What is the preferred plumbing type?

Author: Jermaine Nitzsche  |  Last update: Friday, May 9, 2025

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.

What is the most popular plumbing type?

Copper and PEX are the most common pipe materials used in homes. Copper pipes are durable, corrosion-resistant, and can be used for hot and cold water. PEX seems to be replacing copper pipes at a high rate since it is less expensive, more flexible, and easier to install.

What is the best type of plumbing for insurance?

Insurer-preferred pipes are made of copper or more modern materials like PVC plumbing pipe or PEX plastic. Finished Basements: You might think a finished basement doesn't have anything to do with your water system. But all that carpeting and furniture means greater liability in the event of a plumbing leak.

Is PEX or PVC better?

PVC and CPVC have more strength and durability than PEX because they are more rigid, making them better suited to outdoor applications where the piping may be subjected to trauma. Because of its rigidity, PVC is less flexible than PEX. You must install an elbow instead of simply bending it around a right angle.

What is the preferred plumbing material?

Copper plumbing pipes are esteemed for their longevity and reliability, making them a favored choice for plumbing projects that require a durable solution. These pipes are particularly suitable for hot- and cold-water supply lines and refrigerant lines in HVAC systems.

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Should I use copper or PEX?

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.

Is PEX better than CPVC?

Some plumbers prefer PEX in new home construction over CPVC because of its flexibility, resistance to failure by freezing, and resistance to chemical attack when in contact with other products containing chemicals.

What is a disadvantage of PEX?

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.

What is the best pipe to use for plumbing?

Copper pipes are considered by many to be the standard for residential hot or cold water applications. These lightweight and durable metal pipes are available in rigid 2- and 10-foot lengths with diameters of ½ inch to 1 inch.

Why do plumbers not use PEX?

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.

What type of pipe is not recommended for a water line?

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.

What type of plumbing is not covered by insurance?

However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. This also applies to backed-up sump pumps or sewage systems that have not been routinely inspected and maintained.

Is PEX piping allowed in Florida?

PEX pipes are the top option for plumbing in Florida. But that doesn't mean you should automatically pass up a house that uses other materials. Galvanized steel and copper are great piping materials in the right circumstances.

What type of plumbing lasts the longest?

What plumbing pipes last the longest?
  1. PVC pipes. LIFESPAN: 50 to 70 years. ...
  2. Copper Pipes. LIFESPAN: 70 to 80 years. ...
  3. Cast Iron Pipes. LIFESPAN: 80 to 100 years. ...
  4. PEX pipes. LIFESPAN: 40 to 50 years. ...
  5. Galvanized steel pipes. LIFESPAN: 30 to 50 years.

Can PEX pipes freeze and burst?

Key Takeaways. 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.

What pipe to use for a shower?

Here's a breakdown of what size pipes for bathroom plumbing are typically used for supply lines: Standard ½ inch diameter: This is the most common size for both hot and cold water supply lines in most bathrooms. It provides sufficient flow for a single sink, toilet, and a standard shower head.

Is it better to repipe a house with PEX or copper?

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.

What kind of plumbing is used for new homes?

Five types of pipe—PEX, PVC, ABS, copper, and galvanized—are commonly found in houses these days, both older homes and new construction.

How long does PEX plumbing last?

In most cases, PEX is extremely durable and lasts up to 50 years or more. PEX piping is also less likely to crack or break than metal pipe because it does not expand and contract as much when heated and cooled.

Why is PEX banned in California?

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.

Where not to use PEX?

Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling. Soil used for backfilling must be free of rocks, debris or any sharp object that may cause damage to the fitting or pipe through impact or abrasion.

Will mice eat PEX pipe?

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.

Why is CPVC not used anymore?

Fragility and Brittleness. ASTM F441 CPVC pipes can become brittle over time, particularly under stress or extreme temperatures. This brittleness makes them more prone to cracking and failure. In colder climates, this issue is exacerbated as pipes can freeze and break easily.

Do professional plumbers use PEX?

Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipes are the go-to pipes trusted by plumbers everywhere to safely deliver hot and cold water throughout your home.

Is there a lawsuit against PEX pipe?

PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits

A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.

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