Tips for Choosing Between PEX and Copper Piping
When it comes to piping and repiping a home, homeowners are usually left in the dark. They’re often presenting with many different options, but many companies don’t take the time to explain each of their pros and cons.
This article hopes to change all that. Plumbing experts are ready to share insider information so everyone can make an educated decision when it comes to choosing between copper and PEX pipes for the home.
How are Copper and PEX Pipes Different?
Copper and PEX (short for cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, both commonly used to pipe and repipe homes, are actually very different.
When compared side by side (which will be done in-depth in the next two sections), the differences between the two come down to a few factors - lifespan, durability, and the likelihood of developing problems.
One of the major differences between the two, other than those factors, is that copper tends to be a one size fits all situation, and PEX comes in a variety of colors to indicate whether they are to be used on hot (red), cold (blue), or either (white). While all of those colors are the same in terms of the temperatures they can handle, the colors help the plumber that is installing them keep track of where they should be placed.
PEX Pipes: Pros and Cons
PEX pipes may look better on paper, but they aren’t without their disadvantages. One major advantage of PEX pipes is that they can make tight bends without being heated first. PEX pipes can handle heat, but not as well as copper pipes can. PEX can manage regular hot water situations and are even adaptable to use under radiant floor heating. However, copper piping has the advantage when it comes to the type of pipe that should connect directly to the water heater.
One other important thing to mention is that, in the event of a fire, PEX pipes have a much higher likelihood of melting and releasing toxic fumes into the air. On the plus side, though, PEX pipes tend to be far cheaper than copper to purchase and install.
Copper Pipes: Pros and Cons
While copper pipes remain the most likely to be found in homes, especially older homes, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t without their disadvantages.
For one, copper pipes are generally more expensive than PEX pipes, but they are also much more readily available. It wins points for its predictability - it has a well-known lifespan and durability that can usually be counted on if no emergencies or accidents happen. However, copper pipes are also much more likely to spring pinhole leaks and are harder to install.
Another advantage of copper pipes is that more than half of the new fittings are actually made from recycled copper. This makes them far more environmentally friendly than PEX pipes. Their rigidity, which makes them not so great for going around corners, pays off when it comes to their durability.
About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC
Force Plumbing and Heating LLC in Holmdel, New Jersey, and they are the hometown pros that homeowners can trust. They hire friendly, helpful technicians and are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured company. Force Plumbing and Heating LLC is here to meet all plumbing needs, night or day.
