I get where you’re coming from—those “eco” upgrades can be a mixed bag. I tried out PEX for a couple of rentals, and while it’s not exactly new, it’s got a decent track record now. But yeah, I’m still wary of anything that hasn’t been around at least a decade or two. Had a composting toilet experiment go sideways once... never again. For hidden stuff, copper or tried-and-true PEX is my comfort zone. Fixtures are easier to swap if they flop, but pipes? That’s a whole different headache.
Fixtures are easier to swap if they flop, but pipes? That’s a whole different headache.
Totally get that. I’ve swapped out a few low-flow showerheads and faucets—if they’re duds, no big deal. But yeah, once you start opening up walls for “green” piping, it’s a commitment. I did PEX in my basement reno and it’s been solid, but I still have trust issues with anything labeled “eco” that hasn’t stood the test of time. Tried a water-saving toilet once... let’s just say double-flushing defeats the purpose.
I hear you on the double-flush toilets—had one that was supposed to be “ultra-efficient” and it just made more work. But honestly, I’ve had good luck with some of the newer water-saving fixtures. The tech’s come a long way since those first-gen models. As for pipes, I get the hesitation, but PEX has been around for a while now and seems pretty reliable. Sometimes “eco” doesn’t mean untested, just updated.
Sometimes “eco” doesn’t mean untested, just updated.
That’s a good point. I do wonder though—have you noticed any difference in maintenance with the newer fixtures? I swapped out an old faucet for a low-flow model last year, and it’s been decent, but the aerator clogs up way more often than my previous one. Maybe it’s just my hard water, but it makes me wonder if these upgrades sometimes trade off convenience for efficiency. Curious if anyone else has run into little issues like that.
Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with low-flow stuff—especially aerators and showerheads. They’re great for saving water, but if you’ve got hard water, they can clog up faster. I end up soaking mine in vinegar every couple months. Honestly, feels like more maintenance than the old ones, but maybe that’s just part of the deal with going “eco.”