Copper pipes have been a top choice for plumbing systems for decades due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. But even copper pipes don’t last forever. If you’re wondering how long do copper pipes last, or if it’s time to consider repiping a house, we’ll break it all down for you in this simple blog. We’ll cover the lifespan of copper plumbing, factors that impact its durability, signs you may need a whole home repipe, and discuss the cost to repipe a house with PEX or copper materials.
How Long Do Copper Pipes Last?
On average, copper pipes last between 50 to 70 years, which is pretty significant for the average homeowner. However, several factors can impact their lifespan:
- Type of Copper Pipe: Different grades (M, L, K) have varying durability.
- Water Quality: Hard water and high acidity can cause corrosion.
- Installation Quality: Poor installation can lead to premature failure.
- Environmental Conditions: Extreme temperatures or soil conditions can accelerate deterioration.
If your home was built several decades ago and still has its original copper plumbing, it may be time to consider replumbing a house before leaks and pipe failures start costing you real money.
Signs You Need a Whole Home Repipe
Even though copper is very durable, there are warning signs that indicate it’s time for a whole house repipe:
- Frequent leaks – Multiple pipe repairs mean your plumbing is wearing out.
- Discolored water – A sign of pipe corrosion or buildup.
- Low water pressure – Mineral deposits or internal corrosion can restrict water flow.
- Visible pipe damage – Greenish stains or corrosion on exposed pipes indicate deterioration.
- Old age – If your pipes are 50+ years old, it’s time to consider repiping a house.
When these issues arise, many homeowners consult licensed repipe specialists to discuss replumbing house costs and upgrade options.
Now, Should You Replace Copper Pipes with PEX?
We don’t get this question often as we are primarily removing polybutylene pipes and galvanized steel pipes. However, it does come up. It’s important to note that many homeowners are switching out copper through a PEX repipe job due to PEX’s flexibility, affordability, and resistance to corrosion. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Copper Pipes | PEX Pipes |
| Lifespan | 50-70 years | 40-50 years |
| Corrosion Resistance | Susceptible to acidic water | Highly resistant |
| Flexibility | Rigid, requires more fittings | Flexible, fewer connections |
| Installation Cost | Higher due to materials & labor | More affordable |
| Repipe Cost | Expensive | Lower repiping cost |
While copper is still a solid choice, many homeowners opt for good ole’ fashoined PEX repipe cost savings when undergoing their whole house repipe. Speaking of cost, we will now provide a breakdown on the difference in cost:
The Cost to Repipe a House with Copper vs. PEX
The average cost to repipe a house depends on several factors, including home size, pipe accessibility, and labor. Below is a cost estimate for a whole home repipe.
| Home Size | PEX Repipe Cost | Copper Repipe Cost |
| Small Home (1,000 ft2) | $2,000 – $5,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Medium Home (1,500–2,000 ft2) | $4,000 – $10,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Large Home (2,500+ ft2) | $8,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
👉 Granted, these are industry averages for Florida homes! The Repiping Plumbers avoid subcontracting out work and have done so since our inception. In this way, we are able to provide accurate quotes far under the market costs listed above for PEX repipes.
With that being said, if your home still has polybutylene pipes, you’ll also need to consider the polybutylene pipe replacement costs, which can range from $2,500 to $15,000. If you are upgrading from old copper pipes or brittle polybutylene pipes to PEX, the PEX repipe cost will be significantly lower than new copper piping, making it the preferred choice for most homeowners working with repipe specialists.
So, How Long Does Repiping a House Take?
The timeline for a whole home repipe depends on factors like home size and accessibility:
- Small homes: 1-3 days
- Medium homes: 3-7 days
- Large homes: 7+ days
👉 Granted, these are industry averages for Florida homes! The Repiping Plumbers avoid subcontracting out work and have done so since our inception. No matter the home size, our team is capable to complete a PEX repipe within 1-2 days — no joke. Repiping Plumbers know the meaning of “minimal disruption.” This is just another characteristic that really sets our team apart from other repipe specialists in Florida.
‘Should You Repipe Your Home?’ Conclusion
If your copper pipes are approaching 50+ years of age, it’s time to consider a home repipe. While copper has a long lifespan, factors like corrosion, leaks, and reduced water pressure can signal the need for repiping a house. The question you have to ask is: is it better to upgrade to fresh copper piping or upgrade to PEX piping? Keep in mind:
- ✅ PEX repipe is a much more cost-effective alternative to copper.
- ✅ Repiping a house improves water quality and pressure.
- ✅ Regardless of piping, whole home repipe projects will undoubtedly add value to your home.
If you’re ready to replace your outdated copper piping, contact Repiping Plumbers today at (727) 809-6754 for a consultation! We proudly service 17 counties in Florida:
👉 Central West: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Polk, Sumter, and Marion county.
👉 North East: Duval, Nassau, Baker, Union, St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, and Bradford county.
