When planning a whole house repipe, homeowners often compare PEX vs. CPVC materials to determine the best material for their plumbing system. Both options are popular alternatives to copper repipes, offering affordability, durability, and corrosion resistance. If you read our other blogs on copper repipes, you will discover the drastic difference in cost between copper and its alternatives. However, both PEX and CPVC come with unique advantages and drawbacks.
In this guide, we’ll break down (1) the cost to repipe a house with PEX vs. CPVC, (2) pros and cons of PEX repipe solutions and CPVC pipes, and (3) how to find the best repipe specialists near you. If you’re considering a home repipe, this blog will help you decide between PEX vs. CPVC and find the best repiping professionals for your project.
PEX vs. CPVC: Key Differences
Both PEX and CPVC are plastic-based pipes used for home repiping. However, they have different properties that affect their performance and installation. Let’s talk about PEX, first. PEX (or cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic pipe that has gained popularity due to its durability, ease of installation, and affordability.
- ✔️ Highly flexible – Reduces the need for joints and fittings
- ✔️ Corrosion-resistant – Won’t degrade due to minerals or chlorine
- ✔️ Freeze-resistant – Expands slightly in cold temperatures, reducing pipe bursts
- ✔️ Lower labor cost – Fewer fittings mean faster repiping services
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is a rigid plastic pipe that has been used for decades as a cheaper alternative to copper repipe.
- ✔️ More affordable than copper repipe cost
- ✔️ Resistant to heat and corrosion
- ✔️ Easier to install than traditional copper pipes
- ✔️ Widely available in home improvement stores
While both materials are commonly used for whole home repipe projects, there are key differences in installation, cost, and durability that homeowners should consider, which we’ll break down now.
PEX vs. CPVC: Cost to Repipe a House
One of the biggest factors in choosing between PEX repipe solutions and CPVC is cost. You can see the range in costs here:
| Pipe Material | PEX Repipe Cost | CPVC Repipe Cost |
| Small Home (1,000 ft2) | $2,500 – $5,000 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Medium Home (~ 2,000 ft2) | $4,000 – $10,000 | $3,500 – $9,000 |
| Large Home (2,500+ ft2) | $8,000 – $20,000 | $7,000 – $18,000 |
- 🔹 PEX repipe costs are slightly higher due to its flexibility and advanced material properties.
- 🔹 CPVC repipe costs are lower but require more fittings and connections (and higher labor costs).
- 🔹 Homes with slab foundations will have higher repiping house on slab costs, as accessing pipes under the foundation is more complex.
PEX vs. CPVC: Which Lasts Longer?
While both materials are designed to last 40+ years, there are key differences:
| Feature | PEX Pipes | CPVC Pipes |
| Lifespan | 40-50 years | 40-50 years |
| Corrosion Resistance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Freeze Resistance | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Flexibility | ✅ High | ❌ Low (brittle) |
| Ease of Installation | ✅ Easy (fewer fittings) | ❌ More fittings required |
It’s not a big issue here with us Floridians, but it’s good to know. PEX repipe solutions are better for freezing climates because they expand slightly and resist bursting. Plastic has the ability to expand safely. CPVC pipes can become brittle over time, making them more prone to cracks and leaks.
PEX vs. CPVC: Installation Differences
The repipe costs also depend on how easy it is for our plumbers install the new pipes.
PEX Repipe Installation
- ✅ Flexible pipes bend around corners, reducing the need for fittings
- ✅ Faster installation = lower labor costs
- ✅ Uses crimp or expansion fittings for quick connections
CPVC Repipe Installation
- ❌ Rigid pipes require more fittings and glue
- ❌ Longer installation time due to cutting and cementing
- ❌ Brittle material can crack if not handled properly
If you want a whole house repipe that’s fast and cost-effective, PEX repipe solutions are the better option, hands down.
PEX vs. CPVC for Whole House Repiping: Which Should You Choose?
If you’re forced to replace old pipes due to leaks or cracks, here’s a quick PEX vs. CPVC decision guide:
✔️ Choose PEX if you want:
- A faster, more flexible installation
- Better freeze resistance
- Lower long-term maintenance costs
✔️ Choose CPVC if you want:
- A slightly lower upfront repipe cost
- Heat resistance without metal pipes
- A material that’s widely available in stores
However, most home repipe specialists will recommend PEX over CPVC due to its ease of installation, durability, and lower risk of leaks.
Finding the Best Repipe Specialists Near You
If you’re looking for house repiping companies, you’re already on the right website. We at Repiping Plumbers offer benefits unlike any other repiping contractors. The Repiping Plumbers:
- Have over 9,000 repipes in the books across Florida
- Offer 0% down and 0% financing for 24 months
- Don’t subcontract work out, everything is handled in house with our employee team
- Offer a limited lifetime warranty on material and labor, while other repiping companies offer 1-5 years
- Use Uponor and Pex-A where a 25-year warranty is applied to both materials
- Offer drywall repair with texturing, while other plumbing companies do not
- Clean up as we go and don’t trash your house or track through to the next area
- Are extremely efficient wherein most jobs take 1-2 days maximum
- Are 95% dust free; we are vacuuming with a HEPA filter system while cutting drywall.
Final Thoughts: Is PEX or CPVC the Best Choice for Your Repipe?
To cover some of the basics again, PEX repipe solutions are more flexible, durable, and freeze-resistant than CPVC. Yet, CPVC repipe cost is slightly lower, but installation takes longer and requires more fittings. PEX is the preferred choice for most home repiping projects due to its long-term reliability and ease of installation.
If you’re considering a whole home repipe, getting a PEX repipe cost estimate from a home repipe specialist can help you make the best decision.
The Repiping Plumbers are available to get you started! Contact us 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.
