Plumbing issues in an apartment complex are more than just a minor inconvenience—they can become a financial nightmare for landlords and a source of misery for tenants. At Pinewood Estates, a 40-unit complex nestled in Charlotte, North Carolina, this scenario became all too real. The aging copper piping system, well past its prime, was failing catastrophically. With leaks springing up like clockwork, repair costs mounting, and tenant satisfaction plummeting, the property faced a crisis. In early 2025, Pinewood embarked on a transformative plumbing overhaul with PEX piping, a decision that not only saved the complex $15,000 in its first year but also paved the way for long-term efficiency and peace of mind. Here’s a detailed look at how this smart upgrade turned a sinking ship into a money-saving machine.

The Copper Crisis: Leaks Everywhere

The warning signs were evident as early as 2023. Tenants began reporting low water pressure, discolored tap water, and occasional bursts. Initially, these complaints were sporadic—manageable for the property’s maintenance team. However, by the beginning of 2025, the problem escalated to critical levels. “We had five leaks in a single month,” recalls Kim Alvarez, the 44-year-old property manager of Pinewood Estates. “Tenants were furious, and our repair bills were out of control.”
Aging copper pipes, some over 30 years old, were the root cause. Copper plumbing, though durable in its prime, has a limited lifespan of 25 to 40 years. As the material corrodes, it becomes increasingly prone to failures, from pinhole leaks to full-scale bursts. The American Water Works Association estimates that 20% of U.S. rental properties still rely on copper systems that have outlived their intended lifespan. Worse, corrosion is responsible for 30% of all plumbing failures.
At Pinewood, each leak cost between $800 and $1,200 to patch, with repair expenses ballooning to $25,000 over two years. As complaints mounted and costs spiraled, Kim realized that temporary fixes were no longer viable. “We were throwing money into a bottomless pit,” she says. “It was time for a complete overhaul.”

The PEX Solution: A $40,000 Overhaul

Recognizing the need for a lasting solution, Kim enlisted our plumbing crew to assess Pinewood’s aging infrastructure. The verdict was unanimous: The copper piping had to go. In its place, we proposed a comprehensive retrofit using PEX piping. Short for cross-linked polyethylene, PEX is a modern alternative to copper, offering superior flexibility, corrosion resistance, and affordability.
The upgrade commenced in March 2025 and spanned two weeks. Our team replaced 1,200 feet of piping across three apartment buildings, carefully rerouting lines to minimize disruption to tenants. The project’s total cost was $40,000—equating to roughly $1,000 per unit.
Why PEX? The advantages are compelling:

• Ease of Installation: According to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, PEX reduces installation labor by 50% compared to copper, thanks to its flexibility and fewer connections.
• Durability: PEX pipes boast a lifespan exceeding 50 years, resisting not just corrosion but also scaling and freezing.
• Reliability: With no need for soldered joints, PEX systems are less prone to leaks. In fact, HomeAdvisor reports a 95% lower failure rate compared to traditional materials.

For Pinewood Estates, the choice was clear. “PEX was a game-changer,” says Kim. “It wasn’t just about fixing leaks—it was about future-proofing the entire complex.”

The Savings: $15,000 and Counting

The benefits of the PEX retrofit were immediate and substantial. Before the overhaul, Pinewood’s annual plumbing repair expenses ranged from $12,000 to $15,000—an average of $300 to $375 per unit. Post-retrofit, that figure dropped to a mere $500 in maintenance for all of 2025. This represented a staggering $14,500 in savings during the first year alone.
But the advantages didn’t end there. The new PEX system also improved water efficiency, resulting in a 20% reduction in water bills—equivalent to an additional $2,000 saved annually. Taking these savings into account, Kim expects the $40,000 investment to pay for itself in under three years.
National statistics further validate Pinewood’s success story. The National Apartment Association reports that plumbing upgrades typically save landlords between $8,000 and $20,000 annually for a 50-unit complex. Meanwhile, Energy Star estimates that PEX retrofits are 30% more energy-efficient than copper systems, underscoring the long-term value of such upgrades.
Looking ahead, Kim projects cumulative savings of $100,000 over the next decade, a figure that underscores the transformative impact of proactive infrastructure investments.

Lessons from the Lines: Upgrade Smart

Pinewood’s journey offers a playbook for landlords navigating similar challenges. Here are three key takeaways:

• Old Pipes Bleed Money As copper plumbing approaches or exceeds its lifespan, maintenance costs rise exponentially. Forbes Home estimates that properties with copper pipes over 25 years old face a 40% increase in upkeep expenses. Addressing the issue preemptively can save significant costs in the long run.
• PEX Is the Future PEX piping has become the material of choice for new construction and retrofits alike. Builder Magazine reports that 60% of new residential builds now incorporate PEX, thanks to its scalability and resilience. Pinewood’s experience demonstrates the material’s suitability for large-scale projects.
• Tenants Win Too Plumbing upgrades don’t just benefit landlords—they enhance the tenant experience as well. At Pinewood, the transition to PEX eliminated leaks, improved water pressure, and significantly boosted tenant satisfaction. In fact, Kim notes that the complex’s vacancy rate dropped by 5% following the overhaul, further bolstering the property’s financial health.

A Complex Reborn

Today, Pinewood Estates operates smoothly, free from the constant disruptions that once plagued its plumbing system. Tenants appreciate the consistent water pressure and reliability, while Kim enjoys the newfound stability in her maintenance budget. “I wish we’d done this years ago,” she admits with a smile. Our lead plumber, Mike, agrees: “PEX turned a liability into an asset. They’re set for decades.”
From a leaky mess to a $15,000 save, Pinewood’s story underscores the critical importance of proactive infrastructure investments. Landlords, take note: When it comes to plumbing, the cost of waiting far exceeds the price of action. By embracing modern materials and prioritizing long-term solutions, you can transform your property—and your bottom line—for the better.