I get what you’re saying about copper lasting ages, but I’ve actually seen some pretty gnarly pinhole leaks in houses that weren’t even that old. Maybe it’s the water around here, or maybe just bad luck? PEX seems less fussy about corrosion, but yeah, those fittings are a gamble if you cheap out. Honestly, I’m still torn on which is “better”—feels like there’s always a tradeoff somewhere.
Man, I hear you on the pinhole leaks. I once bought a duplex thinking the copper was “good for life”—fast forward two years and I’m patching leaks like a plumber on speed dial. Turns out, the water in some areas just eats copper for breakfast. PEX is tempting, but those cheap fittings are like playing Russian roulette with your basement ceiling. Honestly, I just cross my fingers and budget for surprises... pipes are like the lottery, but with more water damage.