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

- Had the same debate during my bathroom reno last year.
- PEX was way easier for me as a newbie—cut, crimp, done.
- Agree about the brackets. Missed a couple under the floor and now I get this weird “thunk” when the shower turns on.
- Copper feels more solid, but sweating joints is above my skill level right now.
- For a walk-in shower, I’d go PEX again but double-check every support before closing up walls... learned that one the hard way.

Missed a couple under the floor and now I get this weird “thunk” when the shower turns on.

That thunk is classic if you skip supports. PEX is forgiving, but it really needs those brackets or it’ll move around. Copper’s solid but, yeah, sweating joints can be a pain if you’re not used to it. For most DIY jobs, PEX just makes sense—just don’t rush the support part or you’ll regret it later.