People often ask us about PEX vs copper and which they should use in their home. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey knows “it depends” isn’t the answer they’re looking for. That’s why he got together with host Kevin O’Connor to discuss the two types of tubing and help homeowners decide which is best for their home.
Copper is Time-Tested and Logical
Copper pipes have been used for many, many years, meaning it’s time-proven and reliable. Copper pipes are rigid and straight. This allows them to be run logically: straight through the building with couplings anywhere a turn is needed. Copper is more durable than PEX. It isn’t susceptible to UV damage or being chewed through like PEX.
But PEX is Easier to Install
The flexible tubing can be routed through a building like electrical wire. PEX comes in long lengths that can be snaked through walls– just like electrical wire. It doesn’t need fittings to change direction, and the fittings it does require are safer (as they don’t require heat) and equally leak-proof.
The Two Require Different Skills and Tools
PEX has changed the required tools and skills. Before, plumbers had to solder joints and pipes together with torches. Today, PEX can be installed with heat-free tools that expand the pipe so it fits over a fitting. As the pipe returns to its original shape, it seals onto the fitting, creating an excellent, long-lasting seal.
Also, since PEX is more flexible and comes in coils, plumbers can carry more of it. They can also run the pipe like an electrician runs wires, requiring fewer fittings and potential for leaks.
PEX is Less Expensive
PEX tubing is less expensive than copper in almost every instance. The material itself costs less than copper, and the labor involved in installation should be significantly less as well. The tools required to expand PEX pipe for fittings are just as affordable as a standard plumbing torch.
There Will Always Be a Use for Copper
PEX is clearly the future, but there will always be a place for copper. For remodeling homes, it doesn’t make sense to switch from copper to PEX for a smaller project. Copper is usually preferred over PEX when running pipe next to high heat, like boilers or water heaters. Also, certain areas within the home, such as shower trim or under sinks, require a rigid pipe to prevent wobbling or shaking. In these cases, running PEX in the wall to a copper pipe for valves makes the most sense.
Resources
Richard shows some of the tools to make copper connections. Including a torch kit used for soldering, a fire hazard and not safe for an uncertified person to use. Another tool he showed was a copper press tool, eliminating the use of flame but very expensive for the average homeowner to own. Copper push-to-connect fittings are the easiest way for a DIY homeowner to make copper connections, but they tend to spin around so they are not as rigid as other copper connections.
For PEX connections, Richard shares that professionals would use an expensive tool like the ProPex expansion tool. Now homeowners can buy a manual PEX expansion tool kit and easily do it themselves.
