When selecting pipes for plumbing projects, it’s essential to determine which material works best. Copper and PEX tubing both have their advantages and drawbacks, so it’s essential to comprehend them both before making your choice.
PEX, for instance, does not necessitate the extraction of natural resources to manufacture its plastic material – making it more eco-friendly than copper.
Cost
Copper is a widely-used plumbing material, but cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) has become more and more popular for residential water supply lines due to its versatility and durability. Installing PEX pipe offers several advantages over its copper counterpart, including flexibility and increased longevity.
When selecting between copper and PEX piping, cost can be a major consideration. On average, PEX is around 25% cheaper than copper due to its lighter weight and lower energy requirements for production.
Copper pipe is still the go-to choice for water piping in many homes due to its durability, dependability, and resistance to damage or high temperatures.
PEX is not only less costly to produce than copper, but it’s also less brittle. That makes PEX ideal for long-term storage – with an expected lifespan of 70 years!
PEX is more flexible than copper, making it easier to snake it into walls and out of basement or crawlspace spaces. This reduces the amount of wall demolition needed during a house repipe.
Another advantage of PEX is its superior resistance to freezing and bursting, particularly in older houses lacking adequate insulation.
PEX pipes can expand when temperatures drop, accommodating freezing and then shrink back to their original size when temperatures warm up again. This allows them to transport more water through a smaller diameter than larger, rigid pipes.
If your area frequently experiences freezing temperatures, switching your piping from copper to PEX might be a wise decision. Not only will this save time and money in the future, but it will also help protect the environment.
Installing PEX piping yourself is possible if you possess the required tools and expertise. PEX is relatively straightforward to cut and comes in various sizes, making it a perfect DIY project.
Cutting copper differs from cutting PEX in that you need a special tool to do it evenly, while with PEX you can use either an implement that looks like a scissor or just use your regular crimping tool and compression fittings.
Durability
Copper pipe and pex pipe both possess different durability levels depending on factors like material, water quality, environmental conditions, installation method and aftercare. Ultimately, you’ll have to determine what matters most to you and select the most suitable option for your requirements.
Copper pipes have a reputation for durability, and are still used in many homes today. Furthermore, copper is 100% recyclable – its scraps can be melted down and remade into new piping.
However, they’re vulnerable to corrosion and pinhole leaks if exposed to acidic water or other substances. Furthermore, metal filters may add a metallic taste to your drinking water.
Copper piping contains metal particles which can leach into water, leading to unpleasant tastes and health risks. Fortunately, there are alternatives to copper piping such as PEX pipe which is more sustainable and cost-effective.
PEX is highly resistant to mineral deposits in hard water, making it the ideal choice for homes with superior drinking water quality. It can be installed indoors as well as in areas likely to receive direct sunlight exposure.
Copper tends to outlive PEX when applied in real world applications, though their longevity depends on a number of factors. For instance, PEX typically has an expected life expectancy of 50 years while copper starts breaking down after 30 years.
Copper’s long life is largely due to its resistance to bacterial growth and corrosion. Furthermore, copper isn’t affected by electrolysis – which can lead to small pinhole leaks or corrosion of other plumbing components.
Copper piping can be expensive to purchase, especially if you require more than one roll. Furthermore, it requires specialized skills like soldering or brazing in order to fix a broken pipe.
PEX pipe, on the other hand, is more affordable and simpler to install than copper pipe – making it a popular choice among homeowners. Furthermore, its flexibility allows it to bend around corners without needing elbow fittings for ease of access.
Installation
When installing new pipe in your home, it’s essential to select the right material for the job. Copper has long been the go-to plumbing material; it is widely used and easily found at home improvement stores. Although copper may cost two thirds more than PEX pipe, its longevity and dependability make it worth consideration.
PEX is quickly becoming a preferred alternative to copper due to its ease of working and cost efficiency; it costs less than half the price and can be installed faster. Furthermore, its flexibility makes remodeling jobs a lot simpler to finish.
Furthermore, PEX resists corrosion unlike copper, making it ideal for those living in areas with acidic water where copper can corrode over time.
Additionally, it has greater resistance to cold weather conditions, making your hot water heater last longer. Furthermore, producing less condensation on cold water lines helps prevent leaks from forming in ceilings and walls.
Copper’s primary disadvantage is its brittleness when exposed to extreme temperatures, such as those found in areas with high heat and humidity. This can result in pinhole leaks – a frequent issue with copper.
Fortunately, there are solutions to these problems. One option is repiping your entire home with PEX pipes which is more cost-effective than patching up small sections of an outdated system.
Another solution is to run a single water line through your home from one central point. This ensures there are no hidden joints or fittings in walls or ceilings.
But this requires extensive cutting and a lot of labor. Furthermore, you must be ready to deal with drywall damage from poking the pipes through walls.
Finally, you will require special installation tools to finish the job. Crimp rings, cinch clamps and cutting tools are all necessary for installing PEX pipe.
You may wish to consider using a PEX gun, which makes installation 5 times faster than manual labor. Not only does this reduce your project timeline, but it’s also safer for yourself and your family during the process.
Maintenance
When remodeling or upgrading your plumbing system, it’s essential to know which material is ideal. Nowadays, two common pipe materials can be used for various purposes: copper pipe and pex piping. Selecting the right type of piping for your home can make all the difference when it comes to how long the pipes last and whether or not they leak.
Copper is a popular material for water supply lines and heating systems due to its outstanding durability, resistance to corrosives like chlorine.
However, copper also has some drawbacks. One is that it rusts or corrodes in areas exposed to sunlight or buried directly into the ground, and maintaining it can be costly – particularly if there’s a leak present.
A licensed plumber can help you decide the type of pipe most suitable for your requirements. They may suggest either copper or PEX depending on the location of installation.
Copper is typically more costly than PEX, but it has a longer history and may be simpler to work with – potentially saving you money in the long run.
Copper has the disadvantage of freezing and breaking, particularly in older homes that aren’t adequately insulated.
Newer houses tend not to worry about this problem, as they are built with features designed to prevent it. Flexible piping systems like PEX can expand and thaw more easily than other materials, making it less likely to freeze and burst.
PEX is more cost-effective than copper, making it a great option for home improvement projects. Furthermore, PEX requires less installation effort and can be easily done by DIYers.
PEX is far more durable than copper, resistant to corrosion and mineral buildup. Furthermore, PEX is less likely to suffer from electrolysis – which can lead to pinhole leaks in copper piping.
No matter which type of pipe you select for your plumbing project, be sure to hire a licensed plumber with expertise in repiping. They can install the new pipes with minimal disruption and ensure they are properly connected to your existing water supply line.
