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

- Rodents and PEX are a nightmare combo, no doubt. I’ve patched more than a few chewed lines under houses - sometimes it feels like a losing battle if you’ve got critters around.
- Copper’s durability is tough to argue with, but I do worry about pinhole leaks in older homes, especially where water chemistry isn’t ideal. Seen some nasty surprises behind walls after decades.
- One thing I always check: local code and insurance requirements. Some places are picky about what’s allowed behind showers, especially for accessibility remodels.
- Curious if anyone’s tried those newer PEX sleeves or rodent-resistant wraps? I’ve heard mixed things, but haven’t seen them hold up long-term yet.
- For folks doing walk-in showers, do you ever run into issues with copper sweating or corrosion from all the extra humidity? Or is that just overthinking it?

For folks doing walk-in showers, do you ever run into issues with copper sweating or corrosion from all the extra humidity? Or is that just overthinking it?

I’ve wondered about this too. In my case, we went with copper for the shower upgrade, mostly because I was nervous about rodents and PEX. I haven’t noticed any sweating yet, but maybe that’s just luck or newer pipes. The plumber did mention that as long as you’ve got decent ventilation, humidity shouldn’t really cause problems with copper behind the wall. Still, I do worry about pinhole leaks down the line since our water’s a bit on the hard side.

I looked into those rodent-resistant PEX sleeves - some folks swear by them, but the reviews are all over the place. It’s a tough call when you’re trying to future-proof things and not break the bank.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had the same debate in my head - copper feels “safer” somehow, but then you read about pinhole leaks and start second-guessing. I totally relate to this:

It’s a tough call when you’re trying to future-proof things and not break the bank.

We went with PEX in our last reno just because it was cheaper, but I did lose sleep over the rodent thing. No issues so far, but I keep checking the crawlspace just in case. I think as long as you’ve got good ventilation and keep an eye on things, either way is probably fine. It’s just hard not to overthink it when you’re the one paying for repairs down the road.

It’s a tough call when you’re trying to future-proof things and not break the bank.

That’s the core of it. In my experience, copper does have a longer track record, but pinhole leaks can be a real headache, especially in areas with aggressive water. PEX is more forgiving during installation - less risk of a bad solder joint - but you’re right, rodents can be an issue if you’ve got any access points. I’ve seen jobs where PEX was chewed, but honestly, it’s rare if everything’s sealed up and you don’t have an active rodent problem. For a walk-in shower, either will work, but I’d lean toward PEX for the flexibility and fewer fittings behind the wall. Just make sure to use proper supports and don’t let it rest directly on sharp edges or anything that could cause abrasion over time.

Had this exact debate with my uncle when we redid his bathroom last year. He was dead set on copper because “that’s what lasts,” but we went with PEX in the end. Honestly, running it through those tight spaces was way easier, and we didn’t have to worry about burning anything with a torch. Haven’t seen any rodent issues so far, but we did take extra time to seal up the crawlspace just in case. If you’re careful with support and don’t kink it, PEX is pretty forgiving.

Had a similar back-and-forth with my dad when we swapped out his old tub for a shower. He’s old school and swears by copper, but after sweating pipes in a cramped wall cavity once, I was ready to try something else. PEX made the reroute way less stressful - just fed it through the joists and clipped it in place. Didn’t have to worry about torching anything or dealing with old flux stains.

One thing I noticed, though: you really have to watch how tight you bend it around corners. If you kink it, you’re starting over with a new piece. We used those plastic bend supports in the tricky spots, which helped a lot. Also, labeling hot and cold lines before closing up the wall saved us some confusion later.

I get why people trust copper - it’s been around forever - but for remodels, especially in tight spaces, PEX just makes life easier. Just double-check local code; some places still want copper for certain runs, which can be a pain.

Copper’s definitely got that “set it and forget it” reputation, but I’ve run into my share of pinhole leaks over the years - especially in older homes with questionable water quality. PEX is just so much faster to work with, but I do wonder about long-term durability. Some folks say rodents can chew through it if you’ve got any critter issues in the walls. Ever had to deal with that, or heard of it happening?

