The main advantages of PEX pipes, when compared to the older copper pipes, are its flexibility and much cheaper price. PEX pipes are also color-coded, with blue signaling cold water, red for hot water, etc.

Why would you choose PEX over copper?

PEX pipe is not only cheaper than copper but more durable too. PEX is immune to corrosion and mineral build-up, and it’s not affected by electrolysis, which can cause small pinhole leaks in copper piping. Copper pipes can last anywhere from six months to the life of a building.

Should I replace copper pipes with PEX?





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.

Does PEX last as long as copper?

Although copper piping takes significantly longer to install, it does provide a longer overall lifespan. Copper manufacturers typically offer a 50 year warranty in comparison to 25 years for PEX, but this of course may vary by supplier.

What are the disadvantages of using PEX pipe?

PEX Plumbing Disadvantages

  • PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. …
  • PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. …
  • PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. …
  • PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. …
  • PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.

Should I install PEX or copper?





PEX pipes and copper pipes are both viable options for your water supply line. While PEX pipes are easier to install, cheaper, and more flexible, copper pipes are sturdier and tend to have a longer lifespan.

Will PEX last 100 years?

Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.

How long will PEX tubing last?

50 years

PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years.

What is the best plumbing pipe to use?



Strengths: Copper is unquestionably the premium choice, simply because it has such a long and proven history. Copper piping has been used for 80 years — and many of those original lines are still going strong. Enviro factor: Copper plumbing pipe won’t pollute your drinking water, and old pipes can be recycled.

Is PEX safe for drinking water?

There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes. A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time.

Do mice eat PEX pipe?

The Problem
Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.

What is the problem with PEX plumbing?



PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.

Do plumbers like PEX?

All this makes PEX an excellent piping material for hot and cold water systems, especially since it is flexible and well adapted for temperatures below freezing all the way up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. PEX is easy for plumbers to install and has fewer joints, bringing your costs down.

What do plumbers use instead of copper pipes?

PEX

No longer is copper piping the primary, or preferred, choice of most homeowners and plumbers. Cross-linked polyethylene flexible tubing—commonly called PEX—has grown in popularity for residential plumbing over the past few decades as an alternative to traditional copper and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping.

What causes PEX pipe to leak?



Extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe making the pipe susceptible oxidative degradation. This is especially true in southern climates where the chlorine levels run high. This PEX pipe was bent beyond its limit and developed a leak at the stress point.

When did they stop using copper pipes in houses?

Copper was the plumbing pipe of choice from the 1950s until 2000 and was widely used both in new construction and to replace the galvanized steel water supply pipes that had been the standard into the 1950s.

What is the advantage of PEX pipe?

Flexibility & Faster Installations
One of the main benefits of using PEX pipe versus rigid pipe is its flexibility. PEX can often maneuver around corners without the use of elbows or other additional fittings. This reduces the number of connection points, lowers material cost and minimizes potential leaks.

Is PEX stronger than copper?

PEX doesn’t degrade like copper, higher PSI rating freezing pipes will still burst, but PEX will be able to handle more freezing water than copper. PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install.

Does PEX have less flow than copper?



The PEX TF hot flow rate was measured at 1.7 gpm, while the copper TF hot flow rate was 1.5 gpm. On the cold side of the valve, the flow rates were 0.2 gpm and 0.5 gpm for the PEX and copper systems, respectively. All results are reported, including these small differences.

Is PEX cheaper than copper?

On average, installing copper water pipes will be 58 percent to 68 percent more expensive than PEX. For example, you could expect to pay $8,000 to $10,000 to have a plumber replace the old pipes with new copper pipes in an average, two-bath, 1,500-square-foot home versus $4,000 to $6,000 for PEX.

Is PEX OK for hot water?

Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply.

What is wrong with PEX plumbing?

PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.

What is the best pipe for water line?

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) pipes are a considered the best choice for underground water lines. What makes this type of piping so great? HDPE pipes are non-toxic, tasteless, and considered a green building material. The pipes are designed to be high crack- and corrosion-resistant.

Can PEX be used for main water line?

It is important to ensure the PEX pipe you’re using for the main pipeline is listed and approved for water service. Be sure to check local code and the markings on the pipe to ensure this approval. Some manufacturers also offer direct connections to the water meter.

How long will PEX last underground?

PEX has a life expectancy of 40-50 years, made possible by its durable and non-corrosive materials. Burial also reduces sun exposure, which would otherwise degrade the piping. Additionally, PEX tubing materials allow for expansion, making them resistant to freezing/cracking underground.