CPVC vs PEX vs Copper: Choosing The Best Plumbing Pipe

Choosing the right plumbing option for your home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the materials and their benefits. The three most popular types of plumbing materials are CPVC, PEX, and copper.

So, what should you choose among CPVC vs PEX vs copper? Each material has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. And it’s essential to know which option is best suited for your home’s plumbing needs.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each material and compare their pros and cons so that you can decide which plumbing option is right for your home.

Brief Overview of Different Piping Systems

To know more about how they go up head to head, let us first get a brief idea about each of these pipes!

CPVC piping

• CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipe comes in a range of diameters, from 1/2 inch to 2 inches, to suit residential and commercial plumbing needs.
• It is also relatively inexpensive, costing 20 to 50 percent less than copper pipe.
• However, CPVC pipe may not last as long as copper, typically needing replacement after 25-30 years versus 50-70 years for copper.
•   To install a CPVC pipe, you will need CPVC fittings and cement or glue to join the pipes and fittings.

Be very careful when applying the cement, as it can irritate the eyes and skin. CPVC pipe cuts easily but requires sanding and cleaning before applying cement.

PEX pipe

PEX pipe, or cross-linked polyethylene, is another popular option for residential plumbing.

• PEX is flexible plastic tubing that is durable and resistant to chemicals found in plumbing systems.
• It is easy to install as it comes in long coils that bend around corners and obstacles.
• Besides, it requires fewer joints and connections than rigid pipes like copper.
• PEX can simply be cut to length on site and connected using compression fittings and rings that grip the pipe.
• PEX is very durable and long-lasting. It is resistant to corrosion, chlorine, and minerals found in water.
•   PEX can last up to 50 years and comes with manufacturer warranties of up to 25 years.

Copper pipe

• Copper pipes are made of copper metal.
• Copper is the most durable, longest-lasting option and is resistant to high heat, freezing, and corrosion.
• However, copper pipes tend to be the most expensive plumbing pipe and require soldering for installation and repair.
•   Copper can also leach small amounts of the metal into the water, especially in new plumbing systems.

Factors You Should Consider Choosing Plumbing Pipe

If you have to consider the best plumbing option for your home, there are three main materials to use: CPVC, PEX, and copper. All of them have pros and cons, and it’s essential to keep these things in mind to make a better choice.

The ideal plumbing pipe for your needs depends on factors like:

• Installation costs
• Durability and lifespan
• Water temperature and quality
• Plumbing application (e.g. potable water, radiant heat)
•   Susceptibility to scale or microbial buildup

For your plumbing needs, evaluate how these factors align with your priorities and budget. With regular maintenance, any of these pipe materials can provide high-quality plumbing for your home.

Comparing CPVC vs PEX vs Copper Pipes

Below is a table to compare the three pipes

Factors	CPVC Pipe	PEX Pipe	Copper Pipe
Lifespan	Can last about 40 years	Can last for up to 40 years	Can last for 50 years or more
Durability	More likely to burst in freezing temperature	Flexible in Freezing temperature	More likely to burst in freezing temperature
Water Temperature(Hot)	High-temperature tolerance up to 200 degrees F.	Excellent Insulator for reducing heat loss	Excellent Conductor of heat
			Ideal for carrying hot water from the pipe to faucets
Water Temperature (Cold)	Becomes Brittle in extremely cold climate	Ideal in freezing temperature	Can tolerate cold temperature
Ease of Installation	Requires fewer settings of tools	Requires fewer tools	Labour intensive
		Can be bent to fit into tight spaces without needing specialized tools	Requires specialized tools
Reliability	Chemicals in CPVC pipes can potentially leach into the drinking water	Chemicals in PEX pipes can potentially leach into the drinking water	Less prone to leaching chemicals or other health hazards
Installation Cost	Most cost-effective	Less expensive	Costly
Environmental Impact	Made from a type of plastic called chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, which has a lower impact on the environment than traditional PVC	Made from high-density polyethylene, which is a recyclable material that produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions during production	The mining and extraction of copper can have a significant environmental impact, including water pollution and habitat destruction
	Plastic-based materials can have negative impacts on the environment if not disposed of properly
		Plastic-based materials have negative impacts on the environment if not disposed of properly	Requires a lot of energy to produce and transport, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions
	Easier to produce & transport
Building Codes & Regulations	They have a lower heat tolerance than copper pipes and require special fittings for connections	Some building codes require PEX pipes to be protected from UV light, which can cause the pipes to degrade over time	Widely used in residential plumbing due to their durability
	Some building codes require CPVC pipes to be covered with insulation to prevent them from melting or catching fire in the event of a house fire		Require soldering, which involves a high-temperature torch and lead-based solder. This method is highly regulated and requires specialized training to prevent accidents
Microbial Build up	Can build up bacteria over time	A good choice for areas with hard water as it resists mineral buildup	Resistant to bacterial build-up
Maintenance	Needs high maintenance	Needs minimal maintenance	Needs most high maintenance
			Rusts over time
	Prone to cracking or leaking over time	Resistant to Corrosion	Prone to corrosion

In summary, PEX and CPVC offer advantages in cost, flexibility, and ease of installation. However, copper piping is the most durable and reliable.

Which Pipe Is Best for Your Plumbing Needs?

When selecting a plumbing pipe for your home, there are several options to consider: CPVC, PEX, and copper. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and budget.

CPVC Pipe

• Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride or CPVC pipe is a popular, low-cost option.
• CPVC can handle high temperatures and pressures.
• But it may release toxic chemicals if overheated and requires a special solvent to join pipes.
•   CPVC pipe is best for hot and cold water supply lines.

PEX Tubing

• Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX tubing is extremely durable and flexible.
• PEX is also resistant to scale and chlorine, preventing buildup in water heaters and water softeners.
• However, PEX may be damaged by exposure to UV light and high heat. P
•   PEX tubing is ideal for radiant heating systems and repiping projects where flexibility and low cost are priorities.

Copper Pipe

• Copper pipe is the most traditional and long-lasting option.
• Copper resists corrosion and microbial growth, and it does not leach chemicals into the water supply.
• However, copper is expensive, difficult to install, and can be damaged by acidic water.
•   Copper pipe works well for any plumbing application but is best suited for potable water supply lines where durability and purity are most important.

Frequently Asked Questions For Best Plumbing Pipe

Now that you know all about pipe materials, let’s look into some of the most common queries people have regarding them!

Q: What are the advantages of using CPVC pipes?

CPVC pipes are affordable, durable, and resistant to corrosion. They also have a high-temperature tolerance and can withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: What are the disadvantages of using copper pipes?

Copper pipes can be expensive and require special tools for installation. They are also prone to freezing and may corrode if exposed to certain chemicals or minerals in the water supply.

Q: Which type of pipe is the most environmentally friendly among CPVC vs PEX vs Copper?

PEX piping is considered to be the most environmentally friendly option because it requires less energy to produce than copper or CPVC pipes. Additionally, PEX pipes can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.

Conclusion

As a homeowner, choosing the right plumbing pipe for your needs is an important decision. After weighing the pros and cons of the three most popular options – CPVC vs PEX vs copper – you now have the information to select the best material for your plumbing system.

Consider your budget, water quality, ease of installation, and longevity to determine which pipe suits your situation. The pipes you select today will be delivering water to your home for generations.