If your home was built between 1978 and 1995, there’s a high chance it still has polybutylene pipes. These pipes were once considered a cost-effective plumbing solution but have since proven to be unreliable, prone to leaks, and even a liability for homeowners. Many of those now well-informed homeowners are choosing to replace their polybutylene plumbing with a PEX repipe, which offers a more durable, flexible, and affordable solution. In this guide, we’ll cover why polybutylene pipe replacement is necessary, the cost to repipe houses with PEX, and the benefits of PEX repipe solutions over copper.
Why Should You Replace Polybutylene Plumbing?
Polybutylene pipes were once commonly used in residential homes due to their low cost and easy installation. However, they have a major flaw—they deteriorate when exposed to chlorine and other water treatment chemicals, leading to:
❌ Cracks, leaks, and water damage
❌ Low water pressure due to pipe degradation
❌ Potential mold growth and structural damage
❌ Insurance companies denying coverage for homes with polybutylene plumbing
NB: If you have polybutylene pipes, it’s critical to budget for a whole house repipe with PEX repipe solutions before costly damage occurs. Unfortunately, regarding polybutylene pipes, it’s simply a matter of time.
The Cost to Replace Polybutylene Plumbing with a PEX Repipe
The cost to repipe a house with PEX depends on factors like home size. Of course, more bathrooms equals more pipes, and more work equates to a higher cost. This cost is sitll favorable over water damage from lack of action!
The cost also depends on factors like the accessibility of plumbing (slab foundation vs. raised foundation), labor costs from repiping specialists, and additional fees from having to pull permits and handle inspections.
Average Cost to Repipe a House with PEX vs. Copper
| Home Size | PEX Repipe Cost | Copper Repipe Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Home (1,000 sq. ft.) | $2,500 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Medium Home (1,500 – 2,000 sq. ft.) | $4,000 – $10,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Large Home (2,500+ sq. ft.) | $8,000 – $20,000 | $10,000 – $25,000+ |
There are two things to take note of. First, the PEX repipe costs are lower because PEX is flexible, requires fewer fittings, and is easier to install compared to copper. Additionally, if your home has a slab foundation, expect higher repiping house on slab costs due to the added labor involved in accessing pipes buried in concrete.
PEX vs. Copper for Polybutylene Pipe Replacement
When replacing polybutylene pipes, homeowners usually choose between PEX repipes and copper repipes nowadays. Each has its pros, which we’ve included below:
PEX Repipe: The Cost-Effective Choice
✔️ Lower repipe cost compared to copper
✔️ Flexible, requiring fewer joints and fittings
✔️ Freeze-resistant and corrosion-proof
✔️ Faster installation, reducing labor costs
Copper Repipe: The Premium Alternative
✔️ Extremely durable, lasting 50-70 years
✔️ Resistant to UV light (better for outdoor plumbing)
✔️ Higher resale value for homes
✔️ Higher copper repipe cost due to material and labor expenses
How Long Does It Take to Replace Polybutylene Plumbing?
For a typical repipe specialist crew, a whole house repipe typically takes 1-3 days for PEX repipe, and 3-7 days for copper repipe. BUT, for the Repiping Plumbers, our crews can handle a PEX repipe in under a day and a copper repipe in under two days! We know efficiency having completed over 9,000 repipes across the state of Florida.
Final Thoughts | Replacing Polybutylene Plumbing with a PEX Repipe
✅ Simply put, PEX repipe solutions offer a long-lasting, cost-effective alternative to polybutylene. The PEX repipe costs are lower, making PEX ideal for budget-conscious homeowners. Replacing polybutylene pipes now prevents costly water damage and plumbing failures later and could prevent homeowners insurance from denying claims or causing headaches to begin with. ✅
