Pipes that cannot be used for drinking water—either because they are banned by law or because they pose severe health hazards—include lead pipes and older polybutylene pipes. Additionally, older galvanized steel and some flexible plastic hoses should be avoided.
The answer is yes — It's the key takeaway from 70 years of proven safety performance of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) use in water and sewer systems. In other words, PVC meets stringent safety standards for human health, as well as being cost-effective and durable material for delivering water.
1. Durability: Both PEX pipes and PVC pipes are known for their durability and long-lasting nature. However, PEX pipes tend to have better resistance to extreme temperatures and thermal expansion/contraction, making them less prone to leaks or bursts.
Safest: Copper Pipes for Drinking
It may come as a surprise but copper is one of the best materials for pipes when it comes to clean 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. CPVC is most commonly used for potable water lines.
However, recent failures and the lawsuits that have followed those failures lead to the idea that PEX plumbing systems aren't as good as once assumed. PEX systems can fail in either the pipe or in the fitting. The most notable failure occurs when the fittings fail and water starts leaking and causing visible damage.
Yes, Schedule 40 PVC is safe for drinking water—but only if it is specifically certified and marked for potable water use.
In addition, PEX pipe has also been found to be permeable when exposed to some solutions, including oxygen and some petroleum products, and can leach toxic chemicals from the pipe material.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
Most new homes built today use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) for their water supply lines. It has become the industry standard due to its lower cost, flexibility to snake through walls, and high resistance to bursting in freezing temperatures.
Despite these benefits, some insurance companies have raised concerns about PEX plumbing, particularly regarding older installations: Historical issues: There were class action lawsuits against PEX manufacturers due to premature failures at connection points, resulting in leaks and flooding in some cases.
PEX does not corrode like copper or galvanized steel, making it a reliable long-term option. It is also more resistant to mineral buildup, which is especially important in areas where hard water can impact plumbing systems.
Copper pipes are popular for both hot and cold water pipes because they are heat resistant, resist corrosion, and have natural anti-microbial properties. They are more expensive than plastic pipe options.
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is falling out of favor because it becomes highly brittle over time, making it prone to sudden cracking and expensive leaks. The plumbing industry has largely shifted to safer, more flexible, and easier-to-install alternatives like PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) and polypropylene.
Potable (drinking) water pipes are made from a few standardized materials, selected based on safety, durability, and cost. Look for certifications like NSF/ANSI 61 to ensure any pipe is officially safe for drinking water.
Yes, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) releases microplastics. As PVC degrades over time due to aging, heat, UV exposure, or physical friction, it breaks down and sheds tiny particles [0.5.2,0.5.8,0.5.15].
In November 1954, Albert Einstein famously expressed admiration for the plumbing profession, stating that if he were a young man again, he "would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available."
3 Plumbing Pipe Materials You Don't Want In Your Home
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
Leaks and Fittings Issues
PEX plumbing uses fittings and connectors that are typically made of plastic or metal. Over time, these fittings can loosen, leading to leaks. Problems can arise with crimp rings, as improper use of a crimping tool can weaken the joints.
Yes, scientific studies and recent class-action lawsuits indicate that Ziploc-style bags release microplastics and nanoplastics. The breakdown is heavily accelerated by extreme temperatures (freezing or microwaving) and continuous wear.
The "purple stuff" plumbers use is purple primer. It is a chemical solvent used to clean and soften the surface of PVC and CPVC pipes before applying pipe glue (solvent cement). The bright purple dye provides visible proof to building inspectors that the required primer was used.
Several types of plastic pipes are safe for drinking water, provided they are certified to meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards. Always ensure the pipe is stamped with the NSF mark (or equivalent) to guarantee it won't leach harmful chemicals into your water.
PVC pipe, which is common in modern homes, has a much lower heat tolerance. Boiling water can soften or warp these pipes, leading to cracks, leaks, or even total pipe failure. Older homes with brittle connections or aging materials are also at high risk of damage from extreme temperature changes.
Yes, polybutylene (PB) pipe absolutely needs to be replaced. Widely used between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, PB pipes degrade and become brittle when exposed to oxidants and chlorine in public water supplies. Because they are prone to sudden, catastrophic ruptures, most plumbers consider it a matter of "when" they will fail, not if.