How do I know if I have polybutylene pipes?

Check where the main water line enters your home (usually the garage or utility room). Polybutylene pipes are gray, flexible plastic with copper or plastic fittings. If your Fort Lauderdale home was built between 1978-1995, poly-b is very likely.

Should I repipe with PEX or CPVC in Fort Lauderdale?

Both work well in South Florida. PEX is more flexible, faster to install, and slightly cheaper. CPVC has a longer track record in Florida. Most Fort Lauderdale plumbers prefer PEX for its ease of installation and resistance to scale buildup.

What causes slab leaks in Fort Lauderdale?

Soil shifting, pipe corrosion from hard water, and the natural settling of Florida's limestone foundation are the main causes. Older copper pipes under the slab develop pinhole leaks from the outside in. Signs include unexplained water bill increases, warm spots on floors, or the sound of running water when nothing is on.

How Much Does Plumbing Cost in Fort Lauderdale in 2026?

Fort Lauderdale shares many of Miami's plumbing challenges, with the added factor of an extensive canal system that creates unique drainage and sewer considerations. Here is what Fort Lauderdale homeowners are paying for plumbing in 2026.

Plumbing Service Costs (2026)

Service call + diagnosis: $75 - $150
Drain cleaning: $150 - $350
Leak detection: $200 - $500
Water heater replacement: $1,100 - $2,400 (tank), $2,400 - $4,200 (tankless)
Garbage disposal replacement: $250 - $500
Slab leak repair: $1,800 - $5,500

The Polybutylene Pipe Problem

Many Fort Lauderdale homes built between 1978 and 1995 have polybutylene (poly-b) water supply pipes. These gray plastic pipes deteriorate from the inside when exposed to chlorinated water, and they fail without warning. If your home has poly-b pipes, repiping is not a question of if but when. A whole-house repipe with PEX or CPVC costs $6,500-$14,000 in Fort Lauderdale.

Canal-Adjacent Homes

Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of waterways, and homes along these canals face elevated water tables that affect drainage systems. If your home is on a canal in areas like Las Olas Isles, Rio Vista, or Lauderdale Isles, your plumbing system works harder to move waste against higher groundwater pressure. Regular sewer line inspections are particularly important for these properties.

Water Quality and Filtration

Fort Lauderdale's water comes from the Biscayne Aquifer and is treated at the Fiveash and Peele-Dixie plants. While safe, it is very hard at 16-22 grains per gallon. A water softener system ($1,500-$3,000) protects your pipes and fixtures. A reverse osmosis drinking water system adds $300-$600.

Request Your Free Inspection

A free plumbing inspection includes camera inspection of your main line, water pressure testing, and a visual assessment of accessible pipes. No obligation, just honest information about your home's plumbing condition.