Plumbers: Your Thoughts on Cpvc vs Pex

[Duane]

Guys,

I'm in an older home and the galvanize piping has given out. This is my third break in the last two years. I've gotten quotes to replace the piping in the home but am not sure of the material choice of Cpvc vs Pex.

Can anyone give me their opinions?

 

[YosemiteSam]

I'm not a plumber, but from what I've read if you can't go full on copper, go with a Pex and copper hybrid setup. If not just go Pex.

I've head horror stories about Cpvc. Specifically if exposed to solvents or extreme heat and / or cold.

The one thing I did hear about Pex is it doesn't play nice with high chlorine water. So, don't use it with your pool.

Most of all. Wait for someone who knows more than I as I am definitely not a plumber.

 

[Duane]

I'm not a plumber, but from what I've read if you can't go full on copper, go with a Pex and copper hybrid setup. If not just go Pex.

I've head horror stories about Cpvc. Specifically if exposed to solvents or extreme heat and / or cold.

The one thing I did hear about Pex is it doesn't play nice with high chlorine water. So, don't use it with your pool.

Most of all. Wait for someone who knows more than I as I am definitely not a plumber.

That's good info on the water.

I've got a quote from an old school licensed plumber who says he's been using CPVC for 40 years with no issues and that he doesn't trust Pex. Everyone else has just quoted me Pex.

 

[Vtwin]

I'm not a plumber.

I do have 40+ year old Cpvc in the unheated crawl space beneath my home. (NW Vermont). The first couple winters we lived here I had pipe freezing issues. Apparently the previous owner did too as there was a space heater already in the crawl space with an extension cord rigged to run into the house so it could be plugged in without having to crawl under the house. I got it sorted out so that we only have a problem in the most extreme cold weather and only if we don't use the water for an extended period. Point being, that Cvpc stood up to many extreme freeze/thaw cycles and hasn't blinked yet.

My plan is to replace the half inch with 3/4 and get all the plumbing inside the house. Based on what little I have researched so far I am leaning towards PEX but I haven't made that decision yet.

 

[Duane]

I'm not a plumber.

I do have 40+ year old Cpvc in the unheated crawl space beneath my home. (NW Vermont). The first couple winters we lived here I had pipe freezing issues. Apparently the previous owner did too as there was a space heater already in the crawl space with an extension cord rigged to run into the house so it could be plugged in without having to crawl under the house. I got it sorted out so that we only have a problem in the most extreme cold weather and only if we don't use the water for an extended period. Point being, that Cvpc stood up to many extreme freeze/thaw cycles and hasn't blinked yet.

My plan is to replace the half inch with 3/4 and get all the plumbing inside the house. Based on what little I have researched so far I am leaning towards PEX but I haven't made that decision yet.

Thanks for your feedback. My dad just got me to call one of his long time friends who's been plumbing since the 70s. He said that Pex is a really good product and all that he uses now to repipe homes.

 

[MapleLeaf]

Guys,

I'm in an older home and the galvanize piping has given out. This is my third break in the last two years. I've gotten quotes to replace the piping in the home but am not sure of the material choice of Cpvc vs Pex.

Can anyone give me their opinions?

...use PEX.

Proven product in the housing industry. No one that I know uses PVC pipe anymore or copper for that matter.

PEX is much more economical, routes alot faster and in tighter corners than traditional rigid pipe. It is the choice for any housing retrofits.

Your biggest problem is going to be the three different standards for PEX. The crimping tool is terribly expensive - About $70.00 for a basic version. Maybe double for a contractor's grade tool.

Make sure you know which standard you have with your crimping tool or you might end up with different crimp rings and it will drive you crazy.

I use my PEX in applications up here in Canada in uninsulated rooms and garages and I have not had a single install blow open in the 7 years since I have converted.

Beats having to use copper pipe, a torch and flux. Or PVC pipe with glue dripping everywhere. Oh BTW, did I say it was a much cleaner plumbing standard?

Go to PEX and you will never go back.

 

[MapleLeaf]

I've gotten quotes to replace the piping in the home but am not sure of the material choice of Cpvc vs Pex.QUOTE]

...are you somewhat handy?

PEX is very simple to use. I mean really simple. Most of the plumbing trades guys I know laugh about how easy it is.

DIY in PEX could save you some money.

If you want some pictures of the work I have done PM me and I can send some to you. You can find all the same info. online.

As another poster has said some of the PEX has trouble with different types of water, but never fear they make different grades of PEX style tubing to handle different water situations.

 

[Duane]

David, thanks so much for your advice. I live in a two story house so I don't think I could run the piping without totally destroying walls, cabinets, etc...

It's good to know that everyone except my low bid have a consensus on PEX..

 

[trickblue]

I would go with wireless water... and for that matter... wireless electricity as well...

 

[NorthTexan95]

I would go with wireless water... and for that matter... wireless electricity as well...

Just make sure you can have at least WET security on that wireless water or you may drive-by drinkers stealing some of your streamwidth.

 

[trickblue]

Just make sure you can have at least WET security on that wireless water or you may drive-by drinkers stealing some of your streamwidth.

It's all about wireless... no worries for bandwith...