PEX vs Copper
Hi, I have a three family house that I am doing a gut rehab on. One of the many things that is being replaced in the house is the plumbing. I have come across the type of flexible piping called PEX and I was thinking of using it due to a few factors one being…
Hi, I have a three family house that I am doing a gut rehab on. One of the many things that is being replaced in the house is the plumbing. I have come across the type of flexible piping called PEX and I was thinking of using it due to a few factors one being ease of installation and the other is low cost.
So what is the word on this, is PEX a better option than copper? (more importantly is it up to code here in Brooklyn)
Hill B
You don’t necessarily need the crimping tool to fasten the joints. You can by the costlier Sharkâ„¢ connectors. They are expensive, but don’t require a special tool and can easily be removed if you need to replace or reconfigure the system.
I really don’t understand why anyone would prefer copper to PEX-AL-PEX. The plumber makes more money, at least when doing renovations because PEX is usually run in a home-run configuration so while the materials are cheaper the labor is greater. When PEX fails, it fails at the junctions, which are all outside the walls, so it is discovered immediately and there is less damage done to the property. Also, because it is run in a home-run configuration you have individual shut-offs in the basement in addition to the shut-offs near the fixture. PEX pipes are much less prone to bursting when they freeze with water in them. PEX pipes do not build up dirty gunk in them like copper, nor do they get pin-hole leaks like copper pipes. You will also get hot water much more quickly when you turn on a faucet because the pipes are somewhat insulated by the pex layers and they are thinner because of the home run configuration. Also because of the home-run configuration you don’t have pressure problems when the shower and the faucet/toilet are running at the same time.
They are also so much better for the environmnet, just look at the tons of poisoned earth that is generated for every ounce of copper vs. the relatively benign effects of making PEX piping. The savings in hot water usage will add up quickly as well…
There is certainly a lot more money in copper piping for plumbers and the plumbing industry. now who do you think is saying, “yuk! plastic breads basteri?”… which is a complete fallacy when it comes to pex tubing.
Hope those Europeans like drinking water with toxic plastic in it. YUK!! I would never want my water in anything but copper! Plastic Breeds Bacteria!
I’ve read that mice and rats have been known to chew through Pex.
I think the new building code will be revealed to the public later this month. It will probably allow many more modern materials like PEX piping, and I think the new plumbic code was scheduled to go into effect this summer…
PEX was invented around the time of the electric lightbulb, but has only been used for plumbing for a little over 50 years. I prefer it over that other modern invention copper pipes; if you want metal, I think nickel pipes are fine. Copper corrodes too easilly for domestic water use. I think it will go the way of aluminium indoor electrical wire, a failed experiment abandoned.
PEX is in use all over Europe.
It’s ridiculous that it’s not allowed here.
It’s affordable and exremely easy to use (by a trained plumber following accepted practices).
As usual, we’re a bit behind the times over here.
BTW, the reason that it is posted three times is that when I pressed the post button, I got an error message that said, “Post failed.” There is a glitch in your system.
I have pex tubing in my floors for radiant heat. he issues with pex tubing regarding Legionella were solved many years ago. There is pex tubing out there that is perfectly safe for potable water but as with all new construction material, New York is always very slow to get it approved. So, no, pex tubing is not to code for potable water but it is fine for use in your heating system provided your water temp does not go above 180 degrees.