Coupled with low production and shipping costs, the savings resulting from installing PEX instead of copper pipes can be significant. Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time.
PEX has a high tensile strength and is highly durable, cost-effective, and flexible. Yet, it can still experience the concern of pipe cracks or general damage when under the influence of things like significantly intense UV rays.
In the hands of a skillful plumber, Pex is ideally suited for a retrofit. In fact, because of quality and pinhole leak problems becoming more common with copper pipe, many plumbers are moving away from copper pipe and prefer using Pex. It can also be less expensive.
The cost of replacing plumbing with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) varies widely depending on factors such as the size of the project, the complexity of the installation, and regional labor and material costs. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $1500 to $4000 to re-pipe a typical single-family home.
While both are workable solutions for repipe projects, there are many unique advantages that PEX pipe offers that cannot be found with copper. The most common reason why people generally choose PEX piping over copper is because there is a less of a risk for leaks with PEX piping.
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house. Since it is made of plastic it is a more cost-effective alternative to copper. Pex is easier to install and lighter in weight, reducing shipping costs too.
Copper pipes outshine PEX pipes in terms of longevity. On average, copper pipes impressively endure for 50 to 70 years, whereas PEX pipes have an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years. It's challenging to surpass copper's resilience.
If repairs need to be made, the average cost to repipe 2000 sq ft house will be between $3,500-$15,000, depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the job. To begin, a thorough assessment must be done in order to evaluate the pipes and determine the scope of the job.
Replace All Copper With PEX
Cost aside, the best long-term solution is to re-pipe your entire home, replacing copper pipes with PEX.
Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.
The use of PEX piping can be detrimental to household water quality PEX piping is known to leach regulated gasoline components such as MTBE, ETBE, TBA and Toluene into drinking water.
Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time.
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
Currently, PEX plumbing is one of the most widely used plumbing systems around the world. It was temporarily banned in California for a while due to concerns about toxic materials but this was later disproven by laboratory tests.
Caution: Do not use Uponor AquaPEX piping to connect the tub and shower valve to the tub downspout as this may create excessive back pressure in the valve, causing it to remain slightly open. I have always known pex to outflow copper...
PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable
Rodents Chewing Through PEX Pipe is a common problem in our area. It doesn't matter how old your home is, if you have an attic, you need to watch for rodent damage to PEX Pipe or PVC. If you're hearing rustling noises coming from the attic, it's time to do an inspection.
Compared to copper piping, which would cost $8,000 – $10,000 to replace in a two-bathroom home, PEX would only cost on average $4,000 – $6,000 – offering significant cost-saving opportunities. PEX is also a flexible plastic hose that can be snaked into walls with minimal damage.
PEX Plumbing in your Area
Although PEX tubing is approved by all major building codes and major model plumbing codes, it still has not received acceptance with local codes in some parts of the country. For example, PEX tubing has only recently been allowed for use in the state of California.
All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.
It just depends. Insurance policies may cover repiping if there is significant damage due to a fire or natural disaster. If there is extremely cold winter weather and your pipes freeze and then burst, your insurance policy may cover related expenses, but not always.
With a life span that's 20 to 30 years longer than PEX pipe, copper is the clear winner. Properly maintained copper pipes can be expected to last 50 to 70 years. PEX pipes that are properly maintained generally last for 25 to 50 years.
Large homes have more plumbing fixtures and require longer runs for pipes and drain lines, so they cost more to repipe. Additionally, multistory homes cost more to repipe than single-story homes because you'll need more piping material to reach plumbing fixtures between floors.
It has become expensive, can still corrode based on pH levels of water, and in cold climates, frozen water can cause copper pipes to burst.
PEX pipe is a newer alternative to copper and galvanized piping. First introduced in the 1980s, most plumbers now fit new construction homes with PEX, as well as remodeling projects. PEX pipe is a cross-linked polyethylene flexible tubing that is blue and red in color.
Vulnerable to Damage
Plumbing failures can be caused by defective copper pipes several years after installation. Acidic water can be very bad for copper systems. Scale builds up inside the lines and blocks the flow of water through the plumbing system.