The insulated design of PEX piping makes it far more efficient. What this means for homeowners is that PEX allows water to achieve the desired temperature much faster compared to copper. In addition to requiring more energy to heat water, copper piping also wastes significantly more water compared to PEX pipes.
Copper is superior in every way but PEX is easier and cheaper. On longevity alone Copper is rated for 50-70yrs vs 25-40yrs for PEX.
Copper pipes are pretty terrible. Copper reacts with minerals and chemical additives in the water. After a long time, the copper pipe will wear out. You end up with a leak.
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.
PEX pipe can be used as a service line based on its corrosion resistance to soil and water, its long life and its oxidative resistance. Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling.
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.
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.
The problem with PEX seems to be that it's contaminated -- it leaves the factory with chemicals used in its manufacture still on the pipe. In time it cleans up, but during that time those chemicals are going into the water.
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.
Lower Lifespan Than Other Materials
While PEX plumbing is cheaper upfront, the cost benefits may be negligible when you consider that it might not last as long as copper or other materials. PEX pipes have an average lifespan of about 40-50 years, while copper can last over 70 years.
Its popularity soared after lead pipes became obsolete due to their unsafe nature. Today, plumbers still install copper pipes quite regularly, but you have a wide variety of other materials to choose from, too. PVC and PEX are both common and tend to be more affordable than copper.
Disadvantages of Copper Pipes
Copper piping is expensive. It can cost 10 to 15 times more when compared to other types of pipes. Copper may also freeze easily. If your home runs on well water, copper pipes could have problems if the water is acidic.
On average, PEX water pipes cost 50 cents to $2 per linear square foot. Copper costs closer to $2 to $8 per linear foot. Due to the complexity of installing copper pipes, labor costs tend to be significantly higher for copper versus PEX.
PEX is flexible and performs better in freezing conditions than rigid pipes like copper, PVC and CPVC. These other pipes are more at risk of the water freezing in them, making them susceptible to weakening and bursting.
Potential PEX Pipe Problems
Decreased water quality from toxic chemicals and contaminants leaching into your water. Some leached chemicals may encourage bacteria growth in the pipes.
The Cons of Using Copper Pipes
Installation costs: Copper is more expensive than other piping materials. Since they're also rigid, you must incur the cost of elbow fittings. The rigidity makes them more challenging to cut and fix during installation. The longer it takes to handle the materials, the more cost you incur.
The answer is yes! PEX piping is approved for use in potable water systems by regulatory agencies like NSF International and meets strict safety standards for drinking water quality. In fact, many homeowners prefer PEX piping for its clean, tasteless water and resistance to bacterial growth.
Asides for its versatility, the cinch tool is also cheaper than the crimp tool. The cinch rings can be slightly more expensive than crimp rings. A cinch connection will last over 5 years and can last more than 10 years. Crimp connections consist or a crimp ring, a crimp tool, proper fittings and a go/no-go gauge.
PEX pipe is safe for drinking water in households and commercial systems. NSF International has teams of toxologists and other technical professionals who administer the NSF 61 standard which requires all components in a water system to be safe for drinking water. This includes PEX pipe systems with drinking water.
Defective Manufacturing ISSUES
Some PEX pipe manufacturers use cost-cutting processes which lead to pipes that aren't uniform in composition and are defective. Defective PEX pipes will not last 50+ years as advertised and quickly degrade and become brittle when exposed to hot chlorinated water.
Consumption of high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric (stomach) complaints and headaches. Long term exposure over many months and years can cause liver damage and death. There are no health concerns affiliated with using PEX pipes.
Copper has been a standard plumbing pipe material since the 1960s, and with good reason. First, copper is the preferred choice from a safety standpoint because it preserves drinking water quality. Unlike galvanized steel or cast iron, copper is corrosion-resistant and doesn't leach rust or sediment into the water.
Material Concerns: One of the primary concerns about Pex plumbing is the material itself. While Pex pipes are undoubtedly flexible, making them easier to install in tight spaces, they are not as durable as traditional materials like copper or even PVC.
PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
It's a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines for adequate water flow. When replacing old water supply lines with PEX the standard is to use the same size plumbing, although you can transition from 3/4-inch to 1/2-inch plumbing with an adapter.