Copper pipe can corrode. If you live in an area with lower pH levels, you must have the water content tested and monitored. The CDC recommends that copper pipe not be used if the water has a pH of 6.5 or less. (This level could be higher or lower in different areas of the country.
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.
The most common problem that homeowners have with copper piping is pitting corrosion. It is a tiny leak that is caused by a localized corrosive action. Coppers are relatively corrosion-resistant but can still corrode when the right conditions are met.
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.
Coupled with low production and shipping costs, the savings resulting from installing PEX instead of copper pipes can be significant. Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time.
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.
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.
Copper pipes outshine PEX pipes in terms of longevity. On average, copper pipes impressively endure for 50 to 70 years, whereas PEX pipes have an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
If you're lucky, you might get all 50 years from your copper plumbing, but sometimes wear and tear happens quicker than you'd like.
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.
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.
The primary cause of pinhole leaks is the composition of the water flowing through your plumbing system. Hard water—high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium—or water that is too basic (low pH) or too acidic (high pH), can all contribute to copper pipe corrosion.
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.
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible plastic material used for water supply piping systems. Originally developed in the 1960s, PEX has steadily grown in popularity due to its durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.
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.
While it is more expensive than pex, your plumbing isn't something you should scrimp on for new construction. Copper is usually preferred for water supply lines and heating systems but plex is most often used for drain or waste lines because copper corrodes over time.
PVC can last even longer than steel or copper, which are some of the most durable metals for plumbing pipes. Ability to handle pressure: PVC can withstand high water pressure, which makes it an excellent choice for the main supply line in your home.
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.
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.
First, check the quality of those pipes, as copper is still the standard for piping and can offer a long-lasting plumbing system if the pipe is well made.
Copper pipes: the safe choice for drinking water
Resistant to corrosion and naturally antimicrobial, copper is packed with beneficial properties that help keep drinking water safe.
Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.
Copper has been the longtime standard for plumbing. It has been around a long time and we know the material is durable and reliable for water pipes. However, plastic piping (PEX) works well because it is made of a flexible material.