If you're planning on repiping your entire house, copper or PEX are going to be your best choices. PVC or
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is the new standard when it comes to repiping your house.
Copper is more likely to freeze and break.
The challenge arises more frequently in older homes needing more insulation. If you reside in a colder region or have experienced water pipe freezing, opting for PEX when it's time for a repiping endeavor is a wise choice.
Longevity: Because PVC is plastic, it is naturally rust and corrosion-resistant. Unless it gets damaged, it can last for generations. PVC can last even longer than steel or copper, which are some of the most durable metals for plumbing pipes.
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.
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.
PEX Pipe. PEX, a cross-linked polyethylene pipe, is considered by some to be the greatest innovation for DIY plumbers. PEX pipes often replace copper for hot and cold water in residential retrofits. They are easy to cut, install and connect and less costly than copper.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe PVC pipes are widely used in new water main connections. However, PVC is one of the oldest synthetic material in use for many other applications. PVC is thermoplastic and can be softened and molded. This means that PVC pipes are ideal for trenchless construction and installation.
Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won't leach chemicals into your drinking water.
PVC is most commonly used for drain, waste, and vent lines. It is not recommended for use in potable water lines because it can leach chemicals into the water.
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.
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.
CPVC is More Effective at Maintaining Water Quality than PEX
Third party studies show that CPVC piping, such as FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings, consistently demonstrate a lower risk of biofilm formation than PEX.
Both copper and PVC have their uses in modern water distribution systems. Copper, on one hand, is a strong, yet flexible metal that is often the first choice for home plumbing. Professional plumbers and contractors often use copper because it can be used to form pipes with thin but strong walls.
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.
Nowadays, the epoxy lining method or technique has become a quick and economical alternative to repiping your plumbing.
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.
PEX pipe is not only cheaper than copper but more durable too. PEX is immune to corrosion and mineral build-up, and it's not affected by electrolysis, which can cause small pinhole leaks in copper piping.
So how long do PEX pipes last? With a lifespan of 40 to 50 years or more, PEX pipes offer a durable and cost-effective solution for modern plumbing systems. Their resistance to corrosion, ease of installation, and flexibility make them an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Beware of gray pipes: Polybutylene is a gray tube that carries potable water through many homes. PB is pretty much the only gray water pipe ever installed in homes. PB tubing found in homes will have a dimeter of 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, or 1 inch.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes remain popular among plumbers and homeowners alike because they are corrosion-resistant and best suited to protect the quality of the water. Copper pipes are able to handle high water pressure and are tolerant of both hot and cold water temperatures.
On average, lead service line replacements across the country can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000. A standard estimate for the material and installation of a 65-foot-long service line is $5,000.
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.
Use for: Rigid copper pipe is routinely used for sinks, showers, tubs, and other fixtures.
Black poly pipe (polyethylene or PE pipe) is used in many facets of home plumbing, both for drinking water lines and other applications inside a residential house. This type of pipe is available in very long rolls for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems.