PEX vs. Copper: Which Is Better for Your Home’s Plumbing?

What Are the Differences Between PEX and Copper?

Are you struggling to decide between PEX vs copper for your home's plumbing? While both choices have been used for decades, PEX vs copper pros and cons aren't always obvious for homeowners until they do their homework. This guide offers what you need to know before installing or replacing pipes in your home.

PEX vs. Copper: Understanding Your Options

It's time to get to know your piping options. Formally known as cross-linked polyethylene, PEX is a type of flexible synthetic piping that has been widely used in residential home construction since the 1980s. Copper piping is a rigid option that is made from pure metal. While copper has been used for generations, it became popular in residential home construction as a replacement for lead piping in the 1960s.

Ease

As every homeowner knows, you can't choose materials for your home without factoring in the ease of ownership. That's why installation and maintenance are so important when investigating PEX versus copper pipes. Is PEX better than copper when it comes to DIY installation?

Generally, copper pipes require more upfront work at installation. Manufacturers create copper pipes in straight tubes. Prior to installation, these tubes must be cut and welded to fit specific lengths and connections. Additionally, it's typically necessary to remove sections of drywall in order to install copper pipes in existing homes. This is one of the reasons why DIY copper pipe installation isn't realistic for most people. Meanwhile, PEX is a flexible, ready-to-go option that allows you to snake your new pipes through walls. Many people who update older homes end up replacing copper with PEX to save money.

Copper's complexity can also make maintenance more complicated compared to PEX. If there's a leak somewhere along a home's plumbing system, it will be necessary to open the walls to access the leak. The aftermath can include new drywall, patching, and painting.

Longevity

Which material lasts longer when comparing copper versus PEX? With a life span that's 20 to 30 years longer than PEX pipe, copper is the clear winner. Properly maintained copper pipes can be expected to last 50 to 70 years. PEX pipes that are properly maintained generally last for 25 to 50 years. While copper lasts longer than PEX, the truth is that both offer the longevity needed to take care of a homeowner's piping needs for a "lifetime."

Durability

Which option is more durable when looking at PEX versus copper? PEX is generally more susceptible to stress compared to copper. Some factors that can wear down PEX prematurely include:

• Extreme heat

• Heavy chlorine content

• Chemical exposure

• UV rays

• Rodent damage

• Friction from PEX pipes rubbing together

None of the factors above impact copper's life span. However, PEX does come out on top when it comes to freezing temperatures. There is always a risk of copper pipes freezing in the wintertime. With the temperature pipes freeze at around 20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, the freezing risk is a bigger concern in older homes that may have poor insulation or outdated plumbing systems.

While copper plumbing can leave homeowners worrying about bursting pipes that lead to extensive flooding, those with PEX pipes can breathe a little easier because they know that PEX can expand up to eight times its size before freezing. That's no small thing when you consider that the cost of a pipe leak can range from $150 to $4,000. Of course, selecting the best pipe insulation materials is also important for stopping the problem of copper and PEX pipes freezing.

Water Quality of PEX Pipe vs. Copper Plumbing

Corrosion of household pipes can cause toxic metals and other substances to leach into drinking water. While copper pipes can often last for decades before being affected by corrosion, this is one category where PEX performs much better. Like all metals, copper can experience corrosion when exposed to high acidity. Copper also puts a home's water supply at risk for mineral buildup.

PEX is 100% resistant to corrosion. That isn't to say that PEX doesn't come with its own potential concerns. Some research shows that chemicals from PEX pipes can leach into water. In some cases, contaminants and chemicals that leach into water via PEX pipes could encourage bacterial growth.

Cost

Homeowners can expect to pay 20% to 40% more when installing copper pipes over PEX. On average, PEX water pipes cost 50 cents to $2 per linear square foot. Copper costs closer to $2 to $8 per linear foot. Due to the complexity of installing copper pipes, labor costs tend to be significantly higher for copper versus PEX. If you're replacing existing pipes with copper, be sure to factor in costs for drywall replacement in areas where you need to open up the wall to access piping. The average cost to repair drywall is between $50 and $75 per square foot.

Environmental Impact of PEX vs. Copper

If the environmental impact of the materials you use in your home is important to you, you might be wondering if PEX and copper can be recycled. Unfortunately, the manufacturing process leaves PEX unable to be recycled. While PEX can't be recycled, PEX tubes can sometimes be repurposed for other building projects. By contrast, copper is recyclable in the true sense of the word because it can be melted down for reuse after it has been used for piping.

Is PEX Better Than Copper for Efficiency?

There's another cost detail to consider when comparing costs for PEX versus copper. Due to its conductive properties, copper is actually much less efficient compared to PEX. What this means is that water traveling through copper pipes can be expected to lose a significant amount of heat before it reaches a fixture or spout in a home. The insulated design of PEX piping makes it far more efficient. What this means for homeowners is that PEX allows water to achieve the desired temperature much faster compared to copper. In addition to requiring more energy to heat water, copper piping also wastes significantly more water compared to PEX pipes. When providing quotes, local plumbers can also provide tips for choosing the most efficient plumbing materials when installing or upgrading a system.