When it comes to your home or business's plumbing, one of the things you want to know is how likely you'll need to replace it in the next few years. Copper piping can last for generations, but after 30–40 years, there may be several reasons why the only solution is repiping. PEX vs. copper has become a debatable subject, especially after copper prices became increasingly high in the last decade. But although copper has some benefits over PEX pipes, there are also several advantages to using PEX pipes which both commercial and residential plumbers have noted as advantageous in many cases. Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help you decide the best solution for your pipe repair.
When installing a repiping system, there are two popular choices: PEX and copper. Both are durable, reliable, and easy to install. But which one is right for your home or business? You should repipe your home or business for many reasons. Perhaps you're looking to replace old and inefficient pipes with a more efficient and durable option, or you've just moved into a new home and want to know how to repipe it. Whether it's copper, PEX, or another type of piping material, there are several things you'll need to do before installing your new pipes.
The popularity of PEX piping has risen dramatically over the last decade as a cost-effective alternative to traditional copper piping systems. This flexible plastic tubing has become one of the fastest-growing materials in residential and commercial plumbing applications because it's easy to install and requires only simple tools for installation.
PEX is a flexible plastic pipe often used in hydronic radiant floor heating systems. It has many advantages over traditional copper plumbing in interior applications.
Highly durable (interior applications only; no outdoor PEX piping)
One of the most significant advantages of PEX piping is that it is highly durable — it can withstand extreme temperatures, from freezing cold to scorching heat, without breaking down or cracking as traditional copper pipes do. It also expands and contracts with weather changes without any problems, so there's no need for expensive expansion joints or worry about water leaks due to shifting temperatures.
PEX is made from polyethylene, a plastic polymer. It is flexible and durable, making it ideal for homes with fluctuating water pressure or temperature changes. PEX has a lifespan of up to 75 years (versus 50 for copper), so you won't have to worry about replacing your pipes anytime soon.
PEX is Flexible to expand and contract with weather changes: Copper pipes can expand or contract as the temperature changes from summer to winter, which can cause leaks and burst pipes. PEX is flexible enough that it doesn't have this problem — it will bend instead of breaking when it expands or contracts in response to outside temperatures. This means you won't have to worry about expensive repairs caused by temperature changes.
The main advantage of PEX over copper is that it can be installed faster and more efficiently than traditional plumbing lines. With fewer fittings required (typically only two per connection) and less likelihood of leaks due to improper installation, PEX makes installing new plumbing lines quicker and easier!
Copper pipes require joints at every corner and turn to fit together securely. This makes installing copper pipes more complicated than installing PEX tubing because more fittings are required (and fittings can leak). PEX tubes are connected with simple push-fit connectors that fit together tightly without any soldering or gluing involved (like copper pipe fittings do).
PEX has a higher heat tolerance than copper and can withstand temperatures up to 200°F (93°C) without damage. This makes it ideal for radiant floor heating systems or other high-temperature applications. On the other hand, copper can only withstand temperatures up to 180°F (82°C). PEX is also less likely to develop pinhole leaks when exposed to freezing temperatures.
PEX also has corrosion resistance in high-pH water areas (above 7). That's important because acidic water can corrode your pipes within just a few years, causing them to leak or burst.
Another benefit is that PEX is quieter than copper when it expands or contracts due to temperature changes. That means fewer clanging sounds as water flows through your pipes during hot or cold weather!
Measure your pipes carefully before buying them to know how much you'll need. You may only buy what you need if you measure first. Buy enough extra pipe in case you make any mistakes or have any problems during installation (which happens).
Ensure your existing plumbing lines are clean before installing new lines with PEX pipes. If they're clean, there's a good chance the new lines will seal properly, which could cause leaks and other issues later down the road.
Ultimately, determining whether to use PEX or copper piping for your home depends on your needs. Ask yourself if you want less clutter in your walls, if you're building and need to keep costs down, or if you're confident that there will be no problems with your pipes in the future. Whichever option you choose, it's always best to work with a professional plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing, who knows what they're doing and can help you get the job done right.