Plumbing / January 16, 2025

What is the Difference Between PEX and Copper Repiping?

If you’ve been looking into repiping your home lately, you’ve probably noticed there are two main players in the game: PEX and copper pipes. Talk to three different plumbers and you might get three different opinions about which is better. It’s enough to make your head spin!

Maybe you’re dealing with those annoying pinhole leaks in your old galvanized pipes, or your water pressure has gotten so bad you can barely rinse the shampoo out of your hair. Whatever brought you here, replacing your home’s plumbing is a big deal – and an expensive one. You want to get it right the first time.

We’ve done the legwork to help you understand what really matters when choosing between PEX and copper pipes. From what they’re made of to how long they last (and yes, what they’ll cost you), we’ll walk through the nuts and bolts of both options so you can figure out which one makes sense for your home and wallet.

Material Differences

PEX and copper pipes couldn’t be more different in how they’re made and how they work in your home’s plumbing system. Here’s what sets them apart.

What They’re Made Of

PEX is a type of plastic pipe that bends easily – kind of like a firm rubber hose. Plumbers love it because they can weave it through walls without cutting holes every few feet. It just bends right around studs and corners.

Copper’s been the old reliable standby in plumbing. It’s that sturdy metal pipe you probably picture when thinking about plumbing. While it’s tough as nails, copper needs more fittings and joints since it can’t bend like PEX can.

Dealing With Common Problems

These materials handle everyday plumbing headaches pretty differently:

PEX Handles:

• Winter freezes without bursting
• Rusty water without corroding
• Hard water without clogging
• Hot water with less heat loss

Copper Handles:

• High temperatures without melting
• Bacteria better than most materials
• Heavy water pressure like a champ
• Outdoor exposure without breaking down

Both options have proven themselves in real homes. Copper’s got decades of history behind it, while PEX has become a favorite since showing up in homes back in the ’90s. The right choice really depends on what your house needs.

Installation Process

Talk to plumbers about PEX and copper installations, and you’ll hear two very different stories. These materials need completely different approaches in the field.

PEX Installation Method

Today’s PEX has changed how plumbers work in homes. Instead of torch-soldering every joint, they use special fittings and connection tools. The pipe bends naturally around corners and through floor joists. Most plumbers love that PEX works more like running electrical wire – they can often feed it through walls without tearing open huge sections of drywall.

Copper Installation Technique

Copper work demands real craftsmanship. Each piece needs exact measurements and cuts. Corners and direction changes mean more fittings to solder. Since copper pipes can’t bend, plumbers usually open up more walls to run straight sections properly. The work takes patience and serious attention to detail.

Labor Intensity Comparison

Time-wise, these jobs look pretty different. Copper projects stretch longer because measuring, cutting, and soldering take time to do right. Setting up torches and cleaning up afterward adds more hours too.

PEX moves quicker since connections are simpler and the pipe flexes where it needs to go. But here’s the thing – rushing either type of job is asking for trouble. Good plumbers take their time with both materials because they know proper installation prevents headaches down the road.

Timeline for Repiping

Most homeowners want to know exactly how long they’ll need to manage with limited water access during a repipe. While PEX and copper installations move at different paces, several real-world factors influence the total project duration.

Typical Project Durations

Many plumbers can complete a whole-house PEX repipe within 2-4 days. The material’s natural flexibility and straightforward connections help crews work efficiently through each section of the home. Copper jobs tend to stretch longer, often taking 4-6 days, mainly because each joint requires careful soldering and more precise installation work.

Factors Affecting Installation Time

Your home’s size sets the baseline for timing – more bathrooms and fixtures mean more work, plain and simple. The way your house is built makes a big difference too. Plumbers can move much quicker when working in open crawl spaces versus having to cut through finished walls and ceilings.

Layout complexity throws another variable into the mix. Multi-story homes or unusual pipe routes slow things down. Older houses frequently surprise crews with hidden issues like crumbling plaster or outdated framing that need fixing along the way.

While some homeowners push for the fastest possible completion, experienced plumbers know that rushing through a repipe only leads to problems down the road. Taking time to test every connection and ensure proper installation pays off in long-term reliability.

Cost Comparison

When comparing PEX and copper repiping costs, several key factors come into play that affect the total investment needed for your project.

