How to Replace Copper Pipes with PEX Pipes In 7 Steps (A DIY Guide)

Flexible, affordable, and easier to install—no wonder PEX is gaining popularity

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Ben Kissam
Written by Ben Kissam
Contributing Writer
Joseph Wood
Reviewed by Joseph Wood
Expert Reviewer
Updated May 22, 2026
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  • Replacing copper pipes with PEX means working with flexible polyethylene tubing that fits tight spaces, resists corrosion, and costs less than traditional copper piping.

  • Your DIY replacement project costs $35 to $50 for materials like PEX tubing and push-fit connectors, making this an affordable repair option.

  • You'll cut out damaged copper sections using tube cutters, deburr the ends, then secure new PEX with push-fit connectors for a watertight seal.

  • Hiring a local plumbing professional provides expert help with extensive pipe replacements and ensures your installation meets local building codes and requirements.

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
COMPLETION TIME
3 hours
COST
$35–$50
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Copper tube cutter
  • PEX tube cutter
  • Deburring tool
  • Tape measure
  • Marker
SUPPLIES
  • PEX Piping
  • Push-fit straight couplings
  • Small bucket or bin to catch water
  • Rag for cleaning
  • A few small pieces of wood (optional)

Corroded, damaged, or swollen copper pipes could make your home’s drinking water taste or smell funny, and even pose a health hazard. As a homeowner, this is something you’ll want to take care of sooner rather than later.

Today, many DIYers opt for PEX piping over copper when replacing plumbing. There are several advantages, one of which is that it’s easier to install. Learn how to replace copper pipes with PEX pipes in this nine-step guide.

Prepping To Replace Copper Pipe with Pex

1. Determine If Your Copper Pipes Need Replacing

For over fifty years, copper pipes have been one of the most common types of pipes used in homes across America. It’s durable, long-lasting, and tends to stay on tight.

However, corrosion, rot, and even holes in your copper pipes could warrant replacement. This could be a simple spot replacement or require you to cut several feet of pipe and replace it with new material.

Use your senses to determine if your copper pipes need replacing. Do they look rusted, corroded, or damaged? Do they (or does your water) smell? Are there bulges in the ceiling or drywall surrounding your pipes?

If so, it’s time to replace—or you may need to ask a local plumber for help if the job is out of your wheelhouse. Also, be aware of local codes that might make it a code violation to do this work yourself. If you decide to DIY, you may need to purchase special PEX cutting tools.

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2. Determine If PEX Piping Is Right For You

PEX pipes, or cross-linked polyethylene, are newer, popular alternatives for copper pipes and home plumbing systems. It’s flexible, which makes it easier to install in tight spots, and good for both hot and cold water systems. It’s also more affordable. (If you do it yourself, the cost to replace plumbing in your home starts around $1,500.)

Yet, in some instances, PEX plumbing isn’t a good idea, and there are pros and cons for installing PEX and copper pipes. 

For example, if the copper pipes you’re replacing are outside, you shouldn’t use PEX, as UV light can break the material down over time. Plus, you cannot recycle PEX like you can copper, which might be a drawback for eco-conscious homeowners. Research shows that PEX pipes are safe to drink from, but some owners still have concerns since it’s a newer material.

  1. Shut Off Your Water

    Assuming PEX is the right choice for you and your copper plumbing does need replacing, start by shutting off the main water source to your home. If you know which sink or appliance the pipes run to, turn them on to let the excess water drain out of your pipes.

  2. Cut Your Old Copper Pipe

    A plumber Cutting Copper Pipe
    Photo: BanksPhotos / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Measure out the length of pipe you’ll be replacing using your tape measure. With your marker, draw a small mark at the cut points (be sure to cut off all the corroded spots). Use a copper tube cutter to sever off one end. 

    You’ll want to place a small bucket to help catch water underneath before you start cutting.

