I'm replumbing a house I just bought, and I'm trying to decide what material to use. I am on a pretty tight budget, and the house is not in the best neighborhood (the copper plumbing was stolen). What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Are there any carcinogens I should be worried about with the plastics?
Speaking as a guy with some construction background, I think I've got this one. Copper piping is hands-down, the ideal material to use for fresh water applications. It's known to have a useful life of at least 50 years, and has fairly good tolerance for all weather conditions. I would suggest that copper, and only copper be used for drinking water. Yes, it is true that it's highly prone to theft. I would suggest planning the rest of the construction so that any piping you install is exposed for only the day, while people are working on the site. It may be nessisary to fence off the site and use a dog to guard it, or camp overnight as a deterrent to thieves, til the pipes are no longer accessible. PVC is a bad idea for anything other than irigation. When hot water travels through it, it picks up a chemical smell, and may also leave a sticky residue on surfaces it contacts. The heat simply exceeds it's design tolerances. Pex piping is potentially good for irrigation or possibly drainage applications. It has a higher temperature tolerance than PVC, but not significantly so. It's maximum safe temperature is around 120°, which is right around the temperature a water heater should be set at. In my opinion, it would be unsafe to use it for anything other than maybe cold-water suply lines for a hose bib or sprinklers. It may be desireable to use PEX as a jacket over visible piping, to hide the presence of copper pipe from the casual observer. I am not a plumber, but I spent a couple years working in a hardware store. I would encourage you to fact-check my information with a plumber. One last suggestion. Though you have a limited budget, the plumbing in a house is not the place to skimp. Do it right, and don't cut corners. And that's the best advice I can give.
Hi, 'Guy. First and foremost, check to see what's code for your town. Copper will always be acceptable. CPVC (for hot and cold lines), may be but possibly only for repairs by a homeowner. Note that PVC is not rated for hot water supply. PEX is the most modern, quick with proper system fittings, and fine with both hot and cold piping - but may not (yet) be code-approved where you are. And do not get it confused with PB (gray) plastic pipe on advice from others - it's gone, gone, gone. Backing up to the loss: I'm guessing that the theft happened when the building was unoccupied, perhaps even why you bought the place as is at a good price. The overall security needs at least some attention, like cutting back bushes, motion sensor lighting outside, possibly adding an alarm system, etc. If working there in the day, then going elsewhere for the nights until it's done, leaving a big ol' loud dog inside is gold. Meth heads do not like being freaked out or bit. I'd go with copper, but check out PEX if it's approved there. And - inspection requirements?
Just re did my whole residence with Pex and did huge research on copper vs Pex and selected Pex palms down. Ease of installation price that used to be a significant on I saved over half of. As far as mainly in the walls i suppose one could argue it might be pierced by way of a nail simpler however alternatively so can copper just not particularly as easy. Rather than that all my wall runs had been steady with out a joints as apposed to copper in a tight subject the place you may have to piece it in or use coiled copper which is twice the price ridged pipe. I say seeing that you're going with Pex for the relaxation do it all. PEX has verified its self for years now. It's a pretty hot topic so i'm certain I you are going to get a vast variate of opinions from others.
Copper: Advantages - Most durable material for potable water. Impervious to rodents and other animals. Disadvantages - Most expensive material. Sweating joints can be difficult. Must be insulated from freezing temps to prevent rupture. CPVC: Advantages - Least expensive material. Glue fittings are easy to put together. Easy to repair. Disadvantages - Susceptible to rodent damage. Glue has a tendency to fail when subjected to large temperature differentials. Tentative links between glue and adverse health effects (unconfirmed). Must be insulated from freezing temps to prevent rupture. PEX: Advantages - Not as expensive as copper. Not susceptible to freeze ruptures (PEX expands without breaking to allow ice buildup). Easy to repair. Nontoxic. Disadvantages - Use of specialized tools required for pipe fittings. Susceptible to rodent damage.
