Short answer: is PEX the right choice for a repipe
For most single-family homes, yes. PEX handles repiping well because one long run can replace many soldered joints, and it can be pulled through existing walls with smaller openings. Copper is still a good material, and some owners prefer it for exposed runs or personal reasons.
The better question is whether you need a full repipe at all. A licensed plumber can answer that after pressure testing and an inspection, which our repiping service begins with.
PEX vs copper, side by side
| Factor | PEX | Copper |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Flexible, fewer joints, quicker in walls | Rigid, soldered joints, more labor |
| Wall access | Smaller openings often enough | Larger openings for straight runs |
| Corrosion | Does not pit or corrode | Can pit from the inside over time |
| Outdoor use | Must be shielded from sunlight | Fine exposed to sun |
| Fittings | Crimp or expansion connections | Soldered or press fittings |
| Heat tolerance | Rated for hot water but not open flame | Handles high heat and flame |
Neither material is perfect. PEX tubing degrades in sunlight, so it needs protection anywhere it is exposed, and it should never sit against a flue. Copper can be pinholed by aggressive water chemistry, which is why any repipe discussion should include your water source.
Signs your pipes are failing
Pinhole leaks that keep coming back
One repair and then another a few feet away points to pipe wall thinning, not bad luck. If a plumber has patched more than one spot in a few years, ask about the whole run.
Discolored or metallic water
Brown or blue-green tint when a tap first opens can mean corrosion inside old pipe. Run the tap for a minute and see if it clears.
Pressure that fades across the house
Mineral buildup or corrosion narrows the pipe bore. You may see weak flow at several fixtures even though the street pressure is fine.
Stains, damp drywall or a warm floor
Hidden leaks show up as brown rings on ceilings, bubbling paint or a floor that feels warm. A warm spot can mean a hot line is leaking under the slab.
If you see water spreading now
Do not wait for the repipe decision. Stop the water first.
- Close the main shutoff valve at the house or meter.
- Switch off power to wet areas at the breaker if it is safe to reach.
- Move belongings off the floor and photograph damage for insurance.
- Open a low faucet to drain the lines, then call the 24/7 line.
Whole-house or partial repipe
A partial repipe replaces the worst section, such as the lines serving one bathroom or the stretch under the slab. It costs less in labor and finishes sooner. The risk is that old pipe elsewhere keeps failing, so you may repeat the job in pieces.
Partial repipe fits when
- One section has failed and the rest tests sound
- The leak is a clear run from a known cause
- You plan to sell or renovate soon
- The budget needs a staged approach
Whole-house repipe fits when
- Leaks appear in several areas over time
- Pipe material is a type with a known failure record
- You are already opening walls for a remodel
- Insurers or inspectors have flagged the plumbing
Our slab leak repair page covers the specific case where a line under the floor fails, since rerouting through the attic or walls is often an alternative to breaking concrete. A plumber can tell you which route fits your layout.
How the job runs
- 1
Inspect and pressure test
A plumber checks existing pipe type, tests pressure and finds weak spots. You get a written scope and a clear price before work starts.
- 2
Pull the permit
The licensed contractor applies to the building department before opening walls. Pulling the permit is part of a lawful repipe.
- 3
Rough-in and connect
The crew shuts off the water, cuts small access holes, runs PEX from the manifold and connects each fixture. Most homes are without water for part of each working day.
- 4
Test, inspect and patch
The new system is pressure tested, then inspected. Drywall patches follow once the building department signs off.
Permits and checking the plumber's license
The Village of Royal Palm Beach states that most work done in the Village requires a building permit, so call the Village building department at (561) 790-5128 before a repipe. Ask them what applies to your address. If you plan to pull the permit yourself as an owner-builder, the Village requires a notarized owner-builder affidavit.
Check any plumber on MyFloridaLicense.com using Verify a License. Florida licenses contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Chapter 489, and the site lets you search by name, business or number. An unlicensed contractor often skips the permit, and that can complicate insurance claims and a later sale.
Royal Palm Beach note: water source and repiping
The eastern Palm Beach County Water Utilities system draws from the Biscayne Aquifer and uses chloramine as its disinfectant. The utility reports finding no lead service lines in its service area after a service line inventory.
That does not clear every older fixture or solder joint inside a house, since lead in tap water usually traces to household plumbing. After any repipe, flush the taps, clean the aerators and consider testing the water.
Source type: county utility water quality report and utility guidance
What affects the schedule and price
House size, number of fixtures, wall access, how many stories, and whether concrete must be cut all move the price. We do not quote numbers in an article, and no honest plumber can without seeing your pipes. The caller gets a clear price before work starts.
Homeowners in Wellington and in Loxahatchee Groves often ask about the same job. The permit office differs by town, and well water in Groves changes the pipe discussion, so confirm local rules for your address.
Sources and standards
A repipe is built to the Florida Building Code, Plumbing, 8th Edition (2023) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach states that most work in the Village requires a permit, so call (561) 790-5128 before starting. Check any contractor's license at MyFloridaLicense.com, the state's license lookup.
Royal Palm Beach PEX repipe questions
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
PEX is approved for potable water in plumbing codes, and plumbers have installed it for decades. Choose a licensed contractor who uses listed tubing and fittings.
How long does a whole-house repipe take?
It depends on the house size and wall access. Most of the work is staged so the water comes back on each evening, but we do not promise a fixed number of days before seeing the home.
Do I need a permit to repipe in Royal Palm Beach?
The Village says most work requires a building permit. Call the Village building department at (561) 790-5128 and ask about your specific scope.
Does the county water in Royal Palm Beach damage copper pipes?
The utility's reports we reviewed do not publish a hardness figure or a corrosion statement for copper. If pinholes are your reason for replacing, a plumber can inspect sample sections.
Can I repipe only the part that leaks?
Yes, if the rest tests sound. A partial repipe is faster and cheaper in labor, but old pipe elsewhere can still fail.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a repipe?
Policies differ, and many pay for water damage but not for replacing the failing pipe. Ask your carrier before work starts.
Question not answered here? Call the 24/7 line at (561) 448-8545 and talk to a plumber.