PEX is way easier to snake around weird joists and it’s less hassle if you’re not soldering every joint.
Man, you’re not kidding about the soldering. I tried sweating a copper joint once and ended up with water everywhere except where I wanted it. PEX felt like cheating after that. I do wonder about those plastic fittings too—like, are they secretly plotting to fail in 10 years, or am I just paranoid? Either way, holding onto copper scrap for “a few beers” sounds about right... maybe more if prices keep going up.
I’ve seen PEX fittings hold up fine in some rough spots, but I still get a little nervous about the plastic ones behind walls. Had a call last winter—old copper pinhole leak, but the PEX repair from five years ago was bone dry. Guess it’s a tradeoff. Copper scrap definitely pays better than it used to, though...
Copper scrap prices are definitely tempting, but I still worry about what’s behind the drywall. I’ve seen PEX hold up, but those plastic elbows and tees make me double-check every time I open up a wall. Had a job last month where a PEX fitting was fine, but the clamp had started to corrode—nothing leaking yet, but it was close. Makes me wonder if we’re just trading one risk for another.
When you’re looking at old copper, do you swap it all out if you find one pinhole, or just patch the spot? I’ve always leaned toward replacing a whole run if there’s more than one bad section, but I know some folks just patch and move on. Curious how others decide when it’s worth the extra work.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO SWAP OUT OLD PIPES?
When you’re looking at old copper, do you swap it all out if you find one pinhole, or just patch the spot?
Man, this is the eternal debate in my house. My wallet says “patch it and pray,” but my anxiety says “rip it all out before it floods the basement.” I’ve done both, honestly. Patched a pinhole once, felt like a genius for saving money... until a new leak popped up two feet down the line six months later. Ended up replacing that whole stretch anyway, so not sure I really won that round.
I get what you mean about PEX too. It’s like, yeah, it’s easy and cheap, but those little plastic bits just don’t inspire confidence. I keep picturing some future homeowner cursing my name when they find a puddle under the kitchen sink.
Curious—anyone ever tried one of those “epoxy pipe lining” fixes? I keep seeing ads, but it sounds a little too good to be true. Worth it, or just snake oil?
WHEN IS IT TIME TO SWAP OUT OLD PIPES?
- Totally get the “patch it and pray” vs. “rip it all out” dilemma. Been there, done that, and honestly, both have their place depending on how much you like rolling the dice.
- One pinhole in old copper usually means there’s more corrosion lurking. Patch jobs are fine for emergencies, but if you’re seeing more than one in a year, it’s probably time to think bigger.
- PEX is a mixed bag. It’s fast and cheap, but yeah, I’ve seen those fittings fail in weird ways. Still, for a full replacement, it’s hard to beat for cost and speed.
- Epoxy lining... I’m skeptical. It’s been around a while, but I’ve seen mixed results. Sometimes it works, sometimes it flakes off or doesn’t bond right, especially if the pipes are already pitted. Not total snake oil, but not a miracle cure either.
- At the end of the day, you’re not alone in second-guessing every decision. Pipes are one of those things where you only know you waited too long after the fact. Don’t beat yourself up—everyone’s just trying to keep the water where it belongs.
