The copper versus PEX question comes up in almost every repipe. The honest answer is that both are good materials, and the right one depends on your house, your water and what you value most.

United Plumbing performs copper repiping and PEX repiping across Fort Myers, Lee County and Southwest Florida as part of our whole house repiping service. This guide compares the two fairly so you can ask better questions. For the full process and timeline, see repiping a house in Fort Myers.

The Basics

Copper is rigid metal pipe joined with soldered or brazed fittings. It has been used in homes for decades and is the material many people picture when they think of repiping.

PEX is cross-linked polyethylene, a flexible plastic tubing joined with crimp, clamp or expansion fittings. It has become a common choice for residential repiping, including for replacing polybutylene. See our guide to polybutylene pipes in Florida.

Copper vs PEX Side By Side

Southwest Florida Factors

• Attic and wall routing: in many Southwest Florida homes the supply lines run through the attic and walls. Flexible PEX can be easier to route, and inside walls and attics it is protected from sunlight.
• Water chemistry: water chemistry affects how copper ages, and pinhole leaks are often linked to it. If you have had repeated pinholes, have your water evaluated. See how to read your water test results.
• Hard water: Southwest Florida water is mineral heavy. That is a concern for water heaters and fixtures whatever the pipe material. See how hard water affects plumbing and appliances.
• Slab and below-ground lines: lines under a slab or buried outdoors are a different conversation, so ask your plumber how they would handle them.

The best repipe material is the one installed correctly in your house. Careful installation matters more than the name on the pipe.

How Cost Differs

PEX is typically less expensive in both material and labor, and copper is typically more. We do not publish price ranges, because your quote depends on home size, access, the number of fixtures, wall repair and permits. The best approach is to ask for both options priced in writing, with the same scope, so you can compare like for like. Our guide to repiping cost and timeline explains what moves the number, and financing is available on qualifying projects, subject to credit approval.

How To Choose

• Your priorities: lowest cost, longest track record, least disruption or fastest install.
• Your home's layout: attic access, finished ceilings and wall construction affect how easily each material routes.
• Your water: a water test helps you and your plumber judge how each material is likely to age.
• Insurance and resale: ask your insurance agent whether they have a preference.
• The installer: choose a licensed plumber who is experienced with both. You can verify a license on the Florida DBPR site.
• The paperwork: get materials, scope, wall repair and warranty details in writing.

Sources and Further Reading

• Copper Development Association: copper.org
• Plastics Pipe Institute: plasticpipe.org
• Florida DBPR, verify a contractor's license: myfloridalicense.com
• More guides from United: Fort Myers plumbing articles.

About the author: United Plumbing Inc has been the Fort Myers plumber for residential, commercial and new construction customers since 1980. Licensed technicians repipe homes with copper and PEX across Fort Myers, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples and the barrier islands. Florida License CFC 1433130. Head office: 3560 Teeside Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33916. Reviewed by United Plumbing's service management team. Last updated October 2026.