If you're planning on repiping your entire house, copper or PEX are going to be your best choices. PVC or
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 itself is stronger and arguably superior to copper in terms of reliability, especially in resistance to freezing. It's the fittings that have been problematic in the past.
Cast iron will last anywhere from 75-100 years while PVC wins the award for longest-lasting pipe material with an indefinite lifespan.
The most traditional of plumbing materials, copper is the most widely used option due to its durability and reliability. Copper's lifespan can reach well over 100 years at a time with superior corrosion resistance and is easily manageable with hot and cold water.
PEX often lasts around 50 years. However, PEX is more durable and has more flexibility than PVC and CPVC. Also, because PEX is made from cross-linked polyethylene, it won't corrode.
Since they are more resistant to rust and corrosion compared to other plastic pipes, PVC tubes are great choices when it comes to water line installation projects. They are also highly durable and can effectively handle strong water pressure.
There's also stainless steel, which can be either flexible or rigid and is extremely resistant to corrosion but is even more expensive than copper. If you're planning on repiping your entire house, copper or PEX are going to be your best choices.
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.
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 Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
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. Copper pipes can also freeze and break more easily than plastic types during winter deep freezes.
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.
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.
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.
Today, copper and PEX are considered the best types of pipes for residential plumbing, and your insurance provider will love you for having them. On the other hand, PVC is less favored while Galvanized is considered one of the worst types.
ABS: Short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, this sturdy plastic was one of the first plastics used for residential plumbing. ABS pipes are always black and tend to be softer than PVC. They are mainly used for vent and drain lines, along with other outdoor underground uses where cold temperatures are common.
Use copper pipes. Copper pipes are long lasting and won't leach chemicals into your drinking water.
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.
Nowadays, the epoxy lining method or technique has become a quick and economical alternative to repiping your plumbing.
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.
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.
Cost Comparison
Galvanized steel pipes tend to be the most expensive option and can be costly to install and repair. Copper can be a costly material, but it may still be a good choice if you value durability and reliability.
No single pipe/tubing system used in the US has been 100% problem free, and PEX is no exception. Some of the disadvantages of PEX include: It cannot be used outside. It cannot be recycled.