Bamboo pipes sound cool in theory, but I can’t imagine trusting them behind drywall where you can’t see what’s going on.
Yeah, I get that. I’m all for saving money and the planet, but I’d be nervous about bamboo or even some of those new plastics. My neighbor tried a recycled plastic system in his garage (not even hidden in walls), and after two winters, he had to swap out a section because it started leaking at the joints. Maybe it’s just too soon for these materials to prove themselves long-term? For now, I’m sticking with what’s tried and true—at least until there’s more real-world proof.
I hear you on the “tried and true” approach. I’ve looked into some of these alternative materials too, and honestly, I keep circling back to copper or PEX for anything that’s going to be hidden in a wall or ceiling. Maybe it’s just habit, but I like knowing what to expect if something goes wrong. The idea of a hidden leak from a material that hasn’t been around long enough to really know its quirks… that’s a hard sell for me.
I did see a demo of bamboo piping at a green building expo last year. Looked impressive on the surface—super lightweight, supposedly resistant to certain types of corrosion, and obviously renewable. But when I asked about pressure ratings and long-term durability, the rep kind of dodged the question and pivoted to how “innovative” it was. That’s a red flag for me. If I can’t get a straight answer about how it’ll hold up after ten or twenty years, I’m not putting it behind drywall.
That said, I’m curious if anyone’s actually had success with these materials for anything more than a garden setup or exposed run. I’ve seen some folks use recycled plastics for graywater systems, but that’s a whole different risk profile than potable water lines. Maybe there’s a middle ground—like using sustainable materials for visible, easily accessible runs, but sticking with proven stuff for anything you’d have to tear open a wall to fix.
Has anyone here actually had to do a repair or replacement on one of these “green” systems after a few years? I’d love to hear if it was a nightmare or just a minor inconvenience. Sometimes I wonder if the risk is overblown, or if we’re just not hearing about the failures because people aren’t using them in critical spots yet.
I get the hesitation, but I think we might be underestimating some of these newer materials.
Thing is, even copper and PEX have had their issues—think of all the pinhole leaks in older copper or the early PEX fittings that went brittle. I’ve actually seen a recycled composite pipe used for a laundry room supply—ran fine for about five years before a joint started weeping, but the repair was no worse than with PEX. Maybe it’s not ready for every application, but I wouldn’t write it off completely. Sometimes the “tried and true” stuff surprises you, too.“If I can’t get a straight answer about how it’ll hold up after ten or twenty years, I’m not putting it behind drywall.”
Honestly, I get the appeal of new materials, but I’m still a bit wary about anything that hasn’t been around long enough to rack up some “grandpa stories.” Step 1: install it. Step 2: wait a decade and see if your ceiling caves in. Jokes aside, I’ve seen too many “innovations” turn into headaches down the line. Maybe I’m just old school, but I’d rather patch a copper pipe than gamble on something that might not even be made in five years.
Maybe I’m just old school, but I’d rather patch a copper pipe than gamble on something that might not even be made in five years.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. There’s something comforting about sticking with what’s tried and true, especially when you’re the one footing the bill if things go sideways. I’ve had my fair share of “innovative” home upgrades that ended up costing more in repairs than they saved in the first place. Sometimes it feels like the classics are classics for a reason.
That said, I’ve been tempted by some of the newer stuff just because the upfront cost is lower. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard not to at least consider PEX or some of the eco-friendly options. My neighbor swapped out all their copper for PEX and swears by it, but I’m still patching my old pipes and hoping for the best.
I guess for me, it’s about balance—maybe try a small section with the new material and see how it holds up before going all-in? Worst case, you’ve only got a small area to fix if it doesn’t work out. Either way, there’s no shame in sticking with what you trust.
