Why SharkBite PEX Pipe Is a Game-Changer for Repipes

7 min read

When it comes to repiping a home or commercial building, choosing the right piping material is crucial. Traditional copper and CPVC systems were once the standard, but today, approximately 60% of new construction homes in the U.S. use PEX pipes. This pipe type is now one of the most trusted plumbing solutions on the market because of its flexibility, durability, cost effectiveness and more.

So, whether you're a professional plumber or a homeowner tackling a renovation, here’s a look at what PEX is and why SharkBite PEX pipe is ideal for repipes.

What is PEX Pipe?

SharkBite PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe is a flexible, durable, and easy-to-install pipe that has been around for more than 35 years.

Compared to rigid pipe, PEX pipe is faster to install and its flexibility to bend around corners allows for longer runs and fewer connections — reducing cost, time and potential leak points. It is also more freeze-resistant since it can expand slightly if frozen and contract when thawed.

Explore PEX Pipes

What Type of PEX Should I Use?

The Similarities

Both SharkBite PEX-a and PEX-b pipes are reliable and high performing. They offer the highest rating for chlorine resistance, which meets ASTM F876 requirements for continuous hot water recirculation. They also have a six-month UV resistance, which is the highest available and meets 5306 ASTM standards. They also meet ASTM F876 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 performance standards and are approved for use in both hot and cold plumbing installations.

Get the Facts: SharkBite PEX Rated Highest in Industry for Chlorine & UV Resistance

The Differences

The main differences between these two pipes are their flexibility, fitting compatibility and cost. PEX-a is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method and has the highest-rated flexibility while PEX-b is made using the silane, or moisture cure, method and is slightly more rigid than PEX-a, giving it a higher burst pressure. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right pipe.

Choose PEX-a if:

You need maximum flexibility (e.g., for remodeling or tight spaces).
You want to use expansion fittings.
You’re in a cold climate and want better freeze resistance.

Explore Further: How to Pick the Right PEX System for New Construction

Choose PEX-b if:

You’re working on a budget.
You’re doing a straightforward installation with fewer bends.
You prefer using crimp/clamp or push fittings.

Next Steps:

Where to Buy. Find our USA-made PEX pipe at wholesalers, on Amazon, at many home improvement retailers or at your local hardware store.

Catalog. For more information on SharkBite PEX pipe, check out our detailed catalog.

Brochure. Compare PEX and copper pipe and the benefits of using PEX for new construction and repipes.

Dive Deeper: 10 Facts About PEX Pipe You Need to Know

Why Should I Use PEX for Repipes?

EvoPEX plumbing system installation in a new construction project, showcasing fast, flame-free connections for modern residential builds.

A successful repipe involves more than just replacing old plumbing—it’s about ensuring the best possible installation and long-term use for the homeowner. From efficiency to code compliance to preventing damage to the home, here are some key elements that make PEX pipe the ideal solution for repipes.

1. Flexible and Easy to Work With

SharkBite PEX pipe makes repipes faster, easier and less invasive because it offers something rigid pipes can’t– flexibility.

Rigid pipe has no flexibility and requires more connection points, so you have to remove big portions of the wall and ceiling to install it. This makes it more difficult to install and will require costly structural repairs. Not only that, but it will cost you more time, making it hard to meet your deadlines and delaying your next job.

In contrast, SharkBite PEX can bend around corners and obstacles with ease. It’s designed to be easily installed with minimal damage to the home and only needs a small opening to run the pipe through. See how it stacks up against copper and CPVC below.

Go Further: Quickly Transition from Copper to PEX with SharkBite

PEX	Copper & CPVC
Fewer connections and joints Less wall and ceiling damage Faster installation Longer pipe runs (average range of 100-350 ft) Easier to use for repipes and small spaces Fewer leak points	Rigid and requires more connection points and fittings More damage to walls and ceilings for installation Difficult to install in tight spaces Shorter pipe runs (average range of 50-150 ft) More leak points

2. Durable and Long Lasting

When repiping a home, the last thing you want is to replace a problem with a bigger problem. This is why the quality of your material and installation method is crucial for a successful repipe.

Take a Closer Look: How PEX Pipe Performs in the Winter

With superior flexibility and resistance against corrosion, chlorine and UV, PEX is designed to handle freezing conditions and a wider range of water quality. This flexible yet durable nature of PEX ensures a long service life, even in demanding conditions.

