumbing system shows signs of age, it might be time to consider repiping. How to repipe a house with PEX offers several advantages over traditional materials like copper or galvanized steel, including cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and durability. 

If you’re considering repiping your house with PEX, you’re probably wondering about the process, timeline, costs, and whether it’s truly the right choice for your home. This guide aims to answer all your questions about PEX repiping, helping you make an informed decision for your plumbing needs.

How to Repipe a House with PEX?

Repiping your house with PEX is a substantial project that involves replacing your existing plumbing system with new PEX tubing. While many homeowners wonder how to repipe a house with PEX, the process typically follows these steps:

Planning and Preparation

Before cutting into any walls, create a detailed plan for your new plumbing system. This includes:

1. Mapping existing water lines and designing the new PEX layout
2. Obtaining necessary permits from your local building department
3. Purchasing all required materials (PEX tubing, manifolds, fittings, tools)
4. Shutting off the main water supply to your home
5. Protecting furniture and floors with drop cloths

Installing a PEX Manifold System

Most modern PEX installations use a home-run or manifold system:

1. Install a central manifold (typically near your water heater)
2. This acts as a distribution center with individual lines running to each fixture
3. Label each line clearly for future maintenance
4. Secure the manifold to the wall studs in an accessible location

Running PEX Lines

With the manifold in place, it’s time to run individual PEX lines to repipe a house with PEX:

1. Begin by drilling holes through studs and joists as needed
2. Run dedicated lines from the manifold to each fixture
3. Use bend supports for tight turns to prevent kinking
4. Leave extra length at fixture connections for final adjustments
5. Secure PEX tubing with appropriate clips and supports every 32 inches

Making Connections

PEX connections can be made using several methods:

1. Compression fittings (easiest for DIYers)
2. Crimp rings with a special crimping tool
3. Expansion fittings with an expansion tool
4. Push-fit connectors (most expensive but easiest to use)

Testing the System

Before closing up walls:

1. Reconnect the main water supply
2. Check for leaks at all connection points
3. Test each fixture for proper water flow and pressure
4. Make necessary adjustments to ensure everything works correctly

Final Steps to Repipe a House with PEX

Once testing confirms a successful installation:

1. Insulate PEX pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing
2. Patch and repair wall openings
3. Clean up the work area thoroughly

If you find this project troubling and want to avoid going without water for the entire duration, contact AL Rooter Plumbing for a professional repipe.

Learn more about our Sewer Plumbing Service here!

How long does it take to repipe a house with PEX?

One of the most common questions homeowners have is about the timeline to repipe a house with PEX. The duration of a PEX repiping project depends on several factors:

1. House Size
2. Accessibility
3. Complexity
4. Crew Size

For an average 2-bathroom home, you can typically expect:

1. 2-4 days for the actual repiping work
2. 1-2 additional days for wall repairs and finishing work

During this time, water service may be interrupted during working hours, but is usually restored at the end of each workday, so you can still use your facilities overnight.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Even with careful planning, repiping projects can present unexpected obstacles. Here are some common challenges you might encounter when repiping a house with PEX, along with practical solutions:

Limited Access Areas

Challenge: In some homes, plumbing runs through areas that are difficult to access, such as concrete slabs or behind built-in cabinets.

Solution: PEX’s flexibility is advantageous here, as it can often be threaded through existing spaces with minimal demolition. In extreme cases, alternative routing may be necessary.

Old Home Considerations

Challenge: Historic or older homes may have unusual plumbing configurations or materials that complicate repiping.

Solution: Experienced plumbers can adapt PEX systems to work with older homes, often creating hybrid systems that preserve historical elements while upgrading functionality.

Water Pressure Issues

Challenge: Improper sizing of PEX tubing can lead to reduced water pressure on the way to repipe a house with PEX.

Solution: A proper design accounts for the slightly smaller interior diameter of PEX compared to copper, using appropriate sizing calculations to maintain adequate flow.

