Copper vs. CPVC vs. PEX Tubing: Understanding the Benefits and Limitations

Piping options are like wrenches: plenty will get the job done, but every experienced plumber has their favorite for a reason. When comparing copper vs. PVC vs. PEX tubing, the debate often comes down to key factors like ease of installation, life expectancy, and cost. Each material has distinct strengths, making the choice highly dependent on your project’s needs. 

Understanding the nuances of piping materials — like the durability of copper pipe, the chemical resistance of CPVC, and the flexibility of PEX — empowers contractors to make informed decisions for technicians and homeowners alike. Whether you prioritize affordability or long-term reliability, today’s copper vs. PVC vs. PEX showdown will help pick the right fit for any job. 

Prepare to Compare Copper vs. CPVC vs. PEX Tubing

Every professional plumber has encountered the copper vs. PVC vs. PEX debate at least once in their career, but chances are, you repeat this dilemma with every plumbing project. It often pops up when repairing residential plumbing systems in older homes with galvanized piping. 

These zinc-coated metal pipes corrode as they age, restricting water flow and releasing hazardous chemicals into the drinking water — and no one wants a glass full of lead poisoning. However, there are tons of other plumbing projects that require new piping options, such as:

• Planning the material and labor cost for new construction, where entire plumbing systems are installed from scratch 
• Replacing residential water supply lines, where piping must run hot and cold potable water to fixtures in homes 
• Remodeling and retrofitting systems, where the installation process involves adapting the existing infrastructure 
• Designing radiant floor heating or outdoor plumbing systems, where flexibility and temperature resistance are key

Each plumbing material offers contractors and homeowners specific benefits. While copper is known for its durability, CPVC is better suited for hot water, and PEX is preferred for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Let’s dive into the benefits and limitations of each option. 

Copper Piping: Exceptionally Durable but Increasingly Costly

Copper plumbing pipes have been the golden choice for water lines since the 1930s, and for good reason: they are extremely durable and can tolerate extreme temperatures. With a melt point of 1981°F, copper tube is fire-resistant and earthquake-tolerant. Copper installations are also widely accepted by all building codes and do not support bacteria growth, making them ideal for large-scale water projects. 

Not to mention, copper water pipes do not erode, meaning drinking water remains free of contaminants. However, despite the durability of copper, there are a few drawbacks. Compared to other plumbing materials, copper installations take the longest. It’s often more expensive and incurs higher labor costs. There’s also the potential risk of pinhole leaks, which can impact system longevity and reflect poorly on installation. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of copper pipes:

Pros

• ✓ Pro: Proven long-term durability, especially in residential plumbing systems
• ✓ Pro: Highly rated internal working pressure that can be tested within 10 minutes
• ✓ Pro: Prevents bacteria growth, fire-resistant, and earthquake-tolerant
• ✓ Pro: Easily bendable to avoid obstructions, minimizing joints

Cons

• ✘ Con: Labor-intensive installation process that requires an experienced plumber onsite
• ✘ Con: Potential for pinhole leaks with the use of water softenersor high pH
• ✘ Con: Some report a metallic aftertaste in drinking water 
• ✘ Con: Likely to experience thermal loss and require an insulating jacket

PVC and CPVC Piping: Faster to Install but Longer Curing Periods

Besides copper, PVC piping is one of the most popular plumbing materials for residential systems. PVC pipes come in a variety of sizes and fittings, with no metal work involved for installation. This means you can send more novice technicians to the job site and not worry about their welding skills. And as plastic plumbing pipes, PVC tubing does not corrode or rust.

Despite its capability for high water flow, PVC does not hold up to hot water or UV exposure outside. Likewise, PVC does have the potential to degrade and release dangerous chemicals, so it’s not safe to deliver drinking water. Thus, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes were invented. CPVC pipes include chlorine, making them safe for potable water and more durable over time.

CPVC is a more inexpensive type of piping option compared to copper, plus, it can be installed much faster. It’s more flexible and lightweight than its metal counterparts but still maintains a high resiliency to heat and high water pressure. However, unlike copper piping, CPVC piping can crack during earthquakes, which is worth considering depending on your location. 

When it comes to the copper vs. PVC vs. PEX debate, expect these pros and cons:

Pros

• ✓ Pro: CPVC has chlorine added to the material to make it safe for hot water and drinking water
• ✓ Pro: PVC and CPVC are resistant to corrosion and abrasion over time 
• ✓ Pro: PVC and CPVC are self-insulating to minimize thermal loss
• ✓ Pro: PVC and CPVC have an easy, cost-efficient installation process 

Cons

• ✘ Con: PVC does not hold up to hot water and cannot deliver drinking water
• ✘ Con: PVC and CPVC are subject to cracking during natural disasters
• ✘ Con: PVC and CPVC both require a 24-hour-minimum cure period in cold weather before pressurizing 
• ✘ Con: CPVC has a different outer diameter than PVC and copper, which can become an issue while retrofitting existing systems  

The last challenger in the copper vs. PVC vs. PEX debate is cross-linked polyethylene, better known as PEX pipe. As the newest plumbing material on the scene, PEX is a more affordable option that provides several advantages over metal pipe, including that it can handle extreme temperatures. It’s a popular choice for retrofits, as it’s highly flexible and can be snaked through walls and floors.

However, while PEX is malleable, it cannot be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV rays degrade it over time. And while it can handle hot and cold water well, it’s susceptible to rodent damage, as pests can chew directly through the tubing. Plus, PEX requires specialized fittings, tools, and crimping systems, which can rack up the costs for plumbing contractors new to the material. 

Though it’s the newest contender, PEX offers contractors several pros and cons: 

Pros

• ✓ Pro: Flexible material allows easy installation, especially in tight spaces
• ✓ Pro: Resistant to corrosion and scale buildup for long-term reliability
• ✓ Pro: More affordable compared to copper plumbing pipes
• ✓ Pro: Handles hot and cold water efficiently without significant thermal stress

Cons

• ✘ Con: UV exposure weakens the material and limits outdoor applications
• ✘ Con: Susceptible to rodent damage, potentially causing leaks in vulnerable areas
• ✘ Con: Requires specialized tools and fittings, increasing upfront costs 
• ✘ Con: May degrade faster in water systems with high chlorine levels 

What Plumbing Materials Suit Your Business?

So, what material wins in the battle between copper vs. PVC vs. PEX? When long-term durability and fire resistance are the key to a project, choose copper pipe. CPVC is a more budget-friendly option with a decent life span, balancing affordability with chemical resistance. PEX is the number one pick for the cost factor and flexibility during installation, despite UV exposure limitations. 

In other words, each material offers its own benefits and limitations for performance in plumbing applications. No matter the piping option you pick, support your installations with JB Warranties plumbing warranty solutions. With plumbing plans that offer parts and labor protection, safeguard your pipework — and your business reputation — with an extended warranty.

Schedule a meeting with a JB Warranties Representative today to learn more!