Which Is Better-PEX Or Copper Piping?

Posted by Arthur Reid on May 6, 2014 in Blog, Construction & Contractors | 0 comments

If you are experiencing low water pressure, then it might be time to replace your water pipes. You can replace your water lines with copper or PEX. Each type of material has their specific qualities. Depending on the situation that you have, you can choose the type of pipes that would best fit your need.

PEX

PEX is a flexible plastic pipe that can be snaked through walls, making it easier to install. Because of the flexibility the material they are unlikely to burst. They also can bend 90 degrees, so there is no need for extra pipe fittings and plumbers can more easily work with them. When PEX is used, no soldering is necessary.

• The PEX pipes retain heat, which can save you money on energy costs because the tubing isn’t always heating up.
• When installing PEX tubing in your home, you can expect the cost to relatively lower than when installing copper.
• It is best to install PEX throughout your home, when your water is very acidic (above 6.5 pH).
• PEX tubes are resistant to freezing.
• They are also great for radiant heating systems without causing damage to the pipes.
• The flexible tubing can be installed in walls, under concrete slabs, and walkways without worrying about corrosion.

Copper

Copper pipes have some great features as well.

• They are not UV-sensitive, like the PEX is.
• Copper lines can be recycled. Because of this, the copper pipes are a good option for those wanting to help our environment.
• Copper water lines tend to bursts more often and they can corrode.
• If your water is very acidic (above 6.5 pH), copper lines are not recommended to use.

Because copper pipes aren’t as flexible, they cannot be snaked through walls like the PEX can. Which means the cost to install the copper lines will increase. Since, the walls will need to be taken out or cut into for the installation process.

Copper pipes may need to be wrapped with a rubber material to prevent corrosion from other waste that might be in your soil. This is especially true when the pipe is laid underground. The materials chosen and the size of your home will add to the cost. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,500 with a maximum of $5,000 for the installation of new pipes.  

Overall, the cost of installation of the water lines will depend on the amount of work that is needed to be done to install them. To make sure you know what you’re getting into, you can speak with an expert at a place like Allen Plumbing for more information and estimations on your home’s needs.