PEX vs COPPER - Your Bathroom Plumbing
PEX vs. Copper: Which is Better for Your Bathroom Remodel?
When it comes to plumbing in bathroom remodels, choosing the right piping material is essential. At Advanced Custom Renovations (ACR), we use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) for our bathroom remodels, and here’s why...
But before diving into why PEX is the latest industry standard, let’s break down the key differences between PEX and copper piping.
What is Copper Plumbing?
Copper has been the go-to choice for plumbing in residential homes for decades. It’s durable, reliable, and resistant to corrosion. Copper pipes are often seen as a symbol of quality plumbing. However, they do come with a few downsides.
Drawbacks of Copper:
Cost: Copper is significantly more expensive than PEX, as much as 80% higher to procure, both in terms of the material itself and installation costs.
Rigidity: Copper pipes are more rigid, making them harder to work with, especially in tight spaces like bathrooms. This often means additional soldering, more fittings, and more labor costs.
Corrosion: While copper is slightly resistant to corrosion, it can still be affected by acidic water or minerals, leading to leaks over time. This can be a significant issue in areas with hard water, like Arizona.
What is PEX Plumbing?
PEX is a more recent addition to the plumbing world, but, over the past two decades, it has quickly become the preferred choice for modern bathroom remodels. It’s made from cross-linked polyethylene, a flexible plastic material that offers several advantages over copper.
Advantages of PEX:
Cost-Effective: PEX is much more affordable than copper, making it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to save on material costs.
Flexibility: PEX is highly flexible, making it easier to install and maneuver around tight corners in your bathroom. This flexibility also makes it less likely to burst during freezing conditions.
Durability: PEX is resistant to calcium scale buildup common in Arizona and corrosion, and it doesn’t rust, making it a long-lasting option for your plumbing needs.
Less Soldering: Unlike copper, which requires soldering at every fitting or turn during installation, PEX often uses push-fit or crimp connections, which simplifies the installation process. Though soldering may still occur, the labor to do so is less with PEX.
PEX vs. Copper: Arizona’s Hard Water Considerations
Arizona’s water is famously hard, meaning it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. This "hard" water can build up in your plumbing, leading to scale deposits that can clog pipes, reduce water pressure, and eventually lead to leaks or system failures.
How Hard Water Affects Copper Plumbing:
Mineral Deposits: Copper pipes are more prone to mineral buildup from hard water, especially in areas with high calcium content. Over time, this can lead to corrosion, leaks, or a decrease in water flow.
Shortened Lifespan: Due to this mineral buildup, copper plumbing in areas with hard water may have a shorter lifespan, requiring more maintenance and replacement.
How PEX Handles Hard Water:
Resistance to Scale: One of the primary benefits of PEX plumbing is its resistance to mineral buildup. PEX is less affected by hard water than copper, meaning it’s more durable in areas with high calcium content.
No Corrosion: PEX doesn’t corrode or rust, even in areas with hard water. This is a huge advantage, as it eliminates the risk of leaks caused by rust or scale buildup, which is a common issue with copper pipes in regions like Arizona.
In areas with hard water, such as Arizona, PEX is a more reliable option for your bathroom remodel. It can better withstand the harsh water conditions, ensuring that your plumbing system remains functional and efficient for years to come.
When Do We Use PEX in Bathroom Remodels?
At ACR, we use PEX for any re-plumbing that occurs during a bathroom remodel, particularly when working with fixtures attached to valves. For example, if you’re getting a new shower or tub, we’ll typically replace the old copper pipes with PEX to ensure a more efficient and modern plumbing system.
PEX is the preferred choice for our bathroom remodels because it’s cost-effective, reliable, and easier to work with in the spaces where we’re installing new fixtures. While we don’t re-plumb the entire bathroom, any work that involves a valve or fixture requires plumbing, and PEX is the best option for this. Should you want to use copper for your fittings, please let us know, and we'll add that to your project.
Is PEX Better Than Copper?
In most cases, yes! PEX offers a lot of benefits that copper simply can’t match, especially when it comes to bathroom remodels. Here’s why we love using PEX:
It’s the Industry Standard: Over the past few years, PEX has quickly become the industry standard for plumbing in residential remodeling. Many professional plumbers, including ACR, prefer it for its flexibility, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.
More Reliable: Because PEX is less likely to develop leaks and doesn’t suffer from scale buildup like copper, it’s a more reliable option for your bathroom remodel, especially in areas that are exposed to moisture and water pressure.
Long-Term Savings: PEX is durable, corrosion-resistant, and won’t develop mineral buildup like copper can. This means fewer repairs and replacements down the road, saving you money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
PEX plumbing has become the go-to option for modern bathroom remodels, offering affordability, durability, and flexibility. At ACR, we are committed to using the latest and best materials for your remodel, and PEX is the perfect choice for re-plumbing your fixtures. So, whether you’re updating a shower, tub, or vanity, you can count on ACR to get the job done right with PEX – the modern plumbing solution.
If you’re ready to start your bathroom remodel with the latest plumbing materials and expert craftsmanship, schedule your in-home estimate with us today. We’re here to help you create the bathroom of your dreams – with PEX, of course!
