Can PEX pipe be replaced with copper?
If you want to save a few bucks, PEX gives you the option to replace only specific sections of your plumbing system since copper and PEX piping are interchangeable. Consult a professional plumber near you to learn more about installing PEX in your home.
Is copper piping still the best choice for plumbing?
For many, copper piping is the go-to plumbing product. To be fair, copper was the only option on the market for years, so the choice wasn’t exactly a hard one to make. But the plumbing world has a new contender these days and it’s all the rage.
Is it time to replace your Pipes?
There are a lot of reasons to replace sections of piping or even your whole piping system. In some circumstances, keeping old or corroded pipes is not only dangerous, it’s expensive.
What type of pipe should I use to replace my pipes?
If you do need to replace your existing pipes, PEX — or, cross-linked polyethylene flexible tubing — is certainly one of the more popular options, and for a number of reasons. To start, PEX is easy to install because it’s flexible. Your plumber can install it much faster than he or she could install rigid copper pipes.
What is PEX Piping?
PEX pipe is a newer alternative to copper and galvanized piping. First introduced in the 1980s, most plumbers now fit new construction homes with PEX, as well as remodeling projects.
How long does PEX last?
Copper pipes have been around for centuries. In residential settings, it’s not uncommon for them to last 50 years or more.
Why is PEX so easy to install?
To start, PEX is easy to install because it’s flexible. Your plumber can install it much faster than he or she could install rigid copper pipes. Second, PEX costs less than copper. Coupled with the quicker installation, the savings over installing copper pipes can be significant.
Is PEX pipe used in California?
PEX, by contrast, has only been used in U.S. residential plumbing for the past 30 years or so; and it was only approved a few years ago for use in California. Because of that, some homeowners might still prefer copper. PEX can also be susceptible to damage from ultraviolet rays from the sun.
Do plumbers need permits to work with PEX?
Plumbers working with PEX should be certified by the product manufacturer. Should the product not be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions , they could voi d the warranty.
Is PEX tubing interchangeable?
Both types are interchangeable. If you do need to replace your existing pipes, PEX — or, cross-linked polyethylene flexible tubing — is certainly one of the more popular options, and for a number of reasons. To start, PEX is easy to install because it’s flexible.
Can copper pipes be replaced with PEX?
Written by Angie Hicks. Updated June 8, 2015. Although copper pipes are know for their longevity, many homeowners choose to replace copper with PEX piping. (Photo by Katelin Kinney)
iateyoubutler
I wouldn`t worry too much. Mine are all almost 45 years old, and my auntie/uncle can go one further. In the very early 1970`s they replaced their open fire and back boiler (I think from the 1950`s) with a gas fire and back boiler, using the existing pipework and adding on the rest of the central heating system at the same time.
Madrab
The only issue I see from old copper is the 3/4" old pipe and fittings. The old 3/4" pipe is a nightmare when there's problems as 22mm will not happily fit onto it. Luckily that's easily rectified by a 3/4 > 22mm soldered adapter.
Madrab
Not if you're a DIY'er, which a lot of the people on here are and where the reply is directed towards. Not everyone's a consummate professional like you.
durhamplumber
The only issue I see from old copper is the 3/4" old pipe and fittings. The old 3/4" pipe is a nightmare when there's problems as 22mm will not happily fit onto it. Luckily that's easily rectified by a 3/4 > 22mm soldered adapter.
DIYnot Local
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
How much does it cost to replace copper plumbing?
Replacing all of the plumbing in a 1,500 square foot, two-bathroom home with copper piping costs between $8,000 and $10,000. But using PEX would cost just $4,000 to $6,000, according to Gove. That’s because of lower material and labor costs.
When do you replace plumbing lines?
Replace when you renovate. Whenever you remodel a portion of your house, take the opportunity to inspect—and if need be, replace —any plumbing lines that you expose when you open up the walls and floors. This includes not only the plumbing in the kitchen or bathroom that you’re remaking, but also any pipes passing through the walls to feed upstairs bathrooms.
How to tell if a pipe is corroded?
If your house is more than about 60 years old, make it an annual ritual to look at any exposed pipe—in basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms—for telltale signs of trouble. Check the tubing for discoloration, stains, dimpling, pimples, or flaking, which are all indications of corrosion. If you find irregularities, bring in a plumber to do an inspection.
How much does it cost to replace a plumbing system?
For a 1,500 square-foot, two-bathroom home, you’ll pay between $2,000 and $6,000 or more to replace just the exposed plumbing.
What is the most likely cause of water damage when a supply pipe leaks?
