I'm finally tackling the bathroom plumbing overhaul I've been putting off forever, and I'm stuck deciding between copper pipes and PEX tubing. Copper seems sturdy and reliable, but it's pricier and a bit trickier to work with (at least for me, lol). PEX looks way easier to handle and cheaper, but I'm not sure how it'll hold up long-term. Anyone have experience with either? Curious what you'd pick and why.
I went through this same debate when we redid our kitchen last year. Copper definitely has that tried-and-true feel, but honestly, PEX won me over. Like you said:
"PEX looks way easier to handle and cheaper"
Exactly my experience—installation was a breeze compared to soldering copper (which I never quite mastered, lol). Plus, from an eco-friendly angle, PEX tends to retain heat better, so less wasted energy. Been almost two years now, zero issues so far...I'd say go for it.
Copper definitely takes a bit more patience (and maybe a few burnt fingertips, lol), but honestly, there's something reassuring about it. My parents' house has copper plumbing that's been solid for over 40 years. I get the convenience of PEX, especially when you say:
"installation was a breeze compared to soldering copper"
But for me, long-term reliability still leans copper—plus I love that classic look when it's exposed. Guess I'm just old-school that way!
I get the appeal of copper, especially for exposed plumbing—definitely has that timeless look. But after dealing with a burst copper pipe in one of my rentals last winter, I've switched to PEX. Easier repairs and fewer headaches... reliability can mean different things depending on your situation.
