I get where you’re coming from with PEX—snaking it through tight spots is way less of a headache than sweating copper elbows in a crawlspace. But I’ve seen a few walk-in shower jobs where PEX got nicked during tile work or by stray screws, and tracking down a slow leak behind a new wall is a nightmare. With copper, you can spot a ding right away and patch it before closing up. If you’re doing a full gut and have access, sometimes the peace of mind with copper is worth the hassle, especially for high-traffic bathrooms. Just my two cents...
- Totally get your point about copper—there’s something reassuring about being able to see and touch every joint before you close things up.
- I’ve had a slow leak from a PEX nick once, and it was a pain to find. Ended up tearing out a section of drywall just to track it down.
- On the flip side, I do like that PEX doesn’t corrode, especially if your water’s a bit harsh. Less worry about pinhole leaks over time.
- If you’re already opening everything up, copper does give that peace of mind... but I’ll admit, I still get nervous about lead solder in older homes.
- Either way, double-checking for sharp screws or rough tile edges before closing up is key. Learned that one the hard way.
Funny timing—I just finished patching a ceiling from a mystery drip that turned out to be a tiny PEX puncture. I’ll admit, tracing it was a nightmare, and I kept second-guessing every joint. But then again, I’ve seen copper pipes in my neighbor’s place turn green and spring pinholes after just a few years (our water’s pretty rough too).
I get the appeal of copper for that “set it and forget it” feeling, but I’m always paranoid about old solder joints—especially since my house is from the late 60s. Can’t help but wonder what’s lurking behind the walls sometimes.
Curious if anyone’s tried those push-to-connect fittings with PEX for shower installs? I’ve heard mixed things—some folks swear by them, others say they’re ticking time bombs if you don’t prep the pipe just right. Makes me nervous thinking about something failing behind fresh tile...
I’ve heard mixed things—some folks swear by them, others say they’re ticking time bombs if you don’t prep the pipe just right.
I get where you’re coming from about being nervous with push-to-connect fittings, especially behind tile. I’ve used them in a couple spots (not showers though) and they’ve held up, but I’m still a little uneasy about trusting them long-term where a leak would be a nightmare. Honestly, I still lean toward crimp rings for PEX—feels more secure to me, even if it’s a bit more work.
That said, copper’s not bulletproof either. Like you said, those old solder joints can be sketchy, and with rough water, pinholes are no joke. I guess there’s no perfect answer, but I’d rather spend extra time now than rip out tile later...
I totally get the hesitation—there’s just something about hiding a push-to-connect behind tile that makes me double-check everything. I did a shower rough-in with PEX and crimp rings last month, and yeah, it took longer, but I slept better knowing it was solid. I still use push-to-connect for quick fixes where I can see them, but behind finished walls? I’d rather spend the extra time too. You’re right, copper’s not flawless either...those pinholes sneak up on you. At the end of the day, a little more effort now beats dealing with water damage later.