  3. Cut Your New PEX Piping, Then Run It Through the Repair Area

    To cut your PEX piping, you’ll need PEX tube cutters, not copper cutters. A copper cutter could work if the cutter fits the size of the pipe exactly. 

    However, using a copper cutter on PEX can result in uneven cutting, requiring you to buy more PEX because you have to make multiple cuts and no longer have enough pipe to cover the damaged section. So if possible, get both types of cutters.

    Run your new PEX pipe through the area you are replacing.

  4. Deburr the Ends of Your Copper Pipe

    To ensure a smooth fit with the new PEX piping, use a deburring tool to remove corrosion and clean the end of the copper pipe. Smooth both the inside and outside of the pipe at least a few inches. You can use a paper towel or a rag to wipe off any excess.

  5. Secure Your New PEX Piping Using Push-Fit Connectors

    Pex plastic water supply plumbing pipe
    Photo: JJ Gouin / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Push-fit connectors, which cost between $5 and $20 at home improvement stores, are how you’ll secure your new pipes. 

    Read your push-fit connector guidelines for depth (on the package) first. Make a mark on the pipe to see how far back you need to secure the push-fit all the way.

    Push one end into the copper pipe up to the depth line. Then connect the other end into the PEX, doing the same thing.

  6. Repeat the Process On the Other Side

    Go to the other side of the room or home, and repeat the same process on the other end of the copper: Cut, deburr, and secure. Once you’ve cut the copper pipe out on both ends, remove it from the area entirely.

  7. Install Wooden Support Beams for Longer PEX Pipe Replacements (Optional)

    If you’re replacing more than five or so feet of copper with PEX, it may be a good idea to drill a few pieces of wood (one every three or so feet) to keep your new flexible tubes from sagging after they fill with water.  

    Sagging isn’t a big deal—it’s plastic, after all—but if there’s other stuff below your pipes, such as electrical components, or you simply don’t want the pipes sticking out, this can help.

    Once done, turn your water on and test. There should be no leaks and no sagging if you took this final step!

DIY PEX Piping vs. Hiring a Pro

Tackling a PEX pipe installation isn’t for everyone. If you don’t mind cutting pipes or working in tight spaces, it’s definitely doable without outsourcing the job.

That said, for more extensive projects, experienced plumbers in your area can help inform you or tackle a PEX installation project. We recommend a pro if you are expanding your plumbing network in the house or doing an extensive overhaul rather than just replacing a small section of pipe.

Plumbing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH

4.6★ avg. • 160 total reviews
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    Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!

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    If you want to pay the most exorbitant prices possible for your job, this is the company for you. “By the job” pricing is a rip-off, at least how these people use it. Every job is plugged into a category and prices are set by category. You might have a job that takes half an hour or one that...

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    Cole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...

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    Matt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...

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    Involved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...

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    5.0
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    Awesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...

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    1.0
    08/2016

    The initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...

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  • Jeffrey B.
    5.0
    02/2015

    This company did a very good job on the brick wall and it looks just amazing. The staff was always professional and was practically OCD on how the bricks were stacked and how they were laid. Although it took longer than expected, I am willing to sacrifice time over perfection anyday. The...

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    5.0
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    <p>I am so glad we called Rotor-Rooter.  I was hesitant to call them because we usually prefer to give business to local providers. But when we had sewage back up in our basement on a Saturday evening, I had a hard time getting a hold of someone, not to mention the high weekend/evening rate...

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Learn more about our contributors
Ben Kissam
Written by Ben Kissam
Contributing Writer
Ben is a writer, media strategist, and DIY enthusiast. A former teacher, he's written two books and published articles on major publications like Business Insider and Elite Daily. He lives in Denver.
Joseph Wood
Reviewed by Joseph Wood
Expert Reviewer
Joseph Wood is a master plumber and the founder of Boston Standard Company. He trained vocationally and received a college degree in telecommunications. Joseph used his hybrid experience to create Boston Standard Company, the leading residential plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical company based in the City of Boston.

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