In contrast, copper and CPVC pipes are more likely to burst or crack under freezing or chlorine-rich water conditions. See how these pipe types compare in the chart below.

Go Beyond the Basics: The Sustainability of PEX vs. Copper

PEX	COPPER	CPVC
Durable even during water hammering and pressure fluctuations Excellent freeze resistance Excellent resistance to corrosion Highest chlorine resistance (100% of recirculating time at 140˚ F) UV resistance for 6 months Age range of 40-50 years	Can easily corrode Poor freeze resistance, can burst Prone to corrosion, can cause pinhole leaks Can degrade in high chlorine water Excellent UV resistance Age range of 20-50 years	Brittle Poor freeze resistance, can crack Resists corrosion Can degrade easily in high chlorine Poor UV resistance Age range of 20-40 years

3. Cost Effective

SharkBite PEX pipes are one of the most cost-effective repiping methods on the market. With fewer tools needed to complete the job, a lower material cost and lower labor costs compared to traditional pipe types, PEX pipe is a game changer.

PEX	COPPER	CPVC
Lower and more stable material costs Faster installations mean lower labor costs Fewer connection points mean lower fitting costs Lower tool costs Low repair costs and long-term maintenance costs	High and varied material costs More connection points mean higher labor costs Higher labor costs for skilled labor (soldering) High cost for fittings (soldering) Higher costs for drywall and ceiling repairs and long-term maintenance	Moderate and stable material costs More connection points mean higher fitting costs Longer installation means higher labor costs Moderate solvent and fitting costs Higher costs for cracked pipe repairs and long-term maintenance

4. Exceptional Versatility

SharkBite PEX pipe adapts well to a wide range of plumbing needs, installation environments, and system designs. This high adaptability makes SharkBite PEX especially valuable for repiping projects, where existing structures and layouts can be unpredictable.

PEX also eliminates the need for soldering, gluing, or special tools—making it ideal for tight spaces and quick repairs. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing copper, CPVC or polybutylene systems using transition fittings further simplifies retrofits, saving time and labor while ensuring long-lasting performance.

PEX	COPPER	CPVC
Compatible with push-to-connect, crimp, clamp, expansion (PEX-a) and EvoPEX fittings Easiest way to retrofit homes Ideal for polybutylene repipe jobs Perfect for tight spaces Approved for burial applications, including under concrete Ideal for hot and cold potable water distribution, fire protection and municipal water service lines. Can withstand freezing conditions Great choice for hot and cold supply lines, retrofits, remodels, radiant heating and new construction applications	Compatible with push-to-connect, sweat (soldering), press and compression fittings Difficult to use for retrofits, needs open access through the wall or ceiling Many tools needed, especially when soldering Difficult to use in tight spaces since it requires more fittings and cannot bend Excellent fire and pressure resistance Poor freeze resistance Can be buried, including under concrete Can be used for water supply line applications	Compatible with push-to-connect, solvent weld, threaded and compression fittings Difficult to use for retrofits, needs open access through the wall or ceiling Many tools needed for solvent fittings Can be buried, including under concrete Moderate temperature and pressure resistance Poor freeze resistance Can be used for water supply line applications

Watch PEX on the Job: Plumbers Use SharkBite PEX Pipe and Expansion Fittings for New Construction Build

What’s Different About SharkBite PEX?

SharkBite PEX stands out as one of the most trusted PEX pipes on the market, and for good reason. Not only does it meet industry codes and standards, but it’s manufactured in the USA with exceptional quality control and innovative equipment.

Find Out More: Made in the USA: How RWC Continues to Invest in American Manufacturing

RWC, SharkBite’s parent company, has a long-standing commitment to American manufacturing, dating back to 1912 with our Cash Acme brand. Today, RWC continues that legacy by producing SharkBite, HoldRite, and Cash Acme products at their expansive manufacturing campus in Cullman, Alabama. This facility includes four specialized plants equipped with advanced robotics, cameras, and sensors to ensure high-quality production and defect detection.

SharkBite stands out as one of the few push-to-connect plumbing brands with U.S.-based production, including both PEX-a and PEX-b pipe manufacturing. By keeping manufacturing in the U.S., RWC maintains full control over the production process—from raw materials to final packaging—allowing for greater innovation, faster product development, and consistent quality.

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