I’m right there with you on the push-to-connect stuff—feels risky to trust it behind a wall you’ll never see again. I’ve been leaning toward PEX with crimp rings too, mostly because I can actually see and test the connections before closing things up. But I keep hearing mixed things about PEX longevity compared to copper. Has anyone actually had PEX fail after a few years, or is that just internet paranoia? I get that copper can get pinholes, but I wonder if PEX is really as “set it and forget it” as people say.
I get where you’re coming from—after years of dealing with repairs, I’ve honestly had more issues with old copper than with PEX. The only PEX problems I’ve seen were from really shoddy installs, like someone using the wrong crimp tool or not checking for kinks. As long as you’re careful with the connections and don’t bury any obvious mistakes, it’s pretty reliable. If you’re testing before you close up the wall, you’re already ahead of the game. Copper does last, but I’ve had pinhole leaks crop up and that’s a nightmare behind drywall.
Had a similar debate when I redid my bathroom last year. I wanted to save some cash, so I went with PEX and did most of it myself. Honestly, the install was way easier than sweating copper—no torch, no worrying about burning the house down. Only hiccup was figuring out the right fittings, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing. Haven’t had a single leak yet. Copper’s great if you’ve got the budget and patience, but for me, PEX just made sense.
Honestly, the install was way easier than sweating copper—no torch, no worrying about burning the house down.
Totally get this. I’ve swapped out a few tubs for showers in my rentals and PEX has saved me a ton of headaches (and singed eyebrows). Copper’s solid, but unless you’re planning to keep the place forever or have super picky tenants, PEX is just easier and cheaper. Only thing I’d watch for is making sure it’s well supported—seen a few lines get kinked behind walls if you’re not careful.
Copper’s solid, but unless you’re planning to keep the place forever or have super picky tenants, PEX is just easier and cheaper.
I hear you on the ease of PEX, but I’ve had a couple of insurance adjusters raise an eyebrow at it after some water damage claims. Not saying copper’s perfect (and yeah, the torch is a pain), but in certain areas, resale value or insurance can actually lean in copper’s favor. Maybe I’m just old school—or just old—but sometimes the extra hassle pays off down the road.
