Why this decision matters
A repipe is a once-in-a-house decision. In Central Texas, it's usually prompted by polybutylene, failing galvanized steel or repeated pinhole leaks in older copper.
PEX-A
Flexible, expansion-fitting connections, and the most freeze-tolerant option. Fewer fittings means fewer potential leak points. Typical whole-home cost: $5,500–$12,000.
PEX-B
Stiffer and usually crimp- or clamp-fitted. Lower material cost and widely used by production builders. It performs well when installed correctly; fittings restrict flow slightly more than PEX-A expansion fittings.
Copper Type L
Durable, rigid, recyclable and familiar. More expensive (often $9,000–$18,000 for a whole home), more labor-intensive, and can pinhole in aggressive water or at high velocity.
Central Texas factors
- Attic routing: most slab homes are repiped through the attic. PEX should be protected from UV and insulated; attic temperatures don't usually rule it out.
- Freezes: the 2021 freeze showed how vulnerable exposed copper is. PEX tolerates freezing better, though nothing is freeze-proof.
- Hard water: scale builds in any pipe; it matters more for water heaters and fixtures than for pipe choice.
Compare all the options in our Pipe Materials tool, or get an independent repipe evaluation before you sign.