If you’re installing new plumbing in your home, you may be looking at copper and PEX pipes and wondering which material is the best for your needs. Each option has different qualities that make them worth considering. Copper pipes have been around for centuries. They are known to be durable, reliable, and resistant to high temperatures. PEX pipes, which have been used for plumbing since the 1990s, are made from a corrosion-resistant flexible plastic material that can typically withstand freezing weather. Both choices can reliably bring fresh water into your house for years at a time, but you’ll want to consider their differences before deciding which pipes to install.
Installation
When you’re choosing a piping material, you’ll want to consider how installation can affect your plumbing project.
PEX piping consists of flexible tubing that can bend around obstacles and be connected with push-fit or compression fittings that eliminate the need for soldering. This makes it faster and easier to install in tight spaces and reduces the number of fittings needed to complete the setup. PEX piping resists scale buildup and corrosion, but UV rays, chemical contamination, and rodents can damage it, which makes this material unsuitable for outdoor use.
Copper pipes are straight metal alloy tubes that must be cut to fit and soldered together. They can stand up to high pressures and temperatures for many years, but can also become susceptible to scale buildup and corrosion as time goes by. Copper is resistant to UV rays and rodents. It’s suited to outdoor use, but its rigidity can make it difficult to install.
Cost
New plumbing is an investment in your quality of life, so it’s important to consider the cost of materials and installation to get the most value for your money.
PEX piping tends to cost less overall because it has a lower cost, typically ranging between $0.30 and $12.00 per linear foot depending on its diameter. It’s also fast and easy to install.
Copper piping tends to be expensive up front, generally ranging from about $1.35 to $117.75 per linear foot. It also requires more time and technical expertise to install.
Lifespan
The longevity of your plumbing system can impact its long-term operating costs and your home’s resale value.
PEX pipes tend to last 25 to 40 years with proper care and maintenance. A qualified plumber can advise you on how to optimize its performance and maximize its longevity.
Copper piping can last over 50 to 70 years or longer when it’s properly installed and maintained, but it can also be susceptible to corrosion, scale buildup, and leaks over time. Hiring a plumber to inspect your pipes from time to time and fix any damage can keep your plumbing running smoothly and enhance the value of your home.
Accessibility
Because PEX piping systems are more modern, they tend to be designed in a manner that makes them more accessible and easier to manage.
PEX pipe systems include a water distribution manifold that has individual valves that serve different areas of your house instead of a central supply valve. Copper piping has one main supply valve that supplies water to the entire house. It may also be less accessible if it is installed behind drywall.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your plumbing system can potentially be costly and time-consuming, so your tolerance for upkeep may influence your purchasing decision.
With proper installation and care, PEX piping is low maintenance. To safeguard its resilience and prevent UV damage, plumbers should position it out of the way of direct sunlight or bury it below ground. It’s also important to keep PEX piping away from chemicals like chlorine and solvents that can cause the material to degrade and crack. Most residential PEX plumbing pipes are rated to withstand temperatures of 180°F at pressures of 100 psi.
Copper piping needs regular maintenance to perform well over its lifetime. Homeowners should periodically check for signs of leaking, scale buildup, and corrosion and protect pipes against freezing temperatures. They should also keep the pipes away from acids and other harsh chemicals. Otherwise, copper pipes have the advantage of being UV resistant, so they are fine for use outdoors.
Resale Value
The piping material you install in your home can impact your home’s resale value. Because copper has a good reputation for durability, reliability, and longevity, many buyers prefer homes with copper pipes. On the other hand, PEX pipes are a modern alternative that can reduce energy and maintenance costs, which many buyers consider to be an advantage. Overall, the age and condition of the piping system and the tastes of the market in a particular location will affect its impact on a home’s resale price.
Sustainability
Many homeowners today who are concerned about reducing their environmental impact and lowering their energy costs are looking to install more sustainable plumbing systems.
Manufacturing and Production Impacts
Although PEX piping is made from plastic, it is considered to be relatively sustainable because it requires less energy to manufacture than copper. Since polyethylene, the main component in PEX piping, is a byproduct of the process used to refine oil or natural gas for fuel, manufacturing PEX does not require direct extraction of raw materials from the earth.
Copper piping is energy-intensive to produce, so its production has a greater impact on global warming. Its raw materials (copper ores) are generally strip-mined from the earth, which destroys natural habitats and produces huge amounts of pollution and waste.
Water and Energy Use
Because copper conducts heat, copper piping wastes more energy than non-conductive PEX pipes as water travels through them. People who have copper pipes may also waste more water and energy overall if the water in their system takes longer to heat up.
Recyclability
Copper pipes can easily be melted down and recycled to create new pipes. PEX tubes can’t be melted for reuse as piping, but they can be ground up and used to create composite lumber and other construction products.
Which Piping Material Is Best For You?
Choosing the right piping material for your home is a matter of weighing each type’s pros and cons against your specific needs. Deciding between PEX and copper piping usually depends on where you live, how long you want your pipes to last, and what you can afford. The professionals at Miami Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can give you advice about how installing copper or PEX pipes could benefit you, so you can choose the system that provides the best performance and value overall. If you’re noticing signs that your home needs new piping, they can help guide you through the process.