Which system lasts longer?
Based on industry numbers copper lasts about 40% longer than PEX. But, because system life is dependent on a number of things like installation, water quality, and environment this number is not a constant.
PEX piping is generally expected to last 50 years according to the plastic pipe industry. PEX started being used in the 1960’s so the oldest installs are nearing the 70 year mark. Over this time PEX has proven it’s value as a stable long-lasting plumbing system. However exposure to UV light can significantly shorten the lifespan of PEX, which should always be protected from direct sunlight and never installed outdoors. Some people speculate that PEX piping could last as long as 100 years but this is just a Reddit number not an industry standard. PEX genrally comes with a 25 year warranty.
The copper pipe institute rates copper for 70 years. Just like PEX this number is disputed with some people speculating that copper could last over 100 years. Copper has been used for centuries and has proven its value and longevity as a plumbing system. While copper is not affected by UV light (like PEX) low pH (acidic) water can cause copper to corrode. Always speak to your plumber when installing either copper or PEX and follow manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure a long system life.
Which system is cheaper
PEX is cheaper than copper upfront. The material costs less and the installation takes less time. Most plumbers are going to charge some variation of materials + time. And this means that they have to charge more for a copper installation.
The cost factor is why PEX is a major player in new housing. With the cost of housing on the rise PEX can play a role in helping to make housing more affordable. By significantly reducing the price of materials and labour, PEX can make a significant difference in lowering the price of both new builds and renovations.
If you are building or renovating a home that you plan to live in for the rest of your life you may want to consider the total cost of ownership. Total cost of ownership doesn’t just calculate upfront costs, it calculates the costs over the entire life of the system.
Here is an example of total cost of ownership: John and Ashley just bought their dream home and are gutting and renovating it. They plan to live there for the rest of their lives. John is 32 and Ashely is 28. If they use PEX it will be cheaper now but it could need to be replaced in 50 years. At that time John will be 82 and Ashley will be 78. John and Ashley plan to live in their home until they are in their 90’s and don’t want to have to replace their plumbing in retirement. By including the cost of a plumbing replacement in their total cost of ownership John and Ashley make the decision that over the long term copper is cheaper than PEX.
When deciding between copper and PEX you need to ask yourself how long you plan to live in your home and how important a copper system is for you. For some people the cost goes beyond money as they prefer the health benefits of copper.
Which system is healthier
Which system is healthier? Both systems are rated for human use transporting potable water. But, many people have strong opinions and believe copper to be healthier. After careful research, based on over half a century of widespread use, we found no scientific evidence showing significant heath differences between using copper or PEX to plumb your home.
That being said, some people prefer copper because it has been used for centuries for drinking water it is naturally antibacterial and can even provide health benefits for humans. If you are particular about your plumbing system copper is probably the best choice for you.
Having access to clean and safe drinking water is one of the most important benefits to human health and one of the greatest drivers to longevity over the last 200 years. Whether water is delivered through plastic tubing or copper tubing is less consequential than the positive effects of having modern plumbing.
It is also important to note that there are many different kinds of plastic and the PEX style plastic used in drinking water is designed to be very stable and not leach into the water supply. Just like the plastic used to transport drinking water for water coolers. Finally, most of the water in your house is not used for drinking. If you are concerned about your drinking water, there are many water filtration systems available. We can help to recommend and install a whole home water filtration system.
Which is right for you?
We believe that both PEX and copper are safe and responsible choices that serve different purposes At Next-Gen plumbing and Heating we have the capability to install both copper and PEX. While copper is typically used in commercial settings, we do have customers who insist on copper for their homes. Selecting the right system is a personal choice and one that we are happy to help you make.
If you have any questions about copper or PEX that were not answered in this blog don’t hesitate to reach out by phone or email. We don’t use call centres, there is always an experienced journeyman plumber available to speak with you about your plumbing needs.
Learn More with these industry associations:
https://plasticpipe.org/BuildingConstruction/BuildingConstruction/PEX.aspx