PEX Tubing vs. Copper pipe
For thousands of years, pipes have been copper, from ancient Egypt to the copper alloys of today. That copper is still used in plumbing today stands as testament to its reliability. Copper pipes from five thousand years ago are still semi-functional today, and copper can be used for up to 50 years or more in residential settings before needing to be replaced. So, if such is the case, why PEX?
PEX Tubing:
The Pros:
Flexibility: PEX is made of cross–linked polyethylene that bends easily without breaking. This flexibility allows PEX tubing to be routed through the home without elbows and bends, as well as easy storage.
Less likely to burst: While copper will almost always burst if frozen, PEX can survive four or even five freezings, only expanding and contracting if it tears.
Greater water pressure: Because the interference patters of elbows and other fittings are not present to such a degree in PEX systems, the water flows without as many quick turns or bumping over fixtures. This results in less vacuums and pressure differentials, which keeps water flowing regularly.
Direct route: Because of its flexibility, a tube may be routed directly from a source to an outlet without elbows.
Ease of installation: Copper fittings require sweat and solder and takes much more time than the simple clamp and crimp method of installing PEX.
Lower cost: Copper tubing costs, on average, many times more than PEX. Additionally, all of the elbows are much more expensive than even the tube. The more fittings, the higher the price.
Non corrosive: PEX is not an alloy or a metal, and so does not corrode or suffer corrosion leaks like copper will.
Safety: The tools needed to cut and seal copper require heat and sharp blades or open flames, which can damage you or your home in an instant. PEX does not require such extreme measures.
PEX Pipes:
The Cons:
Decomposition and Degradation by exposure to sunlight: Because of the chemical makeup of PEX, direct exposure of the pipe to sunlight will cause it to crack, leak, and become brittle. In just as little as a month of exposure, leaks may occur. So, PEX is not suitable for outside installation or in sunlight within a building.
Perforation by insects: Seed bugs have been known to pierce through PEX tubing, causing damage to the PEX water pipe.
Initial adjustment: For centuries, most homes have been outfitted with copper, so PEX means that even professionals must get used to it. So, it is not uncommon that the first time they used, they are loose and inexpertly done.
Radiant oxygen injection: The polymer matrix on typical PEX tube expands as it is heated, which allows oxygen to seep into the pipe. This is in no way a problem for potable water pipes, but for radiant circulation systems, this injects oxygen which rusts and corrodes the pump and other parts.
Expensive fittings: PEX fittings are, in general, more expensive than copper fittings.
PEX Piping
All in all, when the time comes to switch a whole system, the change to PEX piping is best, as it is the more efficient and versatile.
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