Switching Out a Tub for a Walk-In Shower: Copper vs. PEX Pipes?
I’ve never had a mouse chew through my PEX (knock on wood), but I did once find a squirrel in my attic with a taste for insulation, so I get the paranoia. Here’s how I look at it: if you’re sealing up every possible entry point and not leaving out a buffet of crumbs, the odds of rodents getting under your slab seem pretty low. But then again, Murphy’s Law loves to visit during home renos.
When I swapped out my tub last year, I went with PEX because it’s just so much easier to work with—especially if you’re not a pro with a torch. The flexibility is great for tight spaces, and the fittings are basically foolproof. That said, if you’re losing sleep over the idea of mice gnawing away under your floor, copper might give you more peace of mind (and maybe fewer nightmares about surprise indoor fountains).
Honestly, unless you’ve got an active rodent problem or live somewhere they treat PEX like bubblegum, I’d say go with what fits your skill level and budget. Just don’t forget to double-check those seals and maybe toss some steel wool in any suspicious gaps... learned that one the hard way.
The flexibility is great for tight spaces, and the fittings are basically foolproof.
Couldn’t agree more on PEX being a game-changer for DIYers. I’ve sweated copper before and honestly, it’s a pain unless you’re really comfortable with a torch (and don’t mind the occasional singed knuckle). One thing I’d add—PEX also handles freeze-thaw cycles better, which matters if your pipes run close to exterior walls. Copper’s solid, but it’s not forgiving if you ever get a cold snap and miss some insulation. For most modern homes, PEX just makes sense unless you’ve got a vintage vibe or serious rodent issues.
I hear that about sweating copper—I tried it once and the only thing I managed to sweat was myself. PEX definitely feels more forgiving, especially for someone like me who’s just figuring out which end of the wrench to use. Quick question though: anyone had issues with rodents actually chewing through PEX? My neighbor swears it happened to her, but I’m not sure if that’s an urban legend or a real risk. For now, I’m leaning PEX just for my own sanity (and fingers).
Rodents chewing through PEX isn’t just a myth—seen it firsthand in a couple of crawlspaces. It’s not super common, but it does happen, especially if you’ve got a mouse problem already. Still, I’d pick PEX over copper for ease of install any day. Just make sure to keep the area sealed up and maybe run the pipe through conduit if you’re really worried. Copper’s tougher, but it’s a pain unless you’re already good with a torch.
I’ve had PEX chewed a couple times too, but honestly, if you’re keeping up with pest control and sealing up gaps, it’s usually not a big issue. Copper’s solid, sure, but sweating joints in tight spaces is a headache. PEX just makes the job way easier for most folks. If you’re worried, a little conduit or even metal tape in problem spots can go a long way.