PEX vs Copper: Which Pipes Suit Your Atlanta Home?

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Choosing between PEX and copper pipes for an Atlanta home depends on cost, climate, layout, and long-term goals. PEX is typically the better option for indoor repiping due to lower installation costs, flexibility, and resistance to scale from Georgia’s hard water. Copper offers greater longevity and performs better in outdoor or sun-exposed areas. Many Atlanta homeowners benefit from a hybrid approach that uses PEX indoors and copper where durability and exposure matter most.

PEX vs copper pipes—it’s a question some Atlanta homeowners find themselves asking when repiping or building new. Each material has distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your home’s specific needs and budget.

In this article, our team at Aaron Services will guide you through the key differences between PEX and copper pipes, helping you make an informed decision for your Atlanta home. We’ll cover everything from costs to durability, so you know exactly what to expect.

PEX and Copper Basics

PEX and copper pipes are two popular choices for plumbing in Atlanta homes, each with unique characteristics. PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible plastic tubing created by chemically bonding polyethylene molecules. This flexibility allows PEX to be snaked through walls and tight spaces with ease, making it an excellent option for complex plumbing layouts. In contrast, copper pipes are rigid metal tubes made from pure copper or copper alloys, requiring precise installation techniques.

Copper pipes stand out for their ability to transport water reliably through conduction along their smooth bores. This feature ensures consistent water flow and pressure, which is crucial for household plumbing systems. Copper pipes are joined by soldering with torches, a process that requires skilled labor but results in strong, durable connections. This rigidity and durability have made copper a longstanding choice in plumbing.

PEX pipes offer a different set of advantages, particularly in terms of installation. They use mechanical fittings like crimp rings, expansion rings, or push-fit connectors that snap together without the need for soldering. This simplifies the installation process and reduces the time and labor involved. The flexibility of PEX also means fewer fittings are necessary, which can minimize potential leak points and make maintenance easier.

Choosing between PEX and copper often depends on the specific needs of your home. If you value ease of installation and adaptability to tight spaces, PEX might be your go-to. If you prioritize durability and a tried-and-true method, copper could be more suitable. Understanding these basic differences can help you make an informed decision for your plumbing needs.

How They Handle Atlanta’s Climate

Living in Atlanta means dealing with a hot and humid climate, making PEX pipes an attractive choice for homeowners. The insulating properties of PEX help reduce heat loss in hot water lines, which is especially beneficial during those sweltering summer months. This can lead to energy savings by maintaining water temperature more efficiently. PEX is resistant to scale buildup, a common issue with Georgia’s hard water, ensuring a longer lifespan and less maintenance for your plumbing system.

Copper pipes shine in high-heat outdoor exposures. They can withstand the intense sun without degrading from UV rays, which is ideal for any outdoor plumbing needs. In areas of Atlanta prone to wildfires, copper’s superior fire resistance offers confidence. However, it’s important to consider that copper can be vulnerable to corrosion from Atlanta’s occasionally acidic municipal water, which may require additional treatment or protective measures.

Choosing between PEX and copper involves weighing these climate-specific factors. PEX’s flexibility and resistance to scale make it a practical choice for indoor plumbing, particularly in dealing with the challenges of Atlanta’s hot, humid environment. Meanwhile, copper’s durability in direct sunlight and fire-resistant properties are valuable for outdoor applications. Understanding these characteristics can help you make an informed decision that suits your home’s specific needs.

What You’ll Actually Pay

When considering the installation costs of PEX vs copper pipes for plumbing in your Atlanta home, it’s clear that PEX offers a more budget-friendly option. PEX materials are priced between $0.50 and $1.20 per foot for 1/2-inch tubing. In contrast, copper pipes run significantly higher, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $5.00 per foot, and Type L copper alone costing around $3.00 per foot. These differences in material costs can substantially impact the overall expense of your plumbing project.

For a full-home repiping job, PEX installations typically cost between $4,000 and $8,000. This price includes labor, making it a more accessible choice for many homeowners. Copper repiping can total between $10,000 and $15,000. The higher cost is largely due to the volatile prices of copper, which fluctuate with market conditions. This unpredictability can make budgeting for copper installations more challenging.

Older Atlanta homes present additional considerations that can increase costs. If your home requires wall cuts to accommodate new piping, expect a 20-30% rise in expenses regardless of whether you choose PEX or copper. This is relevant in historic neighborhoods where structural modifications are often necessary. In such cases, PEX’s flexibility might offer some labor savings, but the overall cost will still be higher due to the complexity of the work.

When deciding between PEX and copper, consider both your budget and the specific needs of your home. While PEX offers a more cost-effective solution, copper’s durability might justify its higher price in certain situations. Evaluating these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial and functional requirements.

Lifespan and Maintenance Needs

When considering the lifespan of PEX vs copper pipes, PEX typically comes with warranties covering up to 25 years and can last between 25 to 50 years. In contrast, copper pipes boast a longer lifespan, often reaching 50 to 70 years or more. This makes copper a strong contender for long-term durability in your home. The longevity of PEX is still impressive and suits many homeowners’ needs, especially if you’re looking for a cost-effective option.

