So are you a non-plumber and still dreaming of installing tubing at home? And that decision is making you confused all the time specifically when it comes to make your mind between PEX tubing vs copper pipe. Well, this guide is particularly helpful to you, if you want to get some idea from a first-hand experienced person.
Hey, don't feel ashamed even if you don't know what PEX tubing is. Just don't count on your plumbers as he might do cheap business with you, when he will find you ignorant about all these. This guide will help you out to learn about the basics that you need to know before installing PEX tubing at your home.
The Exclusive Features
PEX tubing is nothing but the cross-linked pipe made up of polyethylene. It is quite temperature-friendly and pretty durable for extreme temperature (no matter if it is hot or cold, ranging from below freezing to 200° Fahrenheit) as well. Additionally, it provides support for creep deformation resulting from prolonged exposure to stress along with any sort of chemical attack. With so many features, it is undoubtedly a good choice for both hot and cold water.
Understanding Copper Pipe
Now we need to understand copper pipe and its functions, or else, it would be difficult for us to compare between these two. As you know very well that we are using copper made pipes for a pretty long time. Copper pipes are quite durable as well as flexible, which makes them easy to install. In fact, they are much better than iron pipes. In addition, copper pipe promotes biostatic environment that makes it less prone to any bacterial infection.
Why PEX Tubing Is Better?
Truly the final choice is yours whether you fit copper pipes or PEX tubing, but I personally prefer to use PEX tubing because of several reasons like as follows -
• Extreme temperature-friendly, can use both hot and cold water
• Less complication in fitting, so it becomes easier to install compared to copper pipe
• Can easily go with any sort of plumbing system
• You can use it with PVC and metal piping
• It has a fair pressure system
• This is good for corner installation as well, as it is quite flexible to bend in almost every corner. To do this, even you don't need to use fitting or coupling.
On the other hand, copper pipe has several disadvantages -
• Can wear away
• More expensive than PEX
• Since corrosion is a common problem, the water may taste metallic flavor
• The adaptability with the freezing level is not so good, so it may break while running cold water
Now it's up to you, but I suggest you to choose PEX tubing.
