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

Can’t argue with the logic here. PEX has saved me a ton of headaches on turnovers - especially when you’re crawling under a rental and space is tight. I’d echo what you said about support at the bends. Had one line get a slight kink behind a vanity once, and it was a pain to track down.

“UV wrap’s smart too; seen a few lines get brittle when folks skip that step.”

That’s a detail a lot of folks miss, and it really does matter if you’ve got any runs exposed to sunlight. Copper has its place, but for most upgrades or repairs, PEX just makes sense from a time and cost perspective. If you’re not flipping a historic property, it’s almost a no-brainer.

I get why PEX is popular, especially when time’s tight and you’re dealing with awkward spaces. But I’ve seen a few too many callbacks from PEX fittings that weren’t crimped just right, or lines that got chewed up by rodents. Copper’s not perfect either - sweating joints in a crawlspace isn’t my idea of fun - but it’s got a track record for lasting decades if it’s done right. Sometimes that peace of mind is worth the extra hassle, especially if you’re not planning on revisiting the job anytime soon.

- PEX is a lifesaver in tight spots, but I’ve had to fix more than a few leaks from bad crimps or chewed lines.
- Copper’s a pain to sweat in cramped spaces, but once it’s in, you can pretty much forget about it for decades.
- If you’re not planning to open up that wall again, I’d lean copper - less chance of an emergency call later.
- That said, if rodents aren’t an issue and you trust your crimps, PEX is way faster and easier on the back.
- Personally, I’ve seen both fail, but copper failures are usually from outside damage, not the install itself.

- I get the copper love, but man, my wallet definitely prefers PEX.
- Did my shower swap last year and honestly, the PEX install was so much less drama - no torch, no sweating (well, except me crawling under the house).
- I hear you on rodents, but if you’re sealing things up right and not living in a squirrel mansion, it’s usually fine.
- Plus, if something does go wrong down the line, cutting and patching PEX is way less scary than wrestling with old copper.
- Maybe I’m just lazy, but I’ll take “easier on my back” over “decades of peace” any day... at least for now.

“Did my shower swap last year and honestly, the PEX install was so much less drama - no torch, no sweating (well, except me crawling under the house).”

Same here - did a bathroom reno last spring and PEX saved me a ton of hassle (and cash). I get why folks like copper, but my budget just couldn’t swing it. I was nervous about rodents too, but after sealing up every gap I could find, it’s been fine. Honestly, not having to mess with a torch under the house was worth it alone.

I hear you on the torch thing - last time I had to sweat copper under a crawlspace, I swore I’d never do it again. PEX is just so much easier to snake through tight spots, and if you’re managing a few rentals like I am, the time savings add up. Only thing I’ll say is, if you’ve got any old-school inspectors in your area, sometimes they still give you the side-eye for using PEX. But honestly, for most jobs these days, it’s hard to beat for cost and convenience.

- 100% agree, sweating copper in cramped spots is a pain - been there, done that, not eager to repeat.
- PEX has made life so much easier for these retrofits, especially when you’re dealing with older buildings with weird layouts.
- Only thing I watch for is making sure the fittings are solid and protected from any stray nails or critters - had a mouse chew through a line once, what a mess.
- Inspectors around here have mostly come around, but I still keep the PEX color-coded and labeled just to avoid any confusion during walkthroughs.
- For a tub-to-shower swap, unless there’s a compelling reason to stick with copper (like matching existing lines or resale expectations), I’d go PEX every time. The flexibility and speed just can’t be beat.

- Had a similar situation last year - old duplex, pipes running every which way, barely any room to work. PEX saved my sanity, honestly.
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“Only thing I watch for is making sure the fittings are solid and protected from any stray nails or critters - had a mouse chew through a line once, what a mess.”

Honestly, I’m still on the fence about going all-in with PEX for a shower swap. I get the speed and flexibility, but I’ve run into issues with fittings leaking years down the road - especially if they weren’t crimped just right. Copper’s a pain to work with in tight spots, but once it’s in, it’s rock solid. If you’re already tearing open walls, I’d lean toward matching what’s there, especially if it’s copper. Mixing materials always seems to invite weird transition problems later. Just my two cents.

Copper vs. PEX is like the Coke vs. Pepsi of plumbing - everyone’s got a strong opinion, and you’ll never get a straight answer at the hardware store.

