Switching out a tub for a walk-in shower: copper vs. PEX pipes?

Haven’t had any PEX issues behind tile so far, and I’ve done a couple showers with it. The stuff’s pretty tough, but I do get a little nervous about rodents - heard they can chew through if they’re determined. Otherwise, seems to hold up better than old copper ever did for me.

I’ve noticed the same thing - PEX is way easier to work with, and I haven’t had any leaks behind tile either. The rodent thing does worry me a bit, but honestly, I’ve seen copper get pinhole leaks from corrosion way sooner than I expected. If you’re careful about how you run the PEX and keep it away from spots where critters might get in, it seems to last. I do like that it’s quieter than copper too... no banging pipes when you shut off the water fast.

- Ran into a similar situation last year on a bathroom remodel - PEX made the job way faster, especially in tight spaces behind the new shower.
- One thing I always do: add metal plates where PEX runs through studs, just in case someone ever drills or nails into the wall later.
- I’ve seen mice chew through both PEX and insulation, but honestly, copper isn’t immune to issues either... had to replace a whole section once due to pinholes from bad water chemistry.
- Noise reduction is a big plus with PEX. No more “water hammer” when someone shuts off a valve too quick.
- Still, I always double-check for UV exposure if any lines are near windows - PEX doesn’t like sunlight much. Just something to keep in mind.

Had to laugh at the “mice chew through both PEX and insulation” bit - been there, patched that. I swear, if mice ever unionize, we’re all doomed.

I’ll admit, I was a copper loyalist for years, but after wrestling with those old pipes in a crawlspace (and losing), I switched to PEX for my last shower project. Total game changer. Way easier to snake through weird angles, and my back thanked me later.

“add metal plates where PEX runs through studs, just in case someone ever drills or nails into the wall later.”

This is clutch. Nothing like the thrill of hanging a picture and hitting a water line... ask me how I know.

Only thing I still worry about is the UV thing - my bathroom’s got a window right by the shower, so I wrapped the exposed PEX in some leftover pipe insulation. Not pretty, but it works.

Copper’s great if you’ve got the patience (and a torch), but for DIYers who want to keep their eyebrows, PEX is hard to beat.

Metal plates are a must - I’ve seen too many “mystery leaks” traced back to a rogue screw. I’m with you on the UV thing, though. Even with insulation, I sometimes wonder if it’s enough in a sunny spot. Anyone ever tried painting PEX for extra protection, or is that just asking for trouble?

Anyone ever tried painting PEX for extra protection, or is that just asking for trouble?

I’ve wondered about painting PEX too, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the risk. Paint might not stick well, and if it starts to flake, you could end up with more problems than you started with. I’d rather spend a few extra bucks on better insulation or just make sure the runs are out of direct sunlight. Sometimes “budget fixes” just aren’t worth the headache down the line. That said, I totally agree - metal plates are cheap insurance. Seen too many folks skip them and regret it.

I get the temptation to try a quick fix, but I’ve seen paint peel off PEX after a year or two, especially in damp spots. If you’re worried about UV or physical damage, have you looked into those snap-on covers or conduit? Curious if anyone’s had luck with those for shower installs.

If you’re worried about UV or physical damage, have you looked into those snap-on covers or conduit? Curious if anyone’s had luck with those for shower installs.

Honestly, I’ve tried those snap-on covers in a couple of tight bathroom renos. They’re decent for protecting PEX from dings, but in a shower setup, moisture always finds a way in. I’ve seen condensation build up inside the conduit, which can actually trap water against the pipe. Ever notice any long-term issues with that? I’m still leaning copper for exposed runs, just for peace of mind, but maybe I’m being too old-school.

Yeah, I’ve seen that same condensation issue crop up inside conduit - especially in humid bathrooms. It’s kind of ironic, since you’re trying to protect the PEX but end up with water sitting right against it anyway. In my experience, copper just feels more bulletproof for exposed runs, even if it’s a bit more work upfront. That said, I’ve seen PEX hold up fine behind walls as long as it’s not getting knocked around or exposed to sunlight. Maybe it’s just habit, but I still trust copper more where you can see it.

I get what you mean about copper feeling sturdier, especially where it’s visible. I went with PEX behind the walls for my shower swap, but stuck with copper for the exposed bits. Less worry about dings or UV, and honestly, it just looks cleaner to me. The condensation thing with PEX in conduit is a pain - never thought about it until I saw a puddle under my vanity one morning.

The condensation thing with PEX in conduit is a pain - never thought about it until I saw a puddle under my vanity one morning.

Yeah, that’s a sneaky one. I’ve seen more than a few folks get caught off guard by that - PEX sweats like crazy in certain setups. Copper’s definitely got the edge for exposed spots, both for looks and durability. You made a solid call mixing the two.

That’s wild - I never would’ve guessed PEX could sweat that much. I’m in the middle of planning a bathroom reno and was leaning toward PEX for the flexibility, but now I’m second-guessing it for the exposed runs. Did you have to do anything special to fix the condensation issue, or was it just a matter of switching to copper in those spots? It’s kind of reassuring to hear mixing them isn’t a big deal. Makes me feel less nervous about not going all-in on one material.

