When is it Time to Repipe? Understanding the Case for PEX Systems


Michael Zaboth, Mason Reconstruction


“It’s not just about avoiding the next leak—it’s about investing in a plumbing system built to last.” Why PEX is a Better Way Forward


Plumbing failures are disruptive, costly, and frustrating for homeowners


and associations of condominiums alike.


Homeowners need to understand fi rst who is responsible for the plumbing inside the walls of their home. A single pinhole leak can trigger a chain reaction of emergency services, extensive water damage remediation, and multi-week build-back processes— all culminating in unexpected assessments and homeowner dissatisfaction. For many communities, the traditional reactive approach to plumbing issues may no longer be sustainable. Fortunately, proactive community-wide repiping with modern systems like PEX offers a smarter solution.


One of the key challenges facing many homeowner associations today is the aging copper plumbing found in units built twenty or more years ago. While copper pipes are rated for a useful life of twenty-fi ve to fi fty years, the practical lifespan is often closer to twenty. Once slab leaks or pinhole failures begin, they tend to repeat. The expense and disruption from repairs—often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per incident—make it diffi cult to justify continued patchwork fi xes.


When Replacement Makes Sense


There are two primary ways to assess whether a full replacement is more cost-effective than piecemeal repairs.


The fi rst is the useful life method, commonly found in reserve studies. For instance, if a repipe is estimated to cost $1,000,000 and expected to last twenty-fi ve years, the annualized cost is $40,000. When annual repair expenses start exceeding this benchmark, a replacement becomes fi scally prudent.


The second is the opportunity cost method, which accounts for more than just direct repair costs. This approach considers the total fi nancial impact—including temporary relocation, mold remediation, insurance increases,


Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) has emerged as a superior alternative to traditional copper or PVC systems. PEX is fl exible, resistant to scale and chlorine, and far less prone to corrosion or pinhole leaks. It also requires fewer fi ttings, reducing the potential for future failure points.


Community-wide PEX repiping brings signifi cant advantages:


• Less time and disruption: Each unit is typically completed in three to fi ve days, with water shut-offs minimized to under eight hours.


• Less cost: At $4,000 to $8,000 per unit, the cost is signifi cantly lower than multiple isolated emergency repairs.


• Less inconvenience: Planned scheduling and communication help residents prepare and adjust with minimal stress.


Keys to a Successful Repipe Project


Preconstruction communication is critical. Posting schedules, providing welcome packets, and offering direct contact with the project superintendent ensure transparency. A typical schedule includes:


Day 1: Demolition and initial access. Day 2–3: Plumbing installation and inspection. Day 3–5: Drywall and fi nish work, followed by cleaning.


Color-coded site maps, unit-specifi c checklists, and homeowner Q&A sessions further reduce confusion and build trust. When implemented correctly, a repipe project feels seamless—“like it never happened.”


and homeowner


inconvenience—and compares it to the cost of fi nancing a full repipe. In many cases, full replacement can pay for itself over a number of years, especially when communities leverage quantity discounts by repiping all units at once. The rate of return on investment can vary depending upon a number of factors.


Community associations that embrace proactive PEX repiping strategies not only preserve property values but also enhance the quality of life for their residents. It’s not just about avoiding the next leak—it’s about investing in a plumbing system built to last.


Insurance carriers are increasingly becoming more conservative with risk they accept. Completion of a re-pipe project may lower the cost of insurance or keep an association from a move away from a preferred carrier. A move to a non-preferred (i.e., excess and surplus lines insurer) will result in much higher premium than what is currently budgeted.


— Michael Berg, CMCA, CIRMS, Berg Insurance Agency in Partnership with LaBarre/Oksnee 16 September | October 2025


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