Title: Switching out a tub for a walk-in shower: copper vs. PEX pipes?
part of me trusts copper more since it's what’s already in the walls
- Both have their place, but here’s what I’ve seen:
- PEX is a lot faster to run, especially in tight spots. You can snake it around corners without all the fittings copper needs.
- No real difference in water pressure if sized right. PEX is smooth inside, so friction loss is minimal.
- Taste: some folks notice a slight “plastic” taste with PEX at first, but it fades. Copper can sometimes give a metallic taste if your water’s acidic.
- Copper’s more durable in terms of UV and rodent resistance, but it’s pricier and takes more skill to solder well.
- For a shower swap, unless you’ve got exposed runs or plan to torch-solder yourself, I’d lean PEX for speed and cost. Just make sure to use good quality fittings and support it properly.
If you’re mixing the two, use proper transition fittings—don’t just jam them together. Seen some wild stuff behind walls...
I’ve swapped out a few tubs for showers in rentals, and honestly, I’ve gone both ways with the piping. One thing I always wonder about is long-term maintenance—has anyone run into issues with rodents chewing PEX? I’ve heard stories but never seen it firsthand. Copper’s definitely tougher in that sense, but like you said, it’s a pain to work with unless you’re comfortable sweating joints.
Also, for anyone who’s done a PEX-to-copper transition, do you prefer the push-fit fittings or the crimp rings? I’ve had mixed luck with the push-fits—super easy, but I’m always a little paranoid about them behind drywall. Maybe I’m just old school.
Curious if anyone’s had leaks down the line from PEX connections, especially in spots that get a lot of vibration or movement. I’m always weighing that against the upfront hassle of copper.
I’ve had mixed luck with the push-fits—super easy, but I’m always a little paranoid about them behind drywall.
Totally get that. I’ve used push-fits in a couple spots where I needed a quick fix, but I’m always double-checking for leaks before closing things up. Haven’t had rodent issues with PEX yet, but I do worry about it in crawlspaces. Crimp rings feel more solid to me, even if they’re a bit more work. Copper’s great, but yeah, sweating joints is a whole different level of patience.
I’m with you on crimp rings—they just feel more trustworthy than push-fits, especially if you’re sealing something up for good. I’ve seen a couple push-fits weep after a year or two, but maybe that’s just bad luck. Copper’s solid, but sweating joints in tight spots is a pain. Anyone actually had PEX chewed through by mice, or is that more of an urban legend? I keep hearing stories but haven’t seen it myself.
Anyone actually had PEX chewed through by mice, or is that more of an urban legend? I keep hearing stories but haven’t seen it myself.
- I’ve actually seen it once—my neighbor had a mouse get into their basement ceiling and gnaw a pinhole in the PEX. Total mess. That said, it’s not like mice are lining up for PEX buffets, but if they’re already there, they’ll chew just about anything.
- Crimp rings over push-fit, 100%. Push-fits are great for quick fixes but I just don’t trust them behind drywall. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I like knowing it’s clamped down for good.
- Copper is nice and all, but like you said, sweating joints in a crawlspace or behind a stud? No thanks. I’ve burnt my share of insulation trying to get a clean joint.
- For showers, I’ve switched to PEX with crimp rings and haven’t looked back. Just make sure you keep it away from places where critters can get in, and you’re golden.
- If you’re really worried about mice, I’ve heard some folks run PEX through conduit or use metal plates where it passes through studs. Probably overkill unless you live in a rodent hotspot.
Honestly, if you’re sealing up a wall, I’d go PEX with crimps and just double-check for any mouse highways before you close things up.
