When we discuss repiping a home, we typically recommend two outstanding pipe materials: copper and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). Both pipes have their benefits and drawbacks, and our final recommendation will depend entirely on your home's needs, budget, and local water quality.
PEX: Pros & Cons
- Pro – It’s generally more cost-effective to install, saving you money on labor.
- Pro – The material is flexible and easy to snake through walls and tight spaces, reducing the amount of drywall removal needed.
- Pro – PEX is naturally resistant to corrosion, a major issue caused by hard or acidic water.
- Pro – It requires fewer fittings, which reduces the potential points for future leaks.
- Con – It doesn’t last as long as copper can under ideal conditions.
- Con – The flow can be slightly restricted, depending on the type of fittings used.
- Con – It’s generally not ideal for exterior or outdoor plumbing.
Copper: Pros & Cons
- Pro – It can last much longer than PEX pipes under ideal conditions, providing extreme longevity.
- Pro – It’s usually considered a more environmentally friendly material.
- Con – It’s more expensive to install due to both material and labor costs.
- Con – Copper is subject to pinhole leaks and corrosion from hard water or acidic water.
- Con – It’s more prone to freeze and rupture compared to PEX.