Temperature Extremes

Challenge: PEX can be damaged by extreme temperatures or UV exposure.

Solution: Proper insulation for pipes in attics or outside walls and ensuring no PEX is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.

By anticipating these challenges and preparing appropriate solutions, you can avoid costly delays and frustrations during your repiping project.

When do you need a professional?

While DIY enthusiasts might consider repiping their house with PEX, there are several situations where hiring a professional is strongly recommended:

Clear Indicators Professional Help is Needed

1. Complex whole-house repiping: Complete system replacements involve numerous connections and potential complications that require experienced oversight.
2. Lack of specialized tools: Professional repiping of a house with PEX installation requires specific tools like crimpers, expanders, or pressing tools that are expensive to purchase for a one-time project.
3. Permit and code compliance: Professionals understand local building codes and can handle the permitting process seamlessly.
4. Insurance requirements: Many insurance policies require licensed professionals for plumbing modifications to maintain coverage.
5. Warranty considerations: Professional installation often comes with workmanship warranties that protect your investment.
6. Time constraints: What might take a professional team 2-3 days could extend to weeks for an inexperienced DIYer.

When DIY Might Be Appropriate

There are scenarios where a competent DIYer might successfully handle a repipe of a house with PEX installation:

1. Small, isolated repairs or modifications
2. Adding a single fixture to an existing PEX system
3. Replacing accessible, exposed pipe runs

Even in these cases, thorough research and preparation are essential. Consider consulting with a professional for advice before proceeding with any DIY plumbing project, particularly one involving your home’s main water supply lines.

Discover our Trenchless Sewer Repair services today!

Benefits Of Using PEX For Repiping

PEX has become increasingly popular for repiping projects due to its numerous advantages:

Durability and Longevity

Quality repiping a house with PEX tubing is rated to last 50+ years and resists common issues like corrosion, scaling, and freezing damage that plague metal pipes.

Flexibility and Fewer Joints

PEX’s flexibility allows for long, continuous runs with fewer fittings, reducing potential leak points and making installation easier in tight spaces.

Cost-Effectiveness

When comparing the cost to repipe a house with PEX versus other materials, PEX typically offers significant savings in both materials and labor.

Quiet Operation

PEX virtually eliminates water hammer and pipe noise due to its flexibility and ability to absorb pressure changes.

Energy Efficiency

Repipe a house with PEX maintains heat better than metal pipes, reducing energy loss in hot water lines and potentially lowering utility bills.

Chemical Resistance

Unlike copper, PEX resists damage from acidic water and doesn’t develop pinhole leaks from chlorine exposure.

These benefits explain why so many homeowners choose PEX when facing the decision to repipe their homes, making the initial investment worthwhile through long-term savings and peace of mind.

What is the downside to PEX plumbing?

Despite its many advantages, PEX is not without drawbacks:

Potential for UV Damage

PEX degrades when exposed to ultraviolet light, making it unsuitable for outdoor, exposed applications unless properly protected.

Not Recyclable

Unlike copper, if you repipe a house with PEX, it cannot be recycled at the end of its life, raising environmental concerns.

Rodent Attraction

Some homeowners report that rodents are more likely to chew through PEX than metal pipes, though this is relatively uncommon.

Potential Water Quality Concerns

There have been some debates about whether certain types of PEX might affect water taste or quality, though modern PEX products are certified safe for drinking water.

Limited High-Temperature Applications

PEX has temperature limitations and shouldn’t be connected directly to boilers or used for steam applications.

Is it better to repipe a house with PEX or copper?

The PEX versus copper debate often arises when planning a repiping project. Each material has distinct advantages:

PEX Advantages Over Copper:

1. Approximately 50-70% lower material cost
2. Faster installation with less labor
3. Better resistance to freezing
4. No corrosion issues
5. Quieter operation
6. Fewer joints and potential leak points

Copper Advantages Over PEX:

1. Established track record (100+ years)
2. Higher temperature tolerance
3. Recyclable and potentially valuable as scrap
4. UV resistant
5. Fire resistant

For most modern residential applications, how to repipe a house with PEX offers a better value proposition, especially when considering the total repiping a house with PEX. However, copper might be preferable in specific applications where its properties are beneficial, such as commercial settings or where extreme heat resistance is required.

