Skip to content
The pipes behind your walls may not be something you think about often—until you have a leak.
Older homes commonly have copper water lines, and while copper has been used successfully for decades, aging pipes can eventually develop problems. Depending on factors such as water chemistry, pipe age, and installation conditions, homeowners may begin experiencing corrosion or pinhole leaks.
Peter, a Plumbing Install Lead at Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric, recently walked through a whole-home repiping project where an aging copper system was being replaced with PEX piping. Here’s what homeowners should know about the difference.
Why Do Copper Pipes Develop Pinhole Leaks?
Copper is a durable plumbing material, but it isn’t immune to deterioration.
Over time, the chemistry and quality of the water traveling through copper pipes can contribute to corrosion. Other factors, including water velocity and the condition of the plumbing system, may also play a role.
One visible sign of corrosion can be a blue-green discoloration on the outside of copper piping. While discoloration alone doesn’t necessarily mean a pipe is about to fail, corrosion can eventually weaken copper and contribute to small openings known as pinhole leaks.
These leaks may be tiny, but the damage they cause isn’t always small. A slow leak hidden behind a wall, above a ceiling, or beneath a floor can damage drywall, insulation, flooring, cabinetry, and other areas of the home before it is discovered.
What Is PEX Piping?
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is a flexible plastic piping material commonly used for residential water supply lines.
Unlike copper, PEX does not corrode in the same way metal piping can. Its flexibility can also allow plumbers to route water lines with fewer fittings in certain applications.
During Peter’s recent project, our plumbing team removed the home’s existing copper water lines and replaced them with new PEX piping.
PEX vs. Copper: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest differences between the two materials is how they respond to corrosion. Copper can be affected by certain water conditions over time, while PEX isn’t susceptible to metal corrosion.
PEX also has greater flexibility than rigid copper piping. That flexibility can be helpful during installation and gives PEX some ability to accommodate expansion if water inside the line begins to freeze.
However, PEX is not freeze-proof. Any plumbing line exposed to sufficiently cold temperatures can freeze, become damaged, or create problems elsewhere in the plumbing system. Proper insulation and winter preparation are still important.
When Should You Consider Repiping Your Home?
A single plumbing leak doesn’t necessarily mean your entire home needs to be repiped. However, repeated problems throughout an aging plumbing system can indicate that it’s time to look at the bigger picture.
Homeowners may want to have their piping evaluated if they notice:
- Recurring pinhole leaks
- Visible corrosion on water lines
- Multiple previous pipe repairs
- Water stains or unexplained moisture
- Changes in water pressure
- Aging plumbing throughout the home
A professional plumber can inspect the system and help determine whether an isolated repair makes sense or whether replacing aging water lines could be a better long-term solution.
Have Questions About Your Home’s Pipes?
Repiping is a significant home plumbing project, so understanding why your pipes are failing is an important first step.
At Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric, our experienced plumbers can evaluate your home’s water lines, identify signs of deterioration, and explain your repair or replacement options.
If you’re dealing with recurring leaks or are concerned about aging copper pipes in your Upstate South Carolina home, Y’all Call Wally.