Also, curious if you used crimp rings or those push-to-connect fittings for your install. I’ve seen debates about which holds up better over time, especially if there’s any movement in the framing.

I keep hearing about rodents chewing through PEX, but honestly, I think it’s one of those things that gets blown out of proportion. I mean, if you’ve got a mouse with a taste for plastic, you’re probably dealing with bigger issues than just your plumbing. In my place, the only thing gnawing on pipes is my wallet every time I look at copper prices.

PEX is just so much faster to work with, but I do wonder about long-term durability.

I get the concern, but I’ve had PEX in my last two bathroom renos and it’s held up fine - no leaks, no weird smells, nothing. As for fittings, I went with crimp rings because those push-to-connect ones are way pricier and I’m not made of money. Plus, crimp rings feel more “permanent” to me. Maybe it’s just psychological.

If you’re worried about movement in the framing, just make sure you use those little plastic supports or clamps. Keeps everything snug and less likely to wiggle loose over time. Copper might be classic, but my back (and bank account) vote PEX every time.

Copper Still Has Its Place (Even If My Wallet Disagrees)

Copper might be classic, but my back (and bank account) vote PEX every time.

I get where you’re coming from - PEX is a breeze to install and way easier on the budget. But I’ll admit, I’m still a bit old-school when it comes to plumbing, especially for something like a walk-in shower. There’s just something about copper that feels more “set it and forget it” to me. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s the fact that I’ve seen 40-year-old copper pipes come out of walls looking almost brand new.

The rodent thing might be overblown, but I’ve actually had mice chew through PEX in a rental property I own. It was a pain to fix, and while it’s not super common, it does happen. With copper, you don’t have to worry about that at all. Plus, copper is recyclable and doesn’t leach microplastics into the water supply - something that matters to me as someone who tries to keep things eco-friendly around the house.

That said, I totally get the appeal of PEX for DIY jobs. The flexibility is great, and you can snake it through tight spaces without having to torch anything or deal with flux fumes. But if you’re thinking long-term durability and environmental impact, copper still has some advantages. It’s not just about tradition - it’s about knowing exactly what’s in your walls for decades to come.

I guess it comes down to priorities: cost and convenience vs. longevity and sustainability. For my last bathroom reno, I actually did a hybrid - copper for the main lines and PEX for the runs to fixtures. Best of both worlds? Maybe. At least my conscience (and my pipes) are clear... even if my wallet took a hit.

Copper Is Great, But PEX Isn’t Just About Cost

But if you’re thinking long-term durability and environmental impact, copper still has some advantages. It’s not just about tradition - it’s about knowing exactly what’s in your walls for decades to come.

I get the nostalgia for copper, and I totally respect wanting to do things “the right way,” but I’m not convinced copper is always the best choice for a walk-in shower - especially in an older house like mine. I’ve been reading up on this a lot since buying my place last year (and discovering just how much can go wrong behind the walls). The thing that keeps coming up is that copper isn’t immune to problems either. My neighbor had a pinhole leak in his copper line from corrosion, and it was a nightmare to track down. Apparently, water chemistry can really mess with copper over time, especially if you’ve got acidic water or any stray electrical currents.

The rodent thing with PEX does freak me out a little, but honestly, I feel like if you’ve got mice chewing through your pipes, you’ve probably got bigger issues to deal with anyway. Maybe that’s naive? Still, I’d rather deal with patching a section of PEX than having to cut out and solder new copper in a tight spot. The idea of using a torch inside my walls makes me nervous - one slip and suddenly you’re dealing with way more than just plumbing.

On the eco side, I keep seeing arguments both ways. Copper is recyclable, sure, but mining it isn’t exactly gentle on the planet. And PEX doesn’t seem to leach anything dangerous as long as you’re using stuff rated for potable water (though who knows what we’ll find out in 20 years). For me, the flexibility and speed of PEX are huge - especially since I’m learning as I go and don’t have pro tools lying around.

