There are two main materials that are used to make plumbing pipes: Pex and copper. For a long time, though, copper was your only choice. In fact, until the 1990s, most people had to rely on copper piping for all their plumbing needs. Having alternative material available is exciting, but it also helps to call attention to the pros and cons of each type. Let’s take a closer look at your options so you can decide what type to use for any new pipes in your Pompano Beach, FL, home.
Pros and Cons of Copper Piping
Copper piping has a long and proven history of distributing water. It can be traced back all the way to 2150 BCE, and its usage in modern homes dates back to the 1940s.
Pros of Using Copper Pipes:
Durability
Copper piping has been proven to not only work but also to have a typical lifespan of at least 50 years. This record of durability and reliability made copper a proven alternative to lead pipes.
Highly Damage Resistant
There are many things that will try to break your pipes down, including solvents, chemicals, and UV rays. Copper has the ability to resist damage from these sources.
High-Temperature Applications
Copper pipes are able to be used outside without needing any special protection. Additionally, it can be used for high-temperature applications without breaking down.
Cons of Using Copper Pipes:
Harder to Install
Since the advent of pex piping, it’s become clear that installing copper pipes takes more time and is more difficult. It requires using special fittings and tools, whereas pex piping does not.
Scale and Corrosion Buildup
Although copper pipes will last a long time, they’re also susceptible to the buildup of scale and corrosion. This means that you’ll need to have a plumber provide regular maintenance to deal with leaks and other miscellaneous issues.
More Expensive
Copper piping is generally more expensive than pex piping, and its production process creates higher embodied energy.
Pros and Cons of Pex Piping
Pex piping was invented in 1968, and it came to America in the 1980s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became a viable alternative to copper plumbing pipes in American homes.
Pros of Using Pex Piping:
Easier to Install
Pex piping is much easier to install than copper pipes due to its flexibility. It also doesn’t require the same number of specialized fittings and tools as copper.
Resistant to Buildup
Copper pipes tend to deal with a lot of scale buildup and corrosion, but you won’t have to worry about either of these issues with pex piping. Furthermore, pex pipes are more durable for usage in freezing temperatures.
More Sustainable
If the environment is a concern, you’ll be happy to know that pex pipes will reduce your likelihood of leaks. Additionally, the manufacturing process requires less energy.
Cons of Using Pex Piping:
Long-Term Durability is Questioned
There are concerns about whether pex piping can hold up as well as copper pipes. This is because it hasn’t been in place for as long as copper pipes, so no one is truly aware of how long it will last.
Higher Damage
Pex pipes are more susceptible to becoming damaged by solvents, chemicals, and UV rays.
Not for Outdoor Usage
Unlike copper, pex piping is not suitable for outdoor usage unless it is properly protected from sunlight. It may also have limitations when it comes to high-temperature applications.
Which Pipes Should I Choose?
There is no simple answer to this question. As you learned above, both materials have a pretty even list of pros and cons, so it’s vital to discuss your options with a professional plumber. If you have specific financial concerns, however, it might be easier to use pex piping.
Generally speaking, pex piping costs between $0.28 and $12.23 per foot. Meanwhile, copper piping can run you between $1.35 and $117.76 per foot. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s easy to understand what option will work best. Even if you take pex’s shorter expected lifespan of 25-40 years into consideration, it would still be cheaper to purchase pex piping twice than to purchase copper piping once.
Something else to consider is the very serious issue of corrosion. When your pipes come into contact with oxygen or water in their environment, they might begin to break down. Furthermore, the presence of hard water in your Pompano Beach home will compromise copper piping over time. Unfortunately, Florida has hard to very hard water, so corrosion will most likely be an issue.
Is it Time to Replace My Pipes?
There are several different signs that it’s time to replace your house’s plumbing pipes. Among them are:
- Frequent leaks
- Rusty water
- Aging pipes
- Low water pressure
- Foul smells
- Bad taste
- Water stains
- Odd sounds
- Temperature inconsistencies
If you’ve run into any of the above issues, it’s vital to reach out to the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our team will do a thorough inspection to determine whether you need your pipes repaired or replaced. They’ll also consult with you regarding your piping options.
Install New Pipes in Pompano Beach
No matter what type of pipes you select, it’s wise to take care of any piping issues right away. After all, the last thing you want is a major leak, especially if you’re not at home when it happens. Keep your Pompano Beach home safe by calling Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.
Are you experiencing a water pipe emergency? Contact our professional Pompano Beach team right now. We offer 24/7 emergency maintenance services to help get your house back on track quickly!