Cost to Repipe a House with PEX

The question of how much it costs to repipe with PEX is typically top of mind for homeowners. The average cost to repipe a house is between $3,500 and $11,000. Keep in mind that prices vary significantly based on location, home size, and specific requirements. These repipe a house with PEX estimates typically include materials, labor, permits, and basic wall repairs, but pricing can vary widely depending on your specific situation.

The Cost Factors of Repiping a Home With PEX Piping

Several factors influence the overall cost of your PEX repiping project:

Home-Specific Factors

1. Size and Layout: Larger homes with complex layouts require more materials and labor.
2. Number of Fixtures: Each sink, toilet, shower, and appliance connection adds to the overall cost.
3. Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach pipes in crawlspaces or concrete slabs increase labor costs.
4. Existing Pipe Material: Removing old galvanized or cast iron pipes is more labor-intensive than copper.

Materials and Design Choices

1. Repipe a house with PEX Grade: Several quality levels exist (PEX-A, PEX-B, PEX-C) with varying costs.
2. Connection System: Crimp, expansion, or push-fit connections have different price points.
3. Manifold Design: Central manifold systems cost more initially but offer better performance.
4. Fixture Upgrades: Many homeowners choose to upgrade fixtures during repiping.

Labor and Market Considerations

1. Geographic Location: Labor rates vary significantly by region.
2. Contractor Experience: Specialists may charge premium rates but often work more efficiently.
3. Seasonal Timing: Demand fluctuations can affect pricing.
4. Permit and Inspection Fees: These vary by municipality but typically range from $50-$500.

Additional Expenses on How to Repipe a House with PEX

1. Wall/Ceiling Repairs: Budget for patching and painting after pipe installation.
2. Temporary Accommodations: Extensive projects might require alternative housing arrangements.
3. Water Heater Compatibility: Older units might need adaptation for PEX connections.

Understanding these cost factors helps you evaluate contractor quotes and determine where you might be able to economize without compromising quality.

Cost Saving Tips For Your Repipe

To maximize your budget when repiping your house with PEX and even save on the average cost of replacing a sewer line:

1. Always obtain at least three estimates from reputable plumbers to ensure competitive pricing.
2. Scheduling work during off-peak seasons may result in better rates from plumbers looking to fill their calendars.
3. Clear access to work areas before plumbers arrive to reduce their labor time on how to repipe a house with PEX.
4. If you’re also considering other plumbing upgrades like a water heater replacement or trenchless sewer line replacement, combining projects may result in overall savings.

The Professional Repipe Specialists at AL Rooter Plumbing

When considering repiping your house with PEX, choosing the right contractor makes all the difference. At Al Rooter Plumbing, our specialized team brings decades of experience to every repiping project. Our certified technicians are specifically trained in modern PEX installation techniques, ensuring your new plumbing system is installed correctly the first time.

We understand that repiping is a significant investment, which is why we offer comprehensive consultations, transparent pricing, and flexible scheduling to minimize disruption to your daily life. Our team handles everything from initial assessment through final inspection, including obtaining all necessary permits and coordinating with local inspection authorities.

Conclusion

The way to repipe a house with PEX represents an excellent investment in your home’s infrastructure, potentially solving persistent plumbing problems while adding value to your property. The combination of lower materials cost, reduced labor requirements, and excellent durability makes PEX an attractive choice for most residential repiping projects.

When planning your repiping project, take time to research qualified contractors, understand the scope of work involved, and prepare your home appropriately. While the process may cause temporary inconvenience, a properly executed PEX repiping job should provide decades of trouble-free service, making it well worth the investment.