Maintenance needs for these piping materials differ significantly. PEX pipes require minimal upkeep, with the main task being an annual flushing to remove any sediment buildup. This straightforward process can easily be managed by homeowners, making PEX a low-maintenance choice. Copper pipes demand more attention, needing biennial inspections for pinhole leaks or the appearance of a green patina, which could indicate corrosion.

For those who enjoy DIY projects, both PEX and copper offer some opportunities. PEX fittings can be tightened by homeowners, especially if crimps become loose over time, typically needing an annual check. Copper repairs, however, usually require professional intervention due to the need for soldering, which can be more complex and demanding. This distinction might influence your choice if you prefer handling maintenance tasks personally.

Which One Fits Your Home’s Layout Best?

When considering the layout of your Atlanta home, PEX-A pipes stand out for retrofits due to their exceptional bendability. This flexibility allows PEX-A to navigate around existing obstacles without the need for additional fittings, making it ideal for older homes where structural changes are minimal. In contrast, PEX-B is a budget-friendly option for new constructions. Its cost-effectiveness doesn’t compromise its ability to adapt to straightforward layouts, ensuring a smooth installation process.

For those prioritizing durability and cost balance, Type L copper pipes are a solid choice in Atlanta homes. While they require more labor during installation due to their rigidity, their strength makes them suitable for areas where high water pressure is a concern, such as near hot water heaters. Copper’s resilience to UV exposure makes it the preferred material for outdoor lines, providing confidence for exterior plumbing needs.

Complex home layouts benefit significantly from PEX’s superior flexibility. Unlike copper, PEX can be installed with fewer connections, reducing the potential for leaks and simplifying the installation process. This adaptability is particularly advantageous in homes with intricate designs, where maneuvering around tight corners and through walls is necessary. Copper, while less flexible, remains a reliable choice for straightforward designs where its durability can be maximized.

Choosing between PEX and copper depends largely on your home’s specific layout and needs. PEX offers unmatched flexibility for complex or retrofit projects, while copper provides durability and reliability for high-pressure and outdoor applications. Understanding these differences helps ensure that your plumbing system is both efficient and cost-effective, tailored to the unique demands of your Atlanta home.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

PEX pipes, while popular for their flexibility and resistance to rust and scale, can face issues if not properly installed or maintained. Exposure to UV light can cause PEX to become brittle over time, leading to potential failures. To avoid this, ensure that PEX pipes are not exposed to direct sunlight during storage or installation. Rodents are known to chew through PEX, so consider using protective coverings or barriers in areas prone to rodent activity.

Copper pipes, though durable, are not without their challenges. They can develop pinhole leaks due to corrosion, especially in homes with acidic water. To mitigate this, regularly test your water’s pH level and consider installing a water treatment system if necessary. Copper can also suffer from scale buildup, which reduces water flow. Installing a water softener can help prevent scale formation, keeping your water flow consistent and pipes clear.

Keep an eye out for signs of plumbing issues like low water flow, discolored water, or musty odors. These could indicate problems with either PEX or copper pipes. Persistent issues should prompt a call to a professional plumber to diagnose and address the underlying cause. Regular inspections and maintenance can help catch these problems early, ensuring your plumbing system remains efficient and reliable.

Our Recommendation for Atlanta Homeowners

For homeowners in Atlanta, choosing the right type of piping is crucial given the city’s hot and humid climate. PEX pipes are an excellent choice for indoor repiping, especially in mid-range homes. They offer significant savings on installation costs and are particularly beneficial in the humid environment of Atlanta, where their quiet operation is a noticeable advantage. PEX’s flexibility makes it ideal for areas like bathrooms, where complex layouts are common.

While PEX is well-suited for indoor applications, copper pipes should not be overlooked for certain outdoor uses. In areas prone to wildfires, copper’s superior fire resistance makes it the safer choice. Copper is recommended for kitchen plumbing where durability is a priority. This dual approach allows homeowners to balance cost, safety, and functionality effectively.

The decision between PEX and copper often depends on whether you’re considering whole-home repiping or targeted upgrades. For instance, using PEX in bathrooms can save costs and reduce noise, while opting for copper in the kitchen ensures long-term reliability. This targeted approach allows you to tailor your plumbing solutions to the specific needs of different areas in your home.

The choice between PEX and copper pipes in Atlanta hinges on balancing cost, environmental factors, and specific home requirements. While PEX excels indoors in terms of cost-effectiveness and quiet operation, copper remains a strong contender for outdoor and high-risk areas. Evaluating your specific needs and consulting with a professional can help determine the best course of action for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

• PEX Vs Copper: Which Plumbing Material Is Right For You? (Ironmechanical)
• The Sustainability of PEX vs. Copper | SharkBite (SharkBite)
• PEX vs Copper Pipes | Ask This Old House (YouTube)