Material Expenses

Raw material costs tell an interesting story between these options. Copper prices swing up and down with market conditions since it’s a valuable metal commodity. Each project needs numerous fittings and connection pieces too, which adds up quickly. PEX materials generally run more stable in price throughout the year, and the flexible nature means fewer fittings and connection pieces are needed overall.

Labor Considerations

The real cost difference often shows up in labor hours. Working with copper takes more time – each joint needs careful soldering, pieces must be cut precisely, and more wall access points are usually required. PEX installation moves along faster thanks to its simpler connection methods and ability to snake through walls. This time savings typically translates to lower labor costs, though exact differences depend on your home’s layout.

Long-Term Cost Factors

Smart homeowners look beyond just upfront costs. Copper’s legendary durability means repairs are rare but can be expensive when needed. PEX might need attention sooner in certain conditions but usually costs less to fix. Your water heating bills could even run slightly lower with PEX since it insulates better than copper.

The bottom line? Quality installation matters more than pinching pennies upfront. Proper installation prevents expensive headaches down the road, no matter which material you choose.

Durability and Longevity

The debate over which material lasts longer continues among plumbing professionals, as both PEX and copper show impressive staying power when installed correctly.

Expected Lifespan

Walk through any older neighborhood and you’ll likely find copper pipes still doing their job after half a century or more. These traditional systems earned their reputation for longevity through decades of reliable service. While PEX hasn’t been around quite as long, manufacturers back their modern systems with extensive testing showing comparable lifespans between 30-50 years.

Resistance to Common Problems

Water conditions play a huge role in how these materials hold up over time. Copper’s worst enemy turns out to be corrosive water, which can eat away at pipes from the inside out, creating those dreaded pinhole leaks. Yet copper shrugs off high temperatures and pressure loads that might challenge other materials.

PEX brings its own set of strengths to the table. It laughs off corrosive water and shrugs at mineral buildup that might choke other pipes. Winter freezes that split copper pipes often leave PEX unharmed, thanks to its natural flexibility. Just keep it away from sunlight – UV exposure remains its kryptonite.

Performance Over Time

Day-to-day performance rarely differs between well-installed systems of either material. Copper keeps its shape decade after decade, while quality PEX maintains consistent flow without sagging or degrading. Both materials stand strong against underground threats like root intrusion, though PEX’s natural flex helps it ride out earth movements that might stress rigid pipes.

Remember though – even the toughest materials need proper installation and maintenance. Cutting corners during installation invites early failures, regardless of which material you choose.

Water Quality and Taste

Most homeowners want to know how their choice of piping might affect their morning coffee or drinking water straight from the tap.

Copper’s Impact on Water

New copper pipes tend to leave a subtle metallic taste in water, especially during the first few months after installation. This happens because copper naturally releases tiny amounts into the water – completely safe, but noticeable to sensitive palates. The good news? This effect fades as pipes age and develop their protective coating. Many homeowners appreciate copper’s built-in ability to fight off bacteria growth within the plumbing system.

PEX and Water Chemistry

Unlike copper, PEX doesn’t add any metallic flavors to your water. Yet some people notice a faint plastic taste right after installation. Don’t worry – this usually goes away after a few weeks of regular water use. Years of testing back up PEX’s safety for drinking water, putting to rest earlier concerns about chemical leaching.

Mineral Buildup Considerations

Your local water makes a big difference here. Hard water leaves scale deposits inside copper pipes over time, sometimes affecting water pressure. PEX handles hard water better, shrugging off most mineral buildup. This means steadier water flow and fewer maintenance headaches in areas where hard water is common.

The bottom line? Both materials safely deliver clean drinking water. Your choice might come down to whether you’re sensitive to slight taste differences and what type of water runs through your neighborhood’s pipes.

Environmental and Health Considerations

Most homeowners now look beyond just price tags when choosing plumbing materials. Environmental impact and health safety have become major factors in the decision between copper and PEX.

Copper’s Green Credentials

Old copper pipes hold real value in the recycling world. Plumbers routinely salvage these materials because they can be melted down and reformed without losing quality. This keeps tons of metal out of landfills each year. The catch? Mining new copper takes massive amounts of energy and leaves lasting environmental scars.

