I’ve run into that “wiggly valve” issue a few times when folks used PEX right up to the shower body without a proper drop-ear or support bracket. It’s one of those things that doesn’t seem like a big deal until you’re tiling and realize the valve moves every time you touch it. I always recommend using a solid drop-ear elbow and anchoring it to blocking—PEX is great, but it just doesn’t hold things rigid like copper does.
One thing I’d add: if you’re working in older homes with weird framing, sometimes copper actually makes life easier for those last few inches. You can sweat up a little stub-out and know it’ll stay put forever. But for the runs in the wall or crawlspace, PEX is hard to beat for speed and flexibility. I’ve seen copper pinhole from acidic water, too—had to re-pipe a whole section once because of that.
Critters are another story... I’ve pulled out copper lines with chew marks, but PEX seems to be their favorite snack. Metal sleeves or conduit in vulnerable spots is cheap insurance. At the end of the day, both systems have their quirks—just comes down to what fits the job and your patience level.
I hear you on the “wiggly valve” thing—been there, cursed at that.
Couldn’t agree more. I tried to save a few bucks and skipped the drop-ear once... ended up with a shower handle that felt like it was mounted in Jell-O. Lesson learned. For me, PEX is awesome for the long runs (and my wallet), but I’ll splurge on copper or at least a solid bracket for those last few inches. Also, if I see one more mouse treat my pipes like a buffet, I’m charging them rent.“PEX is great, but it just doesn’t hold things rigid like copper does.”
Man, the Jell-O handle thing is too real. I thought I could get away with just PEX and a plastic bracket once—nope, wobbliest shower valve ever. Have you tried those metal drop-ear elbows with PEX? They’re kind of a pain to line up, but they make a world of difference for stability. Also, what’s with mice and PEX? I swear, they treat it like a snack bar... copper must taste terrible to them or something.
Also, what’s with mice and PEX? I swear, they treat it like a snack bar... copper must taste terrible to them or something.
Yeah, the mouse buffet thing is real. I’ve seen chewed-through PEX more times than I’d like to admit—never once with copper. It’s wild, because everyone says PEX is the future, but nobody talks about the rodent issue until you’re patching leaks at 2am. Those metal drop-ears are a pain to get just right, but honestly, worth it if you want your valve to feel solid. Stick with it—you’ll get there.
Yeah, I've seen the same thing—PEX seems to be a magnet for rodents. Copper's definitely less appealing to them, probably because of the taste or maybe just how tough it is. That said, PEX does have its advantages in terms of flexibility and install speed, but you really have to think about where you're running it. If there's any chance mice can get in, I'd lean toward copper or at least make sure the PEX is well protected. Those late-night leak calls aren't worth the headache.