How long do pipes really last under pressure?

Funny thing about copper - everyone talks about how it “lasts forever,” but I’ve seen plenty of 1960s houses where the original stuff is basically Swiss cheese at this point. Sometimes it’s water chemistry, sure, but I also think a lot of folks underestimate how much damage can come from plain old workmanship. I’ve opened up walls and found pipes with weird kinks or joints that look like they were soldered by someone in a hurry. Those spots always seem to go first, no matter what the water’s like.

On PEX, I get the UV and critter worries, but I actually think it gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes. If you’re careful about where you run it and use the right sleeves or conduit, it’s not nearly as fragile as people make it sound. Plus, for retrofits where you just can’t tear out every wall, it’s a lifesaver. I’ve seen way fewer issues with PEX in the last ten years compared to the old PVC or even copper in some cases. Maybe it’s just luck, or maybe it’s better installation standards now, who knows...

CPVC, though - I hear you on the brittleness. I’ve had it literally crack in my hands during a demo. Not fun. But I will say, it seems to hold up okay if it’s kept out of direct sun and isn’t stressed. The problem is, most basements and crawlspaces aren’t exactly gentle environments.

One thing I’d push back on a bit is the idea that all you need is a neutralizer for acidic water. Sometimes that works, but I’ve also seen cases where the underlying problem was actually stray electrical current causing electrolysis and eating away at the copper. That’s a whole other headache, and no filter’s going to fix it. It’s wild how many variables there are - sometimes you’re just guessing which pipe will give up first.

In the end, I guess I lean toward “use what makes sense for the space, and don’t expect miracles.” Maybe the best solution is a mix, depending on where the pipe runs and what it’s up against. At least then you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket...

That’s such a good point about workmanship - honestly, I’ve seen some “forever” copper that looked like it was installed during a fire drill. It’s wild how much the little details matter. I totally agree about PEX being a game changer for tricky retrofits, too. Do you ever find yourself weighing aesthetics when you’re choosing pipe types, or is it all about function for you? I always wonder if anyone else worries about how exposed runs look, especially in basements or utility spaces.

Honestly, I’m right there with you on the exposed runs. I’ve walked into basements where the copper was zig-zagged like someone was racing the clock, and it just kills the vibe of an otherwise clean space. I’ll admit, I lean function over form most of the time - especially if it’s tucked away - but if a run’s gonna be visible, I’ll spend the extra time making it look sharp. PEX is awesome for speed and flexibility, but I still like the look of a neat copper line when it’s out in the open. It’s those little touches that make a place feel finished, you know?

I get what you mean about the “vibe” of a space. I’m not super picky about looks, but when I redid my laundry room, I had to stare at those pipes every time I folded clothes.

“if a run’s gonna be visible, I’ll spend the extra time making it look sharp.”

That said, I’ve got a soft spot for PEX just because it’s cheaper and way easier to wrangle around weird corners. My wallet definitely prefers it. But yeah, if you’re gonna see the pipes every day, neat copper does look solid. I guess for me, as long as the pipes aren’t leaking or looking totally wild, I can live with a few zig-zags if it means saving a couple hundred bucks. Maybe that’s just me being cheap... but hey, priorities, right?

I get where you’re coming from on the cost, but I’ve actually run into issues with PEX in a couple of my rentals - mainly with rodents chewing through it. Copper’s more upfront, but I’ve found it’s less hassle long-term, especially if you’re not planning to redo things again soon. Plus, neat copper can actually bump up perceived value if you ever sell. Sometimes those “zig-zags” end up costing more down the road... just something to think about.

“I’ve actually run into issues with PEX in a couple of my rentals - mainly with rodents chewing through it. Copper’s more upfront, but I’ve found it’s less hassle long-term...”

That’s a fair point about rodents and PEX. I’ve heard similar stories, though I haven’t had that issue myself - maybe just lucky, or maybe the local critters aren’t as ambitious. Still, it’s a real concern, especially in older homes or rural areas.

On the longevity side, copper does have a solid track record, but I’ve seen it develop pinhole leaks from corrosion, especially if the water’s acidic. PEX, on the other hand, doesn’t corrode, but UV exposure and, like you said, rodents can be a problem. From what I’ve read, both can last 40-50 years under normal pressure, but it really depends on the install and environment.

I do wonder about the environmental impact, though. Copper mining isn’t exactly green, but then again, replacing chewed-up PEX every decade isn’t great either. Sometimes it feels like there’s no perfect answer - just trade-offs depending on what matters most to you.

I’ve actually seen both sides of this in my own projects. Had a client with copper pipes that lasted 60+ years, but then another house where acidic well water ate through new copper in under a decade. PEX is great for tricky retrofits, but yeah, I’ve pulled out sections that looked like Swiss cheese thanks to mice. Honestly, I lean toward copper if the water chemistry is decent, but I always warn folks about the trade-offs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve had the opposite luck with PEX in my place. Maybe it’s just the area or how it’s installed, but rodents haven’t been an issue here. Copper always made me nervous with all the soldering and potential for pinhole leaks down the line, especially in older homes with who-knows-what in the water.

I do think PEX gets a bad rap sometimes - yeah, it’s not bulletproof, but if you’re careful about protecting it in crawlspaces or attics (I usually run it through conduit or use metal plates), critters seem to leave it alone. Plus, the flexibility is a lifesaver when you’re dealing with weird old framing or tight spots.