PEX and the Environment

The environmental story of PEX looks quite different. It takes way less energy to make than copper, and shipping costs drop because it weighs so much less. The problem is what happens at the end of its life – you can’t recycle PEX effectively, so it eventually ends up taking space in landfills.

Health Safety

Copper has earned trust through decades of use in homes. It naturally fights bacteria growth in pipes, though new copper installations sometimes leave a metallic taste until the pipes season themselves.

PEX makers have spent years proving their product’s safety. While modern PEX passes tough testing standards, some folks still trust copper more, especially where water quality causes concerns.

The work of installing these materials also affects the environment. Copper needs soldering, which creates fumes. PEX goes in without any smoke or harsh chemicals. Both types now come with features to protect your home’s air quality.

Best Applications for Each Material

Choosing between PEX and copper often comes down to the specific demands of your home and local environment. Each material has found its sweet spot in different applications throughout the plumbing industry.

When PEX Makes Sense

Northern homeowners particularly appreciate PEX during harsh winters. While copper pipes can burst from frozen water, PEX handles these conditions better by expanding and contracting with temperature changes. Remodeling contractors often reach for PEX first, especially when threading new plumbing through existing walls – its flexibility makes installation far less destructive to finished spaces.

Many areas struggle with aggressive or acidic water that eats away at metal pipes. Here, PEX proves its worth by shrugging off these corrosive conditions. Plumbers working in earthquake country also favor PEX because its natural flexibility helps absorb ground movement without failing.

Where Copper Excels

Walk through any high-end custom home build, and you’ll likely spot copper pipes. Their solid construction and decades-long track record continue attracting premium projects. Copper really proves its worth in homes with high water pressure systems, where its rigid strength maintains integrity year after year.

Outside applications nearly always call for copper – it stands up to sun exposure and weather extremes that would deteriorate PEX over time. Many commercial buildings still specify copper exclusively, trusting its fire resistance and proven ability to handle constant heavy water flow.

Local building codes and water conditions often influence the final choice, but understanding these natural strengths helps match the right material to each situation.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

The plumbing industry faces no shortage of misconceptions about PEX and copper piping. Let’s separate fact from fiction on some common beliefs that might influence your repiping decisions.

“PEX is less durable than copper”

While copper’s long history makes it seem more reliable, modern PEX stands up remarkably well to everyday use. Its resistance to corrosion and freeze damage actually makes it more durable than copper in many situations. The key lies in proper installation – both materials can fail prematurely if installed incorrectly.

“Copper pipes always last longer”

This oversimplified view ignores how water conditions affect longevity. In areas with aggressive or acidic water, copper pipes might deteriorate in 20-30 years, while PEX continues performing well. Copper’s legendary lifespan mainly applies to ideal water conditions.

“PEX is only for cheap builds”

Many high-end homes now incorporate PEX plumbing for its practical benefits, not cost savings. Its quiet operation, energy efficiency, and resistance to corrosion make it attractive regardless of budget level.

“You can’t mix PEX and copper”

Actually, these materials work well together when properly connected. Many modern plumbing systems successfully combine both, using each material where it performs best.

“PEX will contaminate your water”

Current PEX formulations meet strict safety standards for drinking water. Any initial plastic taste typically disappears after a brief break-in period.

“Copper never needs replacement”

Even well-maintained copper systems eventually need attention. Factors like water chemistry, pressure levels, and installation quality all affect its lifespan.

The Right Call: PEX or Copper for Your San Diego Home?

Look, repiping your home is a big decision. We get it. After spending decades in San Diego homes, we’ve seen how both PEX and copper perform in our local conditions. Some neighborhoods do better with PEX, while others really need copper’s durability.

At Mauzy, plumbing runs in our blood – three generations of it, actually. Since 1969, we’ve helped countless San Diego homeowners tackle their repiping projects. Our plumbers know these materials inside and out, and they’ll shoot straight with you about what makes sense for your home. No fancy sales pitch, just real talk from people who’ve been doing this work for over 50 years.

Having trouble with your old pipes? Let’s figure out the best solution together. Give us a ring at (619) 273-5851. When you work with Mauzy, you’re working with family – and we’ll make sure your home gets the quality plumbing it deserves.