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. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper's intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some environmental trade-offs.
Safe: Plastic Pipes for Drinking. Plastic pipes, such as CPVC, and PEX are pipe materials that are safe for drinking water.
Environmental impact: PVC pipes are made from synthetic plastic materials, which raises concerns about their impact on the environment. In contrast, PEX pipes do not contain harmful chemicals, making them a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.
PEX is lighter and more affordable than traditional copper, and it's less likely to leak. Most research suggests that PEX isn't ideal for 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.
Polybutylene, Galvanized Steel, and Lead Piping: The Worst Plumbing Pipe Materials.
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 pipes are very thick but they are still susceptible to rodent damage that can cause pipes to crack or break. Possible Leaching: Although uncommon, some homeowners and plumbing companies have reported a few PEX pipes leaching harmful contaminants like BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water supply.
PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
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.
It is well-known that PEX pipes can raise organic carbon levels in water by leaching ingredients, manufacturing byproducts, and other additives.
PEX plumbing is better than traditional materials like copper or galvanized steel because it's flexible, resistant to corrosion and scale buildup, less prone to leaks, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.
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.
Chemicals usually stay locked inside the pipe material but can leach into your water supply. In fact, drinking water from a PVC pipe may have a plastic taste to it. This is why we discourage PVC plastic pipes from being used for drinking water.
With 60% greater tensile strength and nearly twice the flexural strength, CPVC pipe is a stronger, more durable piping material than PPR. Due to its strength, CPVC can withstand more pressure, which means same flow rate with smaller pipes.
With water pipes, the water can lower the temperature of the smoke and help filter some of the harmful substances in the smoke. However, this doesn't make pipe smoking safe. Research has shown that water pipes can produce greater levels of second-hand smoke than tobacco cigarettes.
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.
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.
Fact: PEX tubing is BPA-free and does not contain other harmful chemicals that could leach into your water supply. Numerous studies, including a comprehensive Norwegian study, have shown that PEX is safe for drinking water and poses no health risks.
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.
The report also looks at issues such as chemical leaching in addition to the shedding of micro- and nano-particles from common plastic pipe materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene), PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride).
Some studies suggest that chemicals used in the manufacturing process can leach into the water supply, posing risks to human health. The possibility of chemical leaching from PEX piping into drinking water has been a significant factor in its ban.
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.
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.
ABS is the most commonly used, but PVC has a longer history in Europe. ABS is easy to install and is resistant to warping and deterioration in extreme temperatures. If you're installing a new plumbing system in your home, ABS is the best choice.