What Type of Pipe Should I Use to Repipe My Home?
Once you determine you need a repipe, you’ll need to decide what material to use for your replacement plumbing system. Today there are basically three options – copper, CPVC, and PEX – and each comes with its own pros and cons. Many plumbers have their own preferences and will almost always recommend going with their favorite building material.
Getting a good understanding of each type of pipe will help make an informed decision. If you like the sound of PEX pipes, for example, you might want to seek a certified plumber who specializes in PEX repiping.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are the oldest piping system currently in use. Many plumbers and builders swear by copper pipes because they’re a tried and true material. It’s considered the gold standard in home plumbing systems, and they can last 75-100 years. There’s been a trend lately to use alternative materials like PEX and CPVC in new constructions and remodels.
Pros:
More durable and longer lasting than PEX pipes
Won’t corrode like galvanized steel pipes
Don’t harbor bacteria or other contaminants
Temperature resistant
Has been used for decades and is a proven, reliable pipe material
Cons:
Copper pipes can burst or leak if they freeze
Are more expensive than PEX pipe/PVC
Installation is labor intensive, and therefore more labor cost
Are vulnerable to acidic water, potentially leading to pinhole leaks.
Need to be insulated.
Are generally louder than PEX pipes. Water hammer is a common complaint with copper pipes.
Require larger sections of drywall to be removed during installation.
Require soldering with an open flame, which could potentially be hazardous to an existing home.
CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) Pipes
CPVC pipes are common in repipes and remodels. They started showing up on the market in the 1960s and have been steadily gaining popularity. It’s easier to work with than copper pipes and is well-suited for installation in an existing structure. They might not last as long as copper pipes, but they should give you at least 50 years of reliable plumbing.
Pros:
Chlorinated PVC pipes are safe for transporting drinking water.
Can be used to transport hot water
A cheaper alternative to copper pipes.
Are resistant to acidity and other chemicals in the water.
Cons:
More expensive than PVC pipes, but has more versatility.
Can crack during earthquakes
PEX (Cross-linked polyethylene) Pipes
PEX is the newest piping material currently in use. It started being used in new European construction, before gaining traction in the United States in the late 90s and early 2000s. PEX is versatile, flexible, and easy to work with, making it a favorite for modern-day builders.
Pros:
More cost-effective than copper pipes
Flexible material means its quieter than copper pipes
Flexibility makes PEX pipes easier to install, as they can be fed around bends in walls
Flexibility also eliminates the need for joint fittings, which can be a common source of leaks
Environmentally friendly
Less likely to crack or burst during freezing conditions
Naturally insulated, which helps against thermal loss
Great option if your home is built on a concrete slab foundation
Can be installed using smaller openings in drywall due to its flexibility
Cons:
Less durable than copper pipes
Relatively new to the plumbing scene; the long-term prospects of PEX piping are still unknown
Will degrade if materials are not stored properly shielded from the sun.
What type of material to use for your plumbing is a common question. Matt, a builder from Austin, TX does an excellent job of going into detail about each piping choices for your home. If you are thinking of a new build, a complete remodel, or you simply need to repipe your home, this is a must watch video.
Matt goes into detail, educating on the properties of water supply piping. It’s a bit over a 15 minute watch. This will help you make an educated decision about your home plumbing. Reach out to the We Do Repipes’ Team here in Houston, TX for any additional questions you may have regarding piping or repiping decisions.
If it’s time to repipe your home, We Do Repipes is ready to serve you right here in Houston, TX and surrounding areas. Call us today at 832-819-8337.