I totally get the paranoia—after seeing my uncle’s basement flood from a tiny copper leak, I’m always second-guessing every pipe I touch. I’ve read that copper’s supposed to last 50+ years, but it seems like one bad bend or missing insulation can ruin that in no time. Is it really just about the install, or do some brands/types hold up better? I’m debating PEX for my place, but I keep hearing mixed things about rodents and UV. Anyone actually had PEX issues, or is that just internet horror stories?
I went with PEX for my last reno, mostly because it was cheaper and easier to run than copper. Haven’t had any leaks or pressure issues in five years, but I did find a spot where mice chewed through the insulation sleeve—not the pipe itself, but it made me nervous. I wrapped that section in some metal mesh as a precaution. UV is only a problem if you’ve got exposed runs near windows or outside, so I just kept everything behind drywall.
Honestly, I think install matters way more than brand. My neighbor’s copper pipes are 40+ years old and still fine, but he’s super careful about water chemistry and insulation. If you’re on a budget and keep PEX away from sunlight and critters, it holds up well. Just don’t skimp on the fittings—cheap ones can be a headache down the line.
I’ve seen PEX hold up just fine in remodels I did over a decade ago, but you’re right—install is everything. Had a job where a guy used bargain-bin fittings and we were chasing leaks for months. Copper’s solid if you’ve got the budget, but for most folks, PEX done right is plenty tough. Mice are sneaky little troublemakers... I’ve seen ‘em chew through almost anything except metal mesh or steel wool.
Had a client swear up and down that PEX would outlive him, but then his attic mice had other plans. I’ve seen copper last 50+ years if you don’t have aggressive water, but PEX is usually solid for 25-40—assuming nobody cheaped out on fittings. Mice definitely prefer the softer stuff... little vandals.
Mice definitely prefer the softer stuff... little vandals.
That’s the wildcard nobody mentions in the spec sheets. I’ve had a couple rentals where tenants reported leaks, and it turned out to be chewed PEX in the crawlspace. Here’s how I look at it when evaluating pipe longevity:
1. Water chemistry first—copper hates acidic or aggressive water, so always test before assuming it’ll last 50+ years.
2. PEX is great for flexibility and speed, but critters see it as a snack bar. If you’re running PEX in attics or crawlspaces, rodent control is non-negotiable.
3. Fittings matter. I’ve seen PEX jobs with cheap clamp rings fail in under a decade, while properly installed expansion fittings seem to go the distance.
4. For long-term holds, I usually budget for a full re-pipe at 30-40 years, depending on the area and pipe type.
It’s not just about the material—it’s the install, environment, and, yeah, those “little vandals” too. Copper’s got its issues, but at least mice don’t chew it up.