How To Choose the Right Pipes for Your Home

This is one age-old choice that you’re going to have to make for yourself. No matter how much research there is on the subject, there are pros and cons to both copper and plastic pipes.

After reading this article, you’ll leave an expert on both so that you can make an educated decision that is all your own. The need for copper vs plastic pipes can vary from person to person and home to home. Before running for repiping services, you must have research, and that's why we're here.

This article will teach you the pros and cons of each type and offer insight into which choice might be right for you. Remember, the ultimate choice is yours and it all depends on your own priorities for your home.

Copper Pipes: An Overview

Copper has a few standout advantages that make it a great choice for piping. It is a tough metal that can stand up to the elements. It is not very malleable, so it won’t easily change over time.

Copper also helps to keep your water safe and clean by creating biostasis. It is harder for bacteria to grow and contaminate the water supply. Copper is a common choice for people who need external piping, as it does not deteriorate under UV light.

Certain plastic alternatives can only be used indoors and may be ruined by natural light. Copper piping also has its downsides. When faced with colder temperatures, copper piping can freeze. This causes the water to stop flowing and could potentially end in a pipe burst, which requires an expensive fix.

The upfront cost of copper is also more expensive than many of its alternatives. It might last longer, but over time it can still corrode and run the risk of contaminating the water or forming punctures. Lower pH levels in the water may contribute to faster corrosion.

If you’re not necessarily in the market for repiping yet but want to know if your copper pipes are safe, it is important to consider their age. Some piping from 20th-century homes may contain traces of lead, which can leak into your water and cause health hazards.

Plastic Pipes: An Overview

The popular alternative to copper pipes is plastic or PEX piping. The installation is often quicker and less expensive due to its ease of manipulation. A PEX system will contain fewer fittings to deal with which also means fewer entries for outside objects.

PEX can insulate and regulate the water temperature more easily, so freezing is not a problem. Plastic pipes may be more susceptible to contamination because they are made of a permeable material.

The plastic can expand and contract slightly, sometimes allowing foreign material into your plumbing system. Although the PEX pipes can’t corrode, they may warp after a series of contraction and expansion.

Also, there have been instances where animals have eaten through PEX piping. Although the is fairly rare, it is something to consider if your home has a history with animal issues.

So You Want to Repipe?

If you’re beginning to notice an odd taste or colour in the water that comes from your appliances, you may be in the market for new pipes. Chances are the others haven’t aged well and are beginning to become a hazard or an expensive maintenance project.

By deciding to repipe your home, you are undertaking a long-term investment as well. So choose your pipes wisely. Now that you know the pros and cons of both types, take those into consideration when making the call on the material.

For example, if your weather is unpredictable and temperatures often reach below freezing, you may not want the copper pipes. If you have had a long history of those annoying rodents entering through random holes you didn’t know you had, you may not want those apparently appetizing PEX pipes.

Your decision may also be one based on finance. Copper pipes can be almost 10 to 15 times more expensive upfront, and maybe that doesn’t sound right for you at your financial state. Or maybe you want to make the investment for pipes that might not damage as easily as the plastic alternative.

If you believe you might be in need of repiping, or if you simply want to have your pipes checked, call our pros at (519) 836-6370 today. We’ll ensure that your plumbing is safe and smooth for years to come.