Your plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home, and choosing the right material matters. Whether you’re replacing old pipes or planning a full remodel, the choice between PEX and copper affects cost, performance, and long-term durability. Each option has distinct strengths, and the best fit often depends on your home’s layout, climate, and plumbing needs. This guide breaks down the real-world pros and cons to help you decide which option works best for your situation.
What Makes Copper and PEX Different?
Copper: The Long-Time Standard
Copper piping is traditionally seen as the best. It’s been used for decades and provides full water flow, even through fittings. That performance makes copper a high-quality choice—but it comes at a cost. Copper prices have been climbing, and installation can take longer.
PEX: A Flexible, Modern Option
PEX pipe is gaining popularity fast. It’s easy to work with, flexible, and ideal for tight spaces. There are actually a couple different types of PEX—each with its own advantages. When we repipe a home, we often go back in with PEX because it’s quicker to install and much easier to maneuver behind walls.
1. Installation Time and Cost
Copper: Quality at a Price
Copper’s reliability comes with a higher price tag. It takes more time to cut and solder each section. While it gives full flow with no restriction, it’s harder to work with, especially in complex repipe jobs.
PEX: Fast and Efficient
We’ve found that PEX is the quicker option. Its flexibility means we can thread it through walls and around corners with fewer fittings. This cuts down on labor, which saves homeowners time and money.
2. Performance in Cold Weather
PEX Shines in Winter
One of the best features of PEX is that it can freeze, expand, and return to normal—without breaking. That’s a huge benefit for homes with plumbing in outside walls or unheated spaces. If a customer has had burst copper pipes in the past, we’ll go in and replace them with PEX, and we’ll typically add insulation for extra protection.
Copper Pipes Can Burst
Copper doesn’t handle freezing well. When temperatures drop, frozen water inside can split the pipe. That’s why we often replace copper in problem areas with insulated PEX.
3. Water Flow and Fittings
Copper Provides Full Flow
Another reason copper is still preferred by some plumbers is that it allows full water flow through its fittings. There’s no reduction at connection points, which makes copper ideal for consistent pressure.
PEX Has Some Restrictions
Some PEX fittings go inside the pipe, which can slightly restrict water flow—especially in PEX B systems. That’s why we talk with customers about the type of PEX being used. Here’s what you should know:
- PEX A: Offers great flexibility and no flow restriction.
- PEX B: More rigid and can have slight flow restriction due to how fittings are inserted.
We often use PEX A when flow is a priority, or when the job calls for tight turns and cold-weather resilience.
4. Why More Homes Are Moving to PEX
At Dick Ray, we believe PEX is where the future of plumbing is going. While copper still has its place, especially in high-demand or visible areas, PEX has quickly become our go-to for full-home repipes—especially in colder climates or areas prone to freezing.
With quicker installation, fewer fittings, and the ability to withstand freezing without damage, it’s no surprise that more homeowners are choosing PEX over copper.
In Summary
When weighing PEX vs. copper, it really comes down to your home’s layout, your budget, and how your plumbing will be used. Copper is tried and true, offers full flow, and lasts a long time—but it’s more expensive and vulnerable to cold. PEX is faster to install, handles freezing well, and is much more forgiving when it comes to repairs and remodels.
If you’ve had issues with burst pipes or are thinking about a whole-home repipe, contact us. We’ll help you choose the best system for your needs and make sure your plumbing is built to last.
