Choosing the right variety of piping for your plumbing system is vital. At a glance, it may not seem so important; if it is durable and can safely transport water through the system, it must be good enough! However, while both copper and PEX piping will suffice, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the variety that is best-suited to your needs will not only give you peace of mind, but may save you money in the future. Here are four factors to take into consideration when deciding which sort of piping to use:
1. Predicted Lifespan
Many people choose PEX because it comes with a lifetime guarantee. This is an undeniable advantage over the 10-year warranty that is customary for copper piping. It means your PEX plumbing system is protected should any issues arise in the future. Such a guarantee also suggests that PEX is expected to last longer.
2. Flexibility
One of the main reasons that PEX lasts longer is due to the inflexibility of copper piping. Earthquakes, land shifts, or even the simple settling of the earth surrounding a copper pipe can cause it to break or its joints to become stressed and loosened. This can result in the need for costly repairs, not to mention the expense incurred by the loss of water through the break. In comparison, PEX is a lot more flexible and able to withstand impacts and shifts in the earth around it. This tends to result in fewer damages and a reduced need to replace parts of the system. The main disadvantage of PEX is that it can be damaged by rodents, while copper piping cannot. However, the presence of rodents in your home is an issue that should be remedied in order to protect your property.
3. Cost
Another positive feature of PEX is its ease of installation. It is far cheaper than copper piping and requires less work to fit. As such, you can save a lot of money by selecting this product.
4. Safety
As it is considered a food-grade material, PEX is also comparatively safe to run your plumbing through as it lacks dangerous chemicals that might otherwise be ingested. It can be daunting to face such a vital decision, but fortunately you do not need to choose your piping alone. A professional plumber can assess your circumstances and help you decide upon the right course of action to take in order to optimize your system. He or she may then be able to assist you in preventing other issues from arising in the future.