Is Copper a Good Repiping Material?
Copper is a strong, long-term choice for repiping your home. It's no surprise it has been a preferred material in the plumbing industry for decades.
Copper is not only durable but also resistant to corrosion, non-toxic, efficient at heat transfer, and versatile. Its smooth interior surface allows for excellent water flow, reducing the risk of blockages and maintaining water quality. Copper pipes can also withstand high water pressure without compromising their structural integrity.
Copper is a reliable, time-tested material that offers homeowners peace of mind. It provides a strong solution for upgrading your plumbing system, keeping your home's water supply safe and reliable for many years.
Here at Repipe Specialists, we exclusively use high-quality Grade L copper piping for our whole-home copper repipes. This American-made copper piping is known for its strength and durability. For more information, you can read our article on the different types of copper piping.
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How Long Do Copper Pipes Last?
Copper pipes are renowned for their remarkable longevity. When installed and maintained properly, copper pipes can last for 50 years, and often even longer.
Copper's resilience is a result of its inherent corrosion resistance, which prevents rust and other forms of deterioration that frequently affect materials like galvanized steel pipes.
It is important to have experienced professionals do the installation. Also, make sure your water chemistry works well with copper to help it last longer.
What Shortens Copper Pipes Lifespan?
While copper pipes can have a remarkably long lifespan, several factors can influence their longevity, including:
- Water chemistry: Acidic water or alkaline water (commonly called hard water) can cause corrosion over time.
- Mineral content: Elevated minerals in water can increase corrosion, eventually causing pinhole leaks. For more details, see our article The Causes of Copper Pinhole Leaks.
- Physical damage: Impacts or freezing can harm copper pipes and reduce their lifespan. Compared to the freeze resistance of PEX, copper lacks flexibility to expand. It's important to insulate pipes in freezing areas and protect them from mechanical damage.
Copper vs PEX: What Lasts Longer?
Copper and PEX are both durable materials for home repiping. Their lifespan depends on factors like water chemistry and location. For a detailed comparison, read our article on Should I Repipe My House With Copper Piping or PEX Tubing.
PEX tubing, like copper, typically lasts 50 years or more, depending on water quality and usage. Unlike copper, PEX must be protected from UV rays to prevent damage. If your home faces rodent problems, copper may offer better durability.
While copper has benefits, PEX is quickly becoming the preferred material for home repiping. Copper can corrode in acidic or alkaline water, reducing its lifespan, while PEX is more resistant. Learn more about water chemistry and plumbing in our article on Does Hard Water Damage My Plumbing System.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Copper is UV-resistant and less prone to rodent damage but can corrode in acidic or alkaline water.
- PEX is more flexible, easier to install, and typically more affordable, but must be protected from sunlight and pests.
- If you've had issues with older plastic pipes like polybutylene or CPVC, copper might offer more peace of mind.
Still unsure whether to use copper or PEX for your home repipe? Feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our local repipe consultants.
Get a Quote for Your Home Repipe
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991 using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.