Not saying it’s perfect - nothing is - but I’d take PEX over copper for most remodels these days, unless there’s something really specific about the water or the building that makes copper a must. Just my two cents...

I hear you on the copper worries - had a buddy who spent a fortune chasing down pinhole leaks in his 60s-era place. I’ve had PEX in my last two remodels and, knock on wood, no rodent issues either. Maybe it’s just luck or the way it’s tucked up out of sight. The flexibility is a game changer, especially when you’re trying to snake lines through old lath and plaster walls. Only thing I’m still not totally sold on is how PEX holds up after, say, 30 years... but then again, I’ve seen copper fail way sooner than that. Guess it’s always a bit of a gamble.

I hear you on the copper worries - had a buddy who spent a fortune chasing down pinhole leaks in his 60s-era place.

I get what you mean about PEX - “The flexibility is a game changer, especially when you’re trying to snake lines through old lath and plaster walls.” That’s honestly been the main selling point for me too. I’ve pulled out some copper that looked like it’d been gnawed on by time and minerals, way before it should’ve failed.

Still, every time I open up a wall and see those old galvanized lines or ancient copper, I wonder if the stuff we’re putting in now will really last as long as the manufacturers claim. I’ve heard mixed things about PEX getting brittle if exposed to UV or chemicals in some water supplies. Anyone had issues with that? Or is it just one of those internet horror stories?

Also curious if anyone’s had to repair PEX after a few decades. Does it get brittle or stay flexible? The jury’s still out for me...

I’ve actually seen a few older PEX installs behind walls that looked just fine - still flexible, no cracking or weirdness. I get the worry about UV, but honestly, unless you’re running lines in direct sunlight, it’s not usually a problem. Copper’s definitely got that “stood the test of time” vibe, but I’ve also seen it fail way sooner than expected. Sometimes I wonder if every material just has its trade-offs... nothing’s truly forever, right?

I hear you on the copper vs. PEX thing - honestly, I spent way too long trying to pick between them for my own reno. Ended up going with PEX just because it was way easier for a newbie to work with (and cheaper, let’s be real). I did stress about the “how long will this last?” question, but after seeing some 15-year-old PEX in my neighbor’s place looking totally fine, I figured it was good enough for me. Nothing’s bulletproof, but if it’s not getting blasted by sunlight or chewed by critters, seems like it’ll outlast my patience for home projects...

I get where you’re coming from - PEX is just so much less intimidating to work with than copper. I did my basement bathroom with PEX about 8 years ago, and honestly, haven’t had a single issue. I was skeptical at first, especially after hearing horror stories about rodents, but as long as you keep it protected, it seems to hold up. Copper’s great, but sweating pipes isn’t my idea of a fun weekend...

I’ve had both in my house - ran copper for the kitchen reno about 12 years ago, then switched to PEX for a laundry room update a few years back. Honestly, the copper’s still solid, but I do get a little nervous about pinhole leaks over time. PEX is just so much easier to snake through tight spots. Only thing that bugs me is I’ve heard PEX can get brittle with UV, but mine’s all tucked away. Haven’t seen any issues yet.

Copper’s definitely got that long-haul reputation, but yeah, pinhole leaks can sneak up, especially if your water’s a bit acidic. PEX is a breeze for retrofits - just gotta keep it out of sunlight like you said. I’ve read some folks worry about chemical leaching with PEX, but most studies say it’s minimal if you’re using certified pipe. Honestly, I’d pick PEX again for anything behind walls... just so much less hassle.

You’re spot on about copper’s longevity, but those pinhole leaks can be a real headache - especially in older homes where the water chemistry isn’t ideal. I’ve had to chase down a few myself, and it’s never fun. PEX does make life easier for retrofits, no question. The chemical leaching thing gets tossed around a lot, but like you said, certified PEX is pretty well-studied at this point. For anything hidden behind drywall, I’d go PEX too - just less to worry about long-term. Copper still has its place, but convenience matters a lot when you’re doing the work yourself.

That “600 psi” figure for copper needs a little context. A pressure-test or burst rating isn’t a service-life guarantee, and it usually applies under specified temperature and installation conditions.

For comparing materials, I’d separate the questions:

1. **Normal operating pressure:** What the house actually sees, including pump cut-in/cut-out or regulator settings.
2. **Temperature:** Pressure ratings generally drop as temperature rises, especially for plastics. Hot-water service can be much harder on PEX or CPVC than cold water.
3. **Pressure cycling:** Repeated pump cycles, water hammer, and rapid valve closures can fatigue joints and fittings even when the peak pressure is well below the headline rating.
4. **Environment:** UV can damage exposed PEX or CPVC, while aggressive or acidic water can cause copper pinholes. Rodents and freezing are separate failure risks.
5. **Installation:** Kinks, unsupported runs, poor soldering, incorrect crimping, and stressed fittings can create an early failure point.

So I wouldn’t read “tested to 600 psi” as “will last indefinitely at 60 psi.” It mainly shows short-term pressure capacity under a test setup. For an old house, I’d check the actual static and flowing pressure with a gauge, look for a pressure-reducing valve or expansion-tank issue, and then choose pipe based on temperature, exposure, water chemistry, and how well the installation can be protected.