PEX Tubing Vs. Copper

If you are having plumbing renovations done you might be wondering why the plumber is using copper tubing instead of newer, cheaper PEX tubing. While PEX is a cheaper alternative, it has yet to prove itself as fully fail proof. Unlike PEX, copper tubing has been around for more than half a century. Plumbing contractors can ensure the sustainability of a copper based plumbing system.

An excellent example of why plumbers use proven building materials is the polybutylene recalls that are occurring around the country. During the late 70’s, polybutylene pipe began appearing in large quantities in the home building trade. It was cheaper and easier to work with then copper. Unfortunately, for people who bought these homes, the piping didn’t hold up to expectations. Oxidants in water, like chlorine, caused flaking in the pipes over time, which in turned became leaks, causing intensive damage in many homes.

So while PEX may seem a cheaper, in turn making it seem a more sexy option, it hasn’t been around long enough to ensure a life span that copper offers. If plumbers could trust PEX, they would certainly use it more extensively. It would lower their costs in terms of materials and time. Only the test of time can determine the fate of PEX tubing.