Alright, so I'm finally tackling the bathroom renovation I've been putting off forever. Nothing fancy, just replacing some old pipes and fixtures that have seen better days. Problem is, I'm kinda stuck on what materials to go with. Copper pipes seem reliable, but they're pricey and I've heard they can be tricky if you're not experienced. PVC seems easier to handle, but I'm worried about durability long-term. And then there's PEX, which I've heard good things about, but honestly, I don't know much about it.
I watched a few YouTube vids, but you know how that goes—everyone has their own opinion and swears by something different. One guy says copper is the only way to go, another says PVC is fine for most home projects, and someone else swears PEX is the future. I'm just a regular homeowner trying to save a few bucks and not flood my house, lol.
Has anyone here done their own plumbing work recently? What did you end up using, and how did it turn out? Any regrets or things you'd do differently next time? I'm open to any suggestions or warnings before I dive in and make a mess of things.
I feel your pain—went down this road myself last year. Copper's great, but soldering those joints is no joke if you're new to plumbing...and pricey mistakes hurt. PVC was tempting, but personally, I worried about cracking or leaks down the line. Ended up using PEX, and honestly, no regrets. Easier to handle, fewer joints to mess up, and it's held solid so far. Just make sure you invest in a decent crimp tool—worth every penny to sleep easier at night, trust me. Good luck!
PEX definitely makes sense for a DIY job, especially if you're new to plumbing. I've been learning the ropes myself lately, and soldering copper was intimidating at first—burned my fingers more times than I'd like to admit. PVC isn't bad, but yeah, I've heard enough horror stories about cracking or brittle joints down the road that it made me nervous.
If you do go with PEX, here's a quick rundown from what I've learned so far:
- Get yourself a decent crimp tool (like mentioned above). Don't cheap out here; it'll save headaches later.
- Cut your tubing cleanly and squarely—uneven cuts can cause leaks.
- Slide the crimp ring onto the pipe first, then insert your fitting fully. Double-check it's seated properly.
- Position the crimp ring about 1/8" to 1/4" from the end of the pipe, then crimp firmly. Most tools have a gauge to check if you've done it right.
- Test your connections before sealing everything up behind drywall or tile. Better safe than sorry.
Honestly, once you get going, it's pretty straightforward. Good luck with your bathroom fix-up...and welcome to the plumbing rabbit hole.
I switched to PEX last year after dealing with PVC leaks—honestly, best decision I've made. Just make sure you recycle or reuse leftover tubing...hate seeing plastic waste pile up. Good luck, plumbing can be a real headache sometimes.
I've done plumbing repairs and installs for years, and I'd second the recommendation for PEX. Copper's solid but requires soldering skills and can get expensive. PVC is okay for drains, but I wouldn't trust it long-term for pressurized lines. PEX is straightforward—just invest in a decent crimp tool, follow directions carefully, and you'll be fine. Also agree on recycling scraps; it's easy enough to reuse leftover pieces for smaller repairs later on.