Here’s my take, as someone who’s spent more on home projects than I care to admit:

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“Copper’s a pain to work with in tight spots, but once it’s in, it’s rock solid.”

- PEX is like the IKEA furniture of plumbing. Super easy to install, but if you skip a step or cheap out on the fittings, you’ll be cursing yourself when you find a puddle under your shower in five years.

- The transition fittings are where things get dicey. I had a sharkbite fitting let go behind a wall once. Never again. If you’re mixing copper and PEX, make sure you use the right transition couplers and double-check everything. Maybe even triple-check if you’re paranoid like me.

- If you’re on a budget (like I always am), PEX is way cheaper and faster, especially if you’re doing it yourself. But if you’ve already got copper in the walls and don’t mind a little extra work (and maybe a few singed knuckles), sticking with copper keeps things simple.

- One thing nobody talks about: resale value. Some buyers get weird about seeing PEX if the rest of the house is copper. Not a dealbreaker, but something to think about if you’re planning to sell.

I guess it comes down to how much you trust your own handiwork and how much you hate crawling around with a torch. For me, I’ll probably keep using PEX where I can see it and copper where I can’t. If it leaks, at least I’ll know who to blame...

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.

- 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.

I hear you on SharkBites - tempting for a quick fix, but I always wonder if they’re really meant for stuff you’re gonna close up behind tile or drywall. I’ve been leaning toward PEX too, mostly because it’s cheaper and seems easier for a DIYer like me. But does anyone worry about rodents chewing through PEX? I’ve read a few horror stories, but not sure how common that actually is...

But does anyone worry about rodents chewing through PEX? I’ve read a few horror stories, but not sure how common that actually is...

Here’s how I look at it: PEX is definitely easier to work with and less expensive, but yeah, rodent damage is a legit concern - especially if you’ve had mice or squirrels in the walls before. If you go with PEX, I’d suggest running it through conduit or using metal plates where it passes through studs. That way, you get the flexibility of PEX but add a layer of protection. Copper’s more durable but not as forgiving for DIY, and it’s pricier. For me, I went PEX but made sure to seal up any gaps where critters could get in. Haven’t had an issue yet, but I’m always checking...

I totally get the rodent worry. I’ve heard those stories too, and as someone who’s always trying to keep things green and low-impact, I went back and forth on this a lot. PEX just makes sense from an installation and resource standpoint - less energy to produce, fewer joints, less waste. But yeah, if you’ve got critters already making themselves at home, it’s a risk.

I ended up doing PEX for my last bathroom reno, but I was kind of obsessive about sealing every possible entry point (steel wool, caulk, the works). I also ran it through some leftover metal conduit in spots where it seemed more vulnerable. It’s been a few years now - no leaks or chew marks so far. Maybe luck? Or maybe the extra steps helped.

The thing is, copper’s not immune either. I actually had a friend whose attic rats chewed right through a copper line - apparently they’ll gnaw on anything if they’re determined enough. Plus, copper mining isn’t exactly eco-friendly, which bugs me a bit.

Does anyone have experience with those rodent-deterrent PEX sleeves? I saw them mentioned on another forum but haven’t tried them yet. Wondering if that’s overkill or actually useful... Also curious if anyone here has found one type of pipe to be noticeably quieter than the other? The water hammer with copper used to drive me nuts in my old place.

Anyway, for me the balance tipped toward PEX with some extra protection and a lot of vigilance. Curious how others are weighing the environmental side of things along with durability and cost?

Honestly, I still lean toward copper, even with the environmental baggage. PEX is great for flexibility and ease, but I’ve seen too many cases where rodents found a way in, even with careful sealing. Copper’s not perfect, but when it comes to longevity, it just seems to last longer - less risk of hidden micro-leaks over time. I get the water hammer issue, but there are ways to dampen that with arrestors or insulation. Maybe not the greenest, but for long-term durability, copper still wins out for me.

- Totally get where you’re coming from on copper.
- I’ve had PEX chewed through in a crawlspace, even after stuffing every gap with steel wool… rodents are relentless.
- Copper does have a longer track record, and I’ve seen 50+ year-old lines still going strong.
- That said, I do wish there was a more eco-friendly option that held up as well - maybe someday.
- For now, if you’re after peace of mind and don’t want to mess with repairs down the line, copper’s hard to beat.