Supply pipes (under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damage when they leak)
What happens if you replace plumbing?
Unless you replace plumbing, you’re eventually going to get leaks—and possibly a flood of water or raw sewage into your home that causes thousands of dollars in damage to your building and belongings.
Do old pipes need to be replaced?
If your pipes are older than these guidelines, it doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be replaced. Well-maintained pipes may last longer, and poorly maintained ones or those in areas with hard water (meaning it has high mineral content), may fail sooner, says Passaic, N.J., plumber Joseph Gove, who supplied the lifespan estimates.
How does a plumber replace copper pipes?
Then, he turns off the main water supply and drains the plumbing system. Once the plumbing system has been drained, the plumber cuts and removes the old copper pipes , replacing them with PEX piping.
Why is PEX piping better than copper?
Long-Term Durability – Besides being more flexible and requiring fewer fittings than copper piping, PEX pipes have better chemical resistance as well as expansion and contraction rates . As a result, installing PEX piping could help you eliminate many of the potential plumbing leaks due to corrosion and failed fittings, which typically affect copper pipes.
What to do if your PEX pipes flex?
In general, installing a water pressure regulator can solve water hammer problems.
Can you replace copper pipes with PEX?
During your remodeling project, you could opt for two replacement options. If just a pipe or a section of your copper plumbing system is leaking, you could just replace it with PEX piping. But if you have an old copper plumbing system that leaks frequently in different areas of your home, you may want to consider a whole-house repipe. While most people tend to prefer replacing small sections of their plumbing systems, a whole-house repipe is actually simpler and more cost-effective than fixing frequent water leaks throughout your home.
Can a plumber fix a leaky pipe?
Regardless of the plumbing issues you have, whether it’s a leaky pipe that’s wreaking havoc on your home or copper pipes that are corroded on the inside, our skilled and experienced plumbers can accurately identify any plumbing problems and recommend the right plumbing repair or replacement strategies for your property. Contact our friendly professionals to schedule your free consultation today!
Is PEX better than copper?
Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time. They also produce less condensation on cold water lines, which could lead to fewer moisture-related problems in ceilings and walls.
Is PEX pipe cheaper than copper?
Replacing your old pipes with PEX pipes will offer you the following benefits: Lower Costs – Requiring less energy to produce, PEX is about 25% less expensive than copper. Because PEX is also lighter than copper, manufacturers can store and ship PEX piping on space-saving spools, which translates into lower shipping and handling costs.
What is the trick to a successful pipe replacement?
The trick to successful pipe replacement is to figure out what went wrong and to ensure that the problem doesn’t happen again. That means we do a full post-mortem on your plumbing to see what went wrong and what we can do about it.
Why do you need to replace a section of piping?
There are a lot of reasons to replace sections of piping or even your whole piping system. In some circumstances, keeping old or corroded pipes is not only dangerous, it’s expensive. Pipes that need replacing can be the source of all kinds of pervasive plumbing problems.
How do old pipes affect water pressure?
Older or worn-out pipes can have all kinds of negative effects on your whole plumbing system. Corrosion or blockages deep in your pipes can interfere with water pressure by preventing the water flowing through your pipes from gaining momentum. This can lower the effectiveness of your water-based appliances and also makes clogs more likely.
Why do old pipes clog?
Corrosion or build-ups of scale or other minerals can materialize on the inside of older pipe’s walls, forcing the water to work harder to push through to you. This will raise your water bill and eventually lead to full clogs. Given a severe-enough block, pressure could rise in your pipes and cause them to tear, rupture, or even burst. Replacing corroded pipes is annoying. Replacing drywall, insulation, flooring, and ceilings that are ruined by water damage is very annoying.
What does it mean when your pipes are corroded?
If one pipe is that corroded, it probably means your whole system is either old or compromised somehow. Usually when we see that nasty brown water, we recommend a full plumbing inspection at the very least, and usually a full pipe replacement service.
What happens if your water pipes are corroded?
The good news: if your pipes are really corroded, it’s hard to miss. Extensive corrosion will make your water turn the color of rust. It will taste metallic (we don’t recommend drinking it) and sometimes even have visible flecks floating in it. Nasty. The bad news: If your pipes are that corroded, you’ve got problems.
Is drinking water hard on pipes?
Chemicals added to drinking water can sometimes have a pH value that disagrees with your pipes. This produces an acidic factor in that water that is tough on pipe walls. Hot water and hard water also have corrosive properties. Hot water is harder on metals and hard water contains minerals that scrape away at pipe walls.
