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I'm curious why you would choose copper over PEX. It seems like PEX is really the best choice available these days in terms of near infinite lifespan, easy to w

I'm curious why you would choose copper over PEX. It seems like PEX is really the best choice available these days in terms of near infinite lifespan, easy to work with, and affordable.

toomuchtodo 4y ago
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/pex-vs-copper/ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/pex-vs-copper/ > It’s tough to beat copper pipes for longevity, which on average last 50 to 70 years, compared to PEX, which has an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years. PEX’s life expectancy can be shortened by the use of extremely hot household water (180 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) or if the water in the home contains high levels of chlorine. > Copper’s life can be shortened by highly acidic water. When installed under typical conditions (i.e., your home is connected to a municipal water system), copper can be expected to outlast PEX by about 20 years. If you’re on a private well, have your water tested prior to retrofitting your water supply system. Local County Extension Offices can test well water to determine whether it’s high in acid or chlorine. I’m a buy it for life sort of person, and will pay a premium for longevity. Future myself or others will thank me (buying or building something that will outlive me? Plant trees whose shade I’ll never sit in and all that jazz)
- poulsbohemian 4y ago
  Well now you've sent me down a whole other rabbit hole wondering about who these people are who keep their hot water at 180 degrees or about how much chlorine constitutes high levels. Fascinating stuff, thanks for the insight.
- ericd 4y ago
  Yep, if you ever see bluish rings in your toilets, and you have copper piping, check your water pH, that might be part of your home's plumbing that's now ringing the porcelain.
alliao 4y ago
PEX is cheap and cheerful, but with plenty of downsides, PP is actually pretty good just expensive

I'm curious why you would choose copper over PEX. It seems like PEX is really the best choice available these days in terms of near infinite lifespan, easy to work with, and affordable.

toomuchtodo 4y ago

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/pex-vs-copper/ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/pex-vs-copper/ > It’s tough to beat copper pipes for longevity, which on average last 50 to 70 years, compared to PEX, which has an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years. PEX’s life expectancy can be shortened by the use of extremely hot household water (180 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) or if the water in the home contains high levels of chlorine. > Copper’s life can be shortened by highly acidic water. When installed under typical conditions (i.e., your home is connected to a municipal water system), copper can be expected to outlast PEX by about 20 years. If you’re on a private well, have your water tested prior to retrofitting your water supply system. Local County Extension Offices can test well water to determine whether it’s high in acid or chlorine. I’m a buy it for life sort of person, and will pay a premium for longevity. Future myself or others will thank me (buying or building something that will outlive me? Plant trees whose shade I’ll never sit in and all that jazz)

poulsbohemian 4y ago
Well now you've sent me down a whole other rabbit hole wondering about who these people are who keep their hot water at 180 degrees or about how much chlorine constitutes high levels. Fascinating stuff, thanks for the insight.
ericd 4y ago
Yep, if you ever see bluish rings in your toilets, and you have copper piping, check your water pH, that might be part of your home's plumbing that's now ringing the porcelain.

alliao 4y ago

PEX is cheap and cheerful, but with plenty of downsides, PP is actually pretty good just expensive