The Great Copper-to-PEX Conversion: Why Chicago Homeowners Are Making the Switch in 2025

Chicago’s harsh winters and aging housing stock are driving a major plumbing revolution in 2025. Homeowners across the Windy City are ditching their traditional copper pipes for modern PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) systems, and the reasons go far beyond simple cost savings.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: PEX is Taking Over

Copper pipe being used for only 5% of projects in 2023, compared to 19% in 2019, while PVC pipe growing from 51% to 70% in the same period. This dramatic shift isn’t just a national trend—it’s particularly pronounced in Chicago, where extreme weather conditions make pipe durability a critical concern.

Trends show a clear shift in preference toward PEX piping—especially in residential projects, and Chicago plumbers are reporting unprecedented demand for copper-to-PEX conversions throughout 2025.

Why Chicago’s Climate Makes PEX the Smart Choice

Chicago’s brutal winters create unique challenges for home plumbing systems. Copper pipes burst easily when frozen, but PEX pipes can expand up to eight times their size before it freezes. This flexibility is a game-changer for Chicago homeowners who’ve dealt with costly burst pipe emergencies during polar vortex events.

In Ontario, where sub-zero winters are common, PEX shines because it expands slightly when frozen, reducing the risk of burst pipes. The same principle applies to Chicago’s harsh winter conditions, making PEX an increasingly popular choice for local homeowners.

The Cost Factor: Significant Savings for Chicago Families

In 2025’s challenging economic climate, the financial benefits of PEX conversion are impossible to ignore. Replacing with PEX can be 50% cheaper than new copper piping, offering substantial savings for Chicago families looking to upgrade their plumbing systems.

Homeowners can expect to pay 20% to 40% more when installing copper pipes over PEX. On average, PEX water pipes cost 50 cents to $2 per linear square foot. Copper costs closer to $2 to $8 per linear foot.

For a typical Chicago bungalow or two-flat, this cost difference can translate to thousands of dollars in savings—money that can be redirected toward other home improvements or simply kept in the family budget.

Installation Advantages in Chicago’s Older Homes

Chicago’s housing stock, with many homes built in the early-to-mid 20th century, presents unique installation challenges. PEX is a flexible, ready-to-go option that allows you to snake your new pipes through walls, making it ideal for retrofitting older Chicago homes without extensive demolition.

PEX pipes are flexible, so you can easily bend them in any direction without needing to cut pipe, attach connectors, and use elbow joints at, well, every turn. Because you don’t need to cut your pipe and use multiple fittings, it’s less likely to leak. All of these benefits add up to a cheaper installation process.

Performance Benefits Chicago Homeowners Are Experiencing

Beyond cost and installation ease, PEX offers performance advantages that Chicago homeowners are discovering in 2025:

• PEX pipes have a lower thermal conductivity than copper, meaning that PEX can keep water hot for longer. This means you’ll save more energy because PEX piping prevents heat loss as water moves through your pipes
• Unlike copper, PEX is also less likely to “hammer” or bang when your valve shuts off the water. Metal pipes can tick, rattle, and bang, but since plastic PEX pipes are flexible, they eliminate most of the turbulence as water flows through them
• PEX pipe won’t corrode as copper would and is acid resistent. Plus, PEX is immune to mineral build-up common in areas with hard water

When to Consider Professional Installation

While PEX installation is more DIY-friendly than copper, Chicago’s complex plumbing codes and the city’s inspection requirements make professional installation the smart choice for most homeowners. When facing a plumbing emergency or planning a major conversion, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand local regulations.

If you’re dealing with a plumbing crisis and need immediate assistance, searching for an emergency plumber near me can connect you with qualified professionals who can assess whether PEX conversion is right for your specific situation.

Environmental Considerations

It cost less to manufacturer PEX than copper since the process requires less energy. Also, PEX is lighter than its metal counterpart, meaning that you’ll save money on shipping and handling. And because PEX requires less sourcing and production, it has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional copper piping.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Chicago Plumbing

As we move through 2025, the trend toward PEX conversion shows no signs of slowing. In 2025, for most indoor, residential plumbing jobs in Ontario, PEX is the practical choice. But for high-end builds or homes with exposed piping, copper still holds its place.

Chicago homeowners are increasingly recognizing that PEX offers the perfect combination of affordability, durability, and performance for the city’s unique climate challenges. Whether you’re renovating a vintage Chicago home or dealing with aging copper pipes, the switch to PEX represents a smart investment in your property’s future.

The great copper-to-PEX conversion isn’t just a trend—it’s a practical response to Chicago’s specific plumbing challenges, offering homeowners a more resilient, cost-effective, and efficient plumbing solution for years to come.