- Yeah, PEX sweating caught me off guard too.
- I ended up just wrapping the exposed PEX with some cheap pipe insulation - nothing fancy, but it helped a lot.
- Mixing copper and PEX isn’t a big deal if you use the right fittings.
- Honestly, I’d still go mostly PEX for the cost and ease, just insulate where it’s exposed.
- Copper looks cleaner if you care about that, but my wallet didn’t.

PEX sweating is like that one guest who shows up uninvited and just lingers... I’ve seen it more times than I’d like to admit. Wrapping exposed PEX with insulation is a solid move - cheap, quick, and it actually works. Just make sure you don’t leave any gaps or you’ll get those weird condensation puddles under the shower.

Mixing copper and PEX is totally fine if you use the proper transition fittings (brass or those fancy SharkBite ones). Just double-check your local code - some places get picky about dielectric unions and such. I’ve had clients who insisted on copper for “the look,” but honestly, once the wall’s closed up, nobody’s peeking at your pipes unless they’re lost.

If you’re doing the swap yourself, PEX is way more forgiving. Less torch work, fewer burns, and you can snake it through tight spots without cursing at the studs. Just don’t cheap out on the support brackets or you’ll hear the pipes knocking every time someone showers. Learned that one the hard way...

Just don’t cheap out on the support brackets or you’ll hear the pipes knocking every time someone showers. Learned that one the hard way...

Man, that pipe knocking is like a haunted house soundtrack - tenants complain every time. I’ll add: if you’re running PEX near any heat source (like a vent), give it some breathing room or you’ll get expansion noises too. Copper looks nice, but after drywall, it’s just bragging rights for your plumber.

That’s a good point about PEX and heat - those little expansion creaks can get surprisingly loud. I’ve actually found PEX easier to work with, especially when trying to minimize waste and avoid harsh chemicals during installation. Copper is durable, but I do worry about the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing it. Has anyone noticed a difference in water taste or quality between the two? I’ve heard mixed things, but not sure if it’s just anecdotal.

I’ve definitely heard folks say water tastes different with PEX, but honestly, I can’t tell much of a difference myself. Maybe my taste buds are just lazy, who knows. The only time I noticed anything weird was when a buddy installed PEX in his basement and didn’t flush the lines enough - first few glasses tasted kinda plasticky, but it went away after a day or two. Copper’s got that “old school” vibe and yeah, it’s solid, but man, sweating those joints is not my favorite way to spend an afternoon. Plus, I always end up with at least one little burn on my hand.

The creaking from PEX is real though. First time I heard it in my own place, I thought something was living in the walls... turns out it was just the pipes settling in. As for the environmental stuff, I get what you mean about copper mining - PEX seems a bit friendlier on that front. At the end of the day, both get the job done, but PEX is just way easier to wrangle if you’re working solo or in tight spots.

I’m with you on the “sweating copper joints” pain - tried it once, and let’s just say my hands looked like I’d been wrestling a soldering iron. PEX is a lot more forgiving, especially if you’re not a pro plumber. The flexibility alone is a game changer when you’re trying to snake lines through weird corners or tight crawlspaces. I did my laundry room with PEX last year and honestly, it was almost fun compared to the copper nightmare in my kitchen.

On the water taste thing, I’ve heard people swear they can tell, but I’m not convinced. Maybe if you’re super sensitive? I did notice a faint plastic smell the first day after install, but after running the taps for a bit, it disappeared. If you’re worried about that, just flush the lines really well before using them for drinking water.

Creaking pipes are definitely a thing with PEX, especially if they’re not clipped down tight or if they’re rubbing against wood. It freaked me out at first too - thought I had mice or something. A few extra pipe supports fixed it for me.

From a budget angle, PEX is hard to beat. The fittings and tools are cheaper, and you don’t need to buy a torch or flux or any of that stuff. Plus, if you mess up a joint, it’s way easier to cut out and redo than with copper. Only downside I’ve run into is that PEX doesn’t love direct sunlight or high heat, so keep that in mind if your shower wall gets a lot of sun or you’re running lines near something hot.

Copper does have that “built to last” feel, but unless you’re planning to stay in your house for 50 years or want to impress future archaeologists, PEX gets the job done for less hassle and money. Just my two cents from someone who’s pinched a few too many pennies on home projects...

You nailed it about PEX being easier to work with, especially in tight spots. One thing I’d add - if you’re running PEX for a shower, make sure you use the right type (usually PEX-A or PEX-B) and check local code, since some places still want copper for certain connections. I’ve seen a few installs where folks didn’t use enough support brackets and the pipes ended up sagging over time, which can mess with water flow. Copper does feel more “permanent,” but for most bathroom renos, PEX is just way more practical. Just keep it away from anything that gets really hot, like you mentioned.

I’ve seen a few installs where folks didn’t use enough support brackets and the pipes ended up sagging over time, which can mess with water flow.

That’s spot on - seen that myself in a couple rentals. PEX is super forgiving to work with, but if you skip those brackets, you’ll regret it later. I still remember fixing a shower line that drooped just enough to make the water pressure weird. Copper does feel sturdier, but for quick renos, PEX wins for me every time.