I guess what bugs me is this idea that copper is always “set it and forget it.” Maybe that was true when houses were built differently or water quality was more consistent? These days, nothing seems truly maintenance-free. If I can make repairs easier on myself down the road - even if it means replacing a run of PEX every decade or two - I’ll take that tradeoff.

Hybrid setup sounds smart though. Maybe that’s the sweet spot for folks who want peace of mind without going broke...

I’m in the same boat with an older house, and honestly, I went back and forth on this for weeks. Ended up going with PEX for my shower redo last fall, mostly because I could actually run it myself without sweating bullets (literally and figuratively) about burning the place down. The flexibility was a lifesaver - snaking it through weird old framing was way easier than I expected.

Funny thing, I did find a chewed-up bit of insulation near one of the runs, so the rodent thing crossed my mind too. But like you said, if critters are getting in deep enough to mess with pipes, I’ve probably got bigger headaches to deal with. I figure I’ll just keep an eye on it and patch if needed.

I get why folks love copper, but after seeing my dad chase down a hidden leak in his 70s ranch (not fun), I’m not convinced it’s the “install and forget” gold standard people make it out to be. For me, knowing I can cut and crimp a new section of PEX in an afternoon is worth a lot. Maybe in 20 years I’ll regret it, but right now, it fits my budget and my nerves.

Copper vs. PEX is one of those debates that never seems to die, huh? When I swapped out my tub for a walk-in a couple years back, I actually tried to stick with copper at first - mostly because that’s what was already there. But after one too many burns and a couple of very questionable joints, I caved and went PEX for the new lines.

Here’s how it went for me:
1. Cut out the old copper - ended up dealing with a bunch of green corrosion I hadn’t even noticed.
2. Fished PEX through the weirdest nooks in the wall framing (I swear, whoever built this place hated straight lines).
3. Crimped everything up in maybe an hour, no torch, no stress.

I get the “install and forget” thing with copper, but honestly, the old stuff in my house was anything but maintenance-free. Plus, I like knowing I can fix PEX with a $20 tool and a couple minutes if something goes sideways. Only thing I keep an eye on is making sure it’s not getting chewed or exposed to the sun.

If you’re handy and not looking to set off the smoke detectors, I’d say PEX is hard to beat for this kind of job.

I get the appeal of PEX, especially for tricky retrofits and tight spaces. No denying it’s a lot less hassle than sweating copper joints overhead or in a crawlspace. But I’d be careful about calling copper “anything but maintenance-free” based on one batch of corroded pipe. That green corrosion you found - most times, it’s from a slow leak or poor water chemistry, not the copper itself failing. In a lot of older homes, the real culprit is acidic water or bad soldering from decades ago.

PEX is great for speed and flexibility, but it’s not bulletproof. I’ve seen more than a few pinhole leaks pop up after rodents got curious, and UV exposure is a real concern if you’re running lines anywhere near sunlight. Plus, PEX fittings can be a weak link if you don’t use the right crimp rings or if the tool calibration’s off. I’ve been called out to fix a handful of “quick” PEX jobs that turned into small floods because someone rushed the install or used cheap connectors.

Copper’s not perfect, but it’s still the gold standard for longevity - assuming it’s installed right and your water isn’t eating it alive. I’ve opened up walls in 60-year-old houses where the copper looked almost new. With PEX, we just don’t have the same track record yet. If you’re planning to stay in the house for decades, it’s worth weighing that.

Not saying PEX is a bad choice, just that it’s not always the slam dunk people make it out to be. Sometimes the old ways stick around for a reason...

I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I went with PEX for my shower swap and haven’t regretted it. I’m not super handy, but the flexibility made it way less intimidating. Didn’t have to mess with a torch or worry about burning the house down - just cut, crimp, done. The rodent thing had me worried at first, but my plumber said as long as it’s behind drywall and not in an attic or crawlspace, it’s not a big risk.

