You may choose to
re-pipe your home for a variety of reasons; in the case of serious leaks, it’s really
not a choice at all. One choice you will have to make, however, is whether
to use traditional copper piping, or to go with newer composite PEX piping.
Both are great options, but each has unique advantages and disadvantages.
When you hire Cyrious Plumbing, LLC, our experienced Waterbury plumbers
can advise you of the best choice for your home.
Copper Pipes
Pros:
Copper is the industry standard material for pipes, and has been for quite
some time, as it can withstand more than 1,000 pounds of water pressure
per square inch There are a number of other inherent advantages of copper,
including:
- It is difficult for bacteria to grow inside
- It resists corrosion
- It is not impacted by UV rays
Cons:
However, there are also some drawbacks to copper, particularly the price.
These days, copper piping will generally cost about three times as much
as an equivalent length of PEX piping. While it is resistant to corrosion,
this can still occur if your water has a particularly high or low pH balance.
In cold winter weather, it’s possible for frozen water to cause
copper pipes to burst.
PEX Piping
Pros:
PEX, also called crosslinked polyethylene, has been used for plumbing in
the U.S. since the 1980’s, and has rapidly grown in popularity in
the last few decades. It’s easy to see why – PEX is usually
about a third of the cost of copper. It is also more flexible, and can
be significantly more resistant to freezing and bursting. PEX piping is
generally color coded, which helps you easily identify hot and cold water pipes.
Cons:
The major downside of PEX piping is that it cannot be used outside, as
the exposure to UV rays will compromise its integrity and safety. Since
it is a plastic-type material, it’s vital to purchase it through
a reputable plumbing company or supplier, such as Cyrious Plumbing, to
ensure that you’re getting real PEX material and not cheap CPVC.
Re-Piping Your Home? Call (203) 577-5628
While this is a great general guide to copper versus PEX piping, your home
may have unique piping needs. When you schedule a free in-home evaluation
with Cyrious Plumbing, LLC, our expert plumbers can provide a re-piping
estimate for your home at no charge.