Thousands of homes in Kennesaw were built during the North Cobb building boom of the 1970s through 1990s, which means many are now running on plumbing systems that are 30 to 50 years old. Galvanized steel pipes from the 1970s are corroding from the inside. Polybutylene lines installed between 1978 and 1995 are cracking at fittings and along runs. Even original copper develops pinhole leaks after decades of service.
If your Kennesaw home needs a full repipe, the first major decision is the material: PEX or copper. Both are excellent choices, but they differ in cost, installation time, lifespan, and how well they suit different situations. K L Contractor Plumbing has been repiping homes across Cobb County since 1999, and we walk every homeowner through this choice based on their house, their budget, and their goals.
This guide covers what Kennesaw homeowners need to know to make that decision.
Why Kennesaw Homes Built Between 1970 and 1995 Need Repiping
The plumbing material in your home depends almost entirely on when it was built.
Galvanized steel (1950s through mid-1970s). Homes in older Kennesaw neighborhoods near Old Highway 41 and the Due West area may still have original galvanized supply lines. These pipes corrode internally over decades, restricting flow and discoloring water. The corrosion is systemic, and the only lasting solution is a full repipe.
Polybutylene (1978 through 1995). This gray plastic piping was installed in many subdivisions built during Kennesaw’s growth years. Polybutylene reacts with chlorine in municipal water, becoming brittle and cracking at fittings and along runs. If your home has polybutylene, repiping is not a question of “if” but “when.” Our guide on polybutylene pipe covers the full history and risks.
Aging copper (1960s through 1980s). Copper is durable, but systems from this era are now 40 to 60 years old. Pinhole leaks from internal corrosion become more frequent over time. If you are repairing copper leaks more than once a year, a full repipe is more cost-effective than continuing to patch.
Neighborhoods like Legacy Park, the Acworth Highway corridor, and areas surrounding Barrett Parkway include a wide mix of construction dates. A licensed plumber can identify what is in your walls and recommend whether repair or a full repipe is the right path.
PEX vs. Copper: A Detailed Comparison
Both PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and copper are approved for residential water supply lines in Georgia. Here is how they compare on the factors that matter most to homeowners.
Cost. PEX repiping costs significantly less than copper. The material is cheaper, installation is faster because PEX is flexible and does not require soldering, and fewer fittings are needed. For most Kennesaw homes, a PEX repipe runs 30% to 40% less than the same project in copper.
Durability and lifespan. Copper has a proven track record spanning 50 to 70 years when water chemistry is favorable. PEX is rated for a 40 to 50 year lifespan and has performed well in residential applications since the 1980s. Both materials far outlast galvanized steel and polybutylene.
Installation time. A PEX repipe on a typical Kennesaw home (1,500 to 2,500 square feet, 2 to 3 bathrooms) takes 1 to 2 days. Copper takes 2 to 4 days because each joint must be soldered and the rigid pipe requires more fittings to route through walls and floor joists.
Freeze resistance. PEX has an advantage here. The flexible material expands slightly when water freezes, reducing the risk of burst pipes. Copper is rigid and will split under the same conditions. Kennesaw winters are generally mild, but the area does experience freezing temperatures several nights each year, and pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, and attics are vulnerable.
Water quality and noise. Copper has natural antimicrobial properties. PEX is chemically inert and safe for drinking water, though some homeowners notice a slight taste after installation that dissipates within a few weeks of flushing. PEX is also quieter, absorbing water hammer better than rigid copper.
Repiping Cost in Kennesaw and Cobb County in 2026
Pricing depends on home size, number of fixtures, pipe accessibility, and the material you choose. These are realistic ranges for Kennesaw and Cobb County in 2026.