Copper does last, but in my area the water’s pretty hard and I’ve seen neighbors deal with pinholes in old copper lines. Maybe it’s just our local water, but that kind of put me off. PEX might not have the decades-long track record, but for a bathroom reno where everything’s accessible and new, it felt like a safe bet. If I was redoing the whole house or planning to stay forever, maybe I’d think twice... but for a single shower? PEX just made sense.

How much of the existing run can you keep, and what size supply does the shower valve need? I’d compare the full proposed route, including its fittings and supports, before judging flow or cost. Both copper and PEX need proper sizing and compatible connections; those details are worth settling before choosing a material.

part of me trusts copper more since it's what’s already in the walls

- Both have their place, but here’s what I’ve seen:
- PEX is a lot faster to run, especially in tight spots. You can snake it around corners without all the fittings copper needs.
- No real difference in water pressure if sized right. PEX is smooth inside, so friction loss is minimal.
- Taste: some folks notice a slight “plastic” taste with PEX at first, but it fades. Copper can sometimes give a metallic taste if your water’s acidic.
- Copper’s more durable in terms of UV and rodent resistance, but it’s pricier and takes more skill to solder well.
- For a shower swap, unless you’ve got exposed runs or plan to torch-solder yourself, I’d lean PEX for speed and cost. Just make sure to use good quality fittings and support it properly.

If you’re mixing the two, use proper transition fittings - don’t just jam them together. Seen some wild stuff behind walls...

I’ve swapped out a few tubs for showers in rentals, and honestly, I’ve gone both ways with the piping. One thing I always wonder about is long-term maintenance - has anyone run into issues with rodents chewing PEX? I’ve heard stories but never seen it firsthand. Copper’s definitely tougher in that sense, but like you said, it’s a pain to work with unless you’re comfortable sweating joints.

Also, for anyone who’s done a PEX-to-copper transition, do you prefer the push-fit fittings or the crimp rings? I’ve had mixed luck with the push-fits - super easy, but I’m always a little paranoid about them behind drywall. Maybe I’m just old school.

Curious if anyone’s had leaks down the line from PEX connections, especially in spots that get a lot of vibration or movement. I’m always weighing that against the upfront hassle of copper.

I’ve had mixed luck with the push-fits - super easy, but I’m always a little paranoid about them behind drywall.

Totally get that. I’ve used push-fits in a couple spots where I needed a quick fix, but I’m always double-checking for leaks before closing things up. Haven’t had rodent issues with PEX yet, but I do worry about it in crawlspaces. Crimp rings feel more solid to me, even if they’re a bit more work. Copper’s great, but yeah, sweating joints is a whole different level of patience.

I’m with you on crimp rings - they just feel more trustworthy than push-fits, especially if you’re sealing something up for good. I’ve seen a couple push-fits weep after a year or two, but maybe that’s just bad luck. Copper’s solid, but sweating joints in tight spots is a pain. Anyone actually had PEX chewed through by mice, or is that more of an urban legend? I keep hearing stories but haven’t seen it myself.

Anyone actually had PEX chewed through by mice, or is that more of an urban legend? I keep hearing stories but haven’t seen it myself.

- I’ve actually seen it once - my neighbor had a mouse get into their basement ceiling and gnaw a pinhole in the PEX. Total mess. That said, it’s not like mice are lining up for PEX buffets, but if they’re already there, they’ll chew just about anything.
- Crimp rings over push-fit, 100%. Push-fits are great for quick fixes but I just don’t trust them behind drywall. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I like knowing it’s clamped down for good.
- Copper is nice and all, but like you said, sweating joints in a crawlspace or behind a stud? No thanks. I’ve burnt my share of insulation trying to get a clean joint.
- For showers, I’ve switched to PEX with crimp rings and haven’t looked back. Just make sure you keep it away from places where critters can get in, and you’re golden.
- If you’re really worried about mice, I’ve heard some folks run PEX through conduit or use metal plates where it passes through studs. Probably overkill unless you live in a rodent hotspot.

Honestly, if you’re sealing up a wall, I’d go PEX with crimps and just double-check for any mouse highways before you close things up.