When it comes to your house, there are few choices you will make that are more important than piping. In a way, it’s as if your pipes will serve as the lifeblood of your home, so you really want to make sure you’re picking pipes that will be able to stick with you for the long haul. No matter what type of pipes you choose, chances are that this will be one of the larger investments you make into your home. But how are you supposed to know which pipes will work out best for your particular situation? Sometimes, it seems as if certain types of pipes will come into vogue for a few years and then be abandoned once plumbers realize that the materials don’t work as well as they should. Fortunately, there are two kinds of pipes that possess an amazing track record — PEX and copper. Although there are a lot of differences between PEX and copper pipes, the one thing they have in common is that both enjoy an amazing reputation among homeowners.
The Extraordinary History of Copper Pipes
As far as track records go, it would be difficult — if not impossible — to find a pipe material that possesses a more illustrious past than copper. It was over 5,000 years ago when the ancient Egyptians started using copper as a piping material. Quick to realize that the metal could be easily shaped — and that it was resistant to erosion — the Egyptians quickly went about installing copper pipes everywhere they could. Ever since this time, copper pipes have played a role in every major empire across the planet. Nowadays, with consumers craving more sustainable options than ever before, copper pipes have maintained their immense popularity.
PEX Piping: A Modern Marvel
Within the past 20 years, PEX piping has established itself as an exceptional option. A cross-linked polyethylene, this material has gained popularity with both plumbers and consumers due to its incredibly durable and flexible structure. When it comes to fitting into tight spots, PEX is truly an extraordinary product. Because it is so flexible, there is also less of a need for connectors. This makes for a pipe that is much less likely to leak, which is one of the major selling points of PEX in general.
Installation: How Do PEX and Copper Pipes Stack Up?
Although it is clear that both copper and PEX pipes wield distinctive advantages in the pipe marketplace, they are very different in many respects. First, PEX happens to be much easier to install than copper. By using a simple tool, plumbers can create practically seamless pipes. Copper, on the other hand, is not so easy to install. It requires soldering, which is a skillset that plumbers have to work to refine.
Freezing Temps and Corrosion: PEX Vs. Copper
Frigid temperatures are the enemy to pipes everywhere, but PEX generally reacts better to the cold weather than copper. In a freezing water scenario, a PEX pipe will expand. This allows for the size of the ice, creating space so that the pipe does not burst. Copper, meanwhile, can split and become very damaged in wintry weather. Also, although copper is resistant to corrosion, it is a metal and is still capable of becoming corroded when certain conditions are present. When the water is slightly acidic or is sourced from waterways that make it “hard”, copper pipes can corrode or become scaly. PEX, on the other hand, was scientifically developed as a material that would not corrode.
Everyday Operation
PEX pipes have established a reputation for being quiet. Copper pipes, meanwhile, have become well-known for their idiosyncratic noises over the years. For those who want to keep their homes very quiet, perhaps PEX may be a better option. However, homeowners who enjoy a more “vintage” sound may find copper pipes more appealing. It comes down to personal preferences, and you may want to call an expert like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to chat about which pipe may be the best fit for you and your household.
The Bottom Line: What Is the Difference in Cost Between PEX and Copper?
Copper is such a utilitarian product that sometimes it is easy to forget that it is still a metal. After silver, it is the best conductor of heat and electricity out there. And, as a metal, its prices sometimes go up and down with the world’s market. This is not an issue with PEX. Also, the easy installation process for PEX means that plumbers and workers will not have to work as long; this can help you to cut down on labor costs significantly. Depending upon the specific project, PEX pipes are likely to be 20% to 80% cheaper than copper.
More Factors to Consider
Because PEX is a synthetic material, there will always be concerns about leaching into the water. With copper, this is obviously not a concern. Also, PEX is not cleared for use in direct sunlight. The UV rays can cause the material to break down after a certain period of time. Homeowners should also be aware that PEX has lower ratings than copper when it comes to high temperatures and pressures. Additionally, it is worthwhile to note that it may be difficult to install PEX in an older house that is not compatible. In these cases, it may actually make more fiscal sense to just stick with copper.
Copper Vs. PEX: An Individual Decision
When you talk to a plumbing professional at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, they will guide you through the steps of figuring out which pipe material works best for your project. At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision that will hinge upon several factors — and it’s all about choosing what’s best for you and your household.