Home Size | PEX Repipe | Copper Repipe |
|---|---|---|
1 bathroom, under 1,200 sq ft | $4,000 to $6,500 | $6,000 to $9,000 |
2 bathrooms, 1,200 to 2,000 sq ft | $5,500 to $8,500 | $8,000 to $12,000 |
3 bathrooms, 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft | $8,000 to $12,000 | $11,000 to $16,000 |
4+ bathrooms, 3,000+ sq ft | $11,000 to $16,000 | $15,000 to $22,000 |
These estimates include materials, labor, basic drywall access patches, and the Cobb County plumbing permit. Final drywall finishing, painting, and flooring repair are handled separately. For a complete overview of what happens during a repipe, our whole house repiping guide walks through the full process.
Cobb County Permits and Inspection Requirements
Repiping a home in Kennesaw requires a plumbing permit from Cobb County. This is not optional. Work performed without a permit can create problems during a home sale, void insurance claims, and expose you to code violations.
The process involves three steps: your licensed plumber pulls the permit before work begins, a Cobb County inspector performs a rough-in inspection after new pipes are installed but before walls are closed, and a final inspection after all fixtures are reconnected confirms the system meets code.
K L Contractor Plumbing handles the full permit process on every repipe project. We pull the permit, schedule inspections, and ensure the work passes on the first visit. Be cautious of any contractor who suggests working without a permit.
How to Know Which Material Is Right for Your Home
The best material depends on your specific situation.
Choose PEX if: Budget is a primary concern. You want to minimize disruption (1 to 2 days vs. 2 to 4). Your home has complex pipe routing through tight spaces where PEX’s flexibility makes installation easier. You want better freeze protection for pipes in crawl spaces or exterior walls.
Choose copper if: You plan to stay in the home long-term and want the longest possible lifespan. You are in a higher-value home where copper’s premium perception adds to resale value. You prefer a material with a 70-year track record.
Most homeowners in Kennesaw choose PEX for the cost savings and faster installation. But copper remains the right choice for certain homes and priorities. K L Plumbing presents both options with transparent pricing so you can make the decision that fits your situation.
Ready to Get a Repiping Estimate for Your Kennesaw Home?
K L Contractor Plumbing has been repiping homes in Kennesaw and throughout Cobb County since 1999. We inspect your current system, provide written estimates for both PEX and copper, and handle the full Cobb County permit process.
Call (404) 637-2796 to schedule a repiping consultation for your Kennesaw home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repipe a house in Kennesaw, GA in 2026?
A PEX repipe for a typical 2 to 3 bathroom Kennesaw home costs $5,500 to $12,000 in 2026. A copper repipe for the same home ranges from $8,000 to $16,000. The final price depends on home size, number of fixtures, pipe accessibility, and number of stories. K L Plumbing provides written estimates after an in-person inspection.
Is PEX or copper better for repiping a home in Kennesaw?
Both are approved for residential plumbing in Georgia. PEX costs 30% to 40% less, installs faster (1 to 2 days vs. 2 to 4), and resists freezing better. Copper lasts longer (50 to 70 years vs. 40 to 50 for PEX) and adds premium value in higher-end homes. Most Kennesaw homeowners choose PEX for the cost savings and shorter disruption, but the right choice depends on your home and priorities.
Do I need a permit to repipe my home in Kennesaw?
Yes. Cobb County requires a plumbing permit for repiping, including a rough-in inspection and final inspection. Working without a permit can void insurance coverage and create complications during a future home sale. K L Contractor Plumbing handles the full permit process on every repipe project.
How long does a whole house repipe take in Kennesaw?
A PEX repipe on a typical Kennesaw home takes 1 to 2 days. A copper repipe takes 2 to 4 days because each joint must be soldered. Your water is turned off during active installation but restored each evening. Drywall access patches are made during the project, though final paint touch-ups may take an additional day.
How do I know if my Kennesaw home has polybutylene pipes?
Polybutylene pipes are gray, flexible plastic, typically stamped with “PB2110” on the exterior. Check at the water meter connection, in the crawl space or basement, and at water heater supply lines. If your home was built between 1978 and 1995 in Legacy Park, the Due West area, or neighborhoods along the Acworth Highway corridor, there is a reasonable chance it contains polybutylene. A licensed plumber can confirm the material during an inspection. Our guide to polybutylene pipes and insurance coverage covers what to know if your home has this material.