Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
so a plumber i am having do some work says PEX is fine, if done right. he's a nice guy and i trust him, but i can't tell if he's just trying to save me money or if he's giving me the best advice. he said PEX won't have mineral buildup, since there's no metal to cling to. i have it in my head that copper is better quality and will last longer.
PEX has flexibility. It is unlikely to freeze, expand, and burst. It expands without bursting.
Another big problem with copper is that the price has gone through the roof. There are increasing cases of vacant homes being broken into and stripped of their copper. This may destroy the home due to water damage.
I worked with a plumber who sang the praises of PEX. It is EASY to work with as well.
PEX has been used in Europe for several decades already, so I feel it's a pretty proven product. Very easy to put together too ... slip on the fitting, crimp, and check with the gauge. 10 seconds, and a connection is made. No need for flux, solder, an open flame, cool down period, etc.
So it's not just material savings, but time too. Being flexible, PEX is more forgiving to cut lengths vs. copper too.
PEX has flexibility. It is unlikely to freeze, expand, and burst. It expands without bursting.
Another big problem with copper is that the price has gone through the roof. There are increasing cases of vacant homes being broken into and stripped of their copper. This may destroy the home due to water damage.
I worked with a plumber who sang the praises of PEX. It is EASY to work with as well.
well, i know it's easier to work with, which makes the plumber's job easier...which is why i'm somewhat skeptical.
but all the advantages you just mentioned are all correct. i'm just trying to make sure. cheaper is often not better, so you can understand where i'm coming from. lol
its been debated in forum's all over the internet. the realities of most building today is that PEX is the standard. My newly remodeled house now has it everywhere, we pulled out copper.
do I think its really superior? no in most respects. besides install, I really only see 2 benefits. it won't burst if frozen. It has greater insulation properties compared to copper.
if you're doing a repair, I'd just keep copper. if you're running a large volume of material.... Pex is definately something to consider.
My own opinion is that PEX is far superior in the correct application. No, you can't use it outside, as UV rays will detiorate it quickly. However, it is less likely to burst from temperature extremes, it is a whole lot easier to work with, it's a fraction of the price of copper, and best of all; if you do a manifold system correctly, it makes for a pressure balanced system. In other words, you won't get frozen or scalded if someone turns on the sink while you're in the shower. As Narfcake said, it's been in use for years across the pond, so it has a proven track record.
On a side note, I like this part of the link that HB2HSV posted: "I like my copper pipe because with PEX pipe, you have to have the right tools." Umm, last I checked, you have to have the right tools for copper as well, and there are far more tools required (torch, solder, flux, brush, pipe cutter, etc.). I think what he meant to say was "I'll stick with copper, because I don't feel like learning anything new."
On a side note, I like this part of the link that HB2HSV posted: "I like my copper pipe because with PEX pipe, you have to have the right tools." Umm, last I checked, you have to have the right tools for copper as well, and there are far more tools required (torch, solder, flux, brush, pipe cutter, etc.). I think what he meant to say was "I'll stick with copper, because I don't feel like learning anything new."
Heh ... yeah. The thing is, I know there are plumbers who are scared of PEX for a couple reasons. Past experience with polybutylene being a big one, but their biggest dislike is that it takes far fewer skills to do PEX vs. copper. Such challenges the need for them because PEX makes it so easy.
As for the tools ... quality PEX crimpers will cost way more than what's needed for working with copper. The time savings will more than pay for themselves, though.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
