Honestly, I wouldn’t knock SharkBites too hard—they’ve saved my bacon more than once in emergencies, and I’ve seen plenty hold up for years without a drip. The trick is prepping the pipe right and not reusing fittings. As for resale, I’ve done inspections where buyers didn’t bat an eye at PEX, even mixed with copper. Around here, code’s fine with both as long as it’s installed right. I get the copper nostalgia, but PEX isn’t just “budget” anymore—it’s legit if you don’t cut corners.
Switching out a tub for a walk-in shower: copper vs. PEX pipes?
- Totally get where you’re coming from on SharkBites. I’ve had my fair share of “oh crap” moments where they were a lifesaver, especially when you’re staring at a puddle and the hardware store’s about to close. Prepping the pipe is everything—any grit or burrs and you’re asking for leaks down the line.
- I’ve noticed the same thing during open houses in my area. Buyers used to ask a lot more questions about PEX, but now? Most don’t even blink. Seems like as long as the install looks clean and there’s no hack job visible, people are fine with a mix of copper and PEX.
- Copper’s got that “forever” reputation, but I’m with you—PEX isn’t just for cheap flips anymore. It’s flexible (literally and figuratively), and in tight spaces behind a new shower, that makes life a lot easier. Plus, you don’t have to worry about torching your house down sweating joints.
- Only thing I’d add is to double-check your local code if you’re doing it yourself. Some places still have weird rules about exposed PEX or require certain types of fittings in walls. Not fun to tear out a wall later because an inspector wants a different bracket.
- One minor thing—while SharkBites are great for emergencies or tricky spots, I’d still lean toward crimp or expansion fittings for anything permanent, especially behind tile. Just feels better knowing it’s not a push-fit holding back water for the next 20 years.
- All in all, PEX is solid if you respect the basics: clean cuts, proper support, and no shortcuts. I get the nostalgia for copper, but for a modern shower swap, PEX just makes sense unless you’ve got a specific reason to stick with metal.
- Had a friend who insisted on all copper for a bathroom reno... three months later he was cursing at pinholes from old flux residue he missed. Sometimes “old school” isn’t always the safer bet.
You’re right—done right, both systems can last. It’s more about the install than the material these days.
You’ve nailed it—install matters way more than the material these days. I’ve seen PEX jobs outlast sloppy copper work more times than I can count. SharkBites are fine in a pinch, but I wouldn’t trust them behind tile either. If you’re careful with your cuts and supports, PEX is just as reliable for a shower swap. Copper’s great, but it’s not magic—seen plenty of pinholes and bad joints over the years. Just don’t cut corners and you’ll be fine.
SharkBites are fine in a pinch, but I wouldn’t trust them behind tile either.
Couldn’t agree more on that one. People love the convenience of SharkBites, but I’ve had to open up too many walls to fix slow leaks where someone thought they could get away with using them permanently. For a quick fix or temporary setup, sure, but once it’s buried, you want something you can count on for decades.
On the copper vs PEX debate—I’ve seen both sides mess things up. Had a job last year where the homeowner insisted on copper “because it lasts forever.” Well, not if you don’t clean your joints or flux right. Ended up with green drips and pinholes in under five years. Meanwhile, I’ve pulled out PEX runs that looked as good as new after 15+ years because the installer actually cared.
Bottom line: like you said, install is everything. If you’re careful—good supports, no kinks, proper expansion—you’ll get solid results from either. But yeah...I’d still pick crimped or expansion PEX over push-fits behind tile any day.
I’ve seen way too many SharkBites used as a “set it and forget it” solution, and it always comes back to bite someone (pun intended). I get the appeal for quick fixes, but once you’re sealing things up, I’d rather sweat copper or go with crimped PEX. Honestly, I lean PEX these days—less chance of a bad joint if you’re careful, and it’s a lot more forgiving if you’re working in tight spaces. Just gotta make sure you’re using the right supports and not bending it too tight around corners.