PEX vs. Copper vs. CPVC

Which Pipe Material is Right for Your Home?

The contractor just told you the pipes in your 1950s home need replacing. Maybe you’re planning a bathroom remodel and want to know which plumbing material makes the most sense. When you’re comparing PEX vs copper vs CPVC pipe options, the answer isn’t always obvious.

Central Illinois throws some curveballs at plumbing systems. Hard water leaves mineral deposits. Winters freeze everything they touch. Older homes follow plumbing routes that made sense in1950 but complicate repairs today. After 80+ years of installing all three materials across the region, we’ve seen how each performs in real-world conditions. Your pipe choice affects installation cost, system longevity, and how often you’ll need repairs over the next few decades.

Understanding Your Pipe Material Options

PEX Pipe (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

PEX is flexible plastic tubing that bends around corners without fittings and snakes through walls easily. It’s become the default choice for modern residential plumbing.

What makes PEX popular:

• Fewer joints mean potentially fewer leak points
• Handles freezing better than rigid materials
• Installs faster, which lowers labor costs
• Runs quieter with less water hammer
• Color-coded (red for hot, blue for cold)

 

PEX lasts 40-50 years and resists corrosion from acidic water. You won’t see the pinhole leaks that plague copper installations.

Copper Pipes

Copper has been the plumbing standard since the 1960s. Durable. Proven. Trusted by generations of plumbers who learned their trade on copper.

Why copper still matters:

• Track record spanning 80+ years in homes
• Zero concerns about chemical leaching
• Handles high temperatures and pressure without issue
• Naturally antimicrobial
• Fully recyclable

 

Quality copper installations regularly last 50-70 years. The material won’t degrade from UV exposure and performs consistently throughout its life.

CPVC Pipe (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)

CPVC gained popularity in the 1980s as a low-cost alternative to copper. It’s a rigid plastic that shares copper’s structure but weighs less.

The reality of CPVC:

• Lower upfront cost than copper
• Resists corrosion from acidic water
• Easier to work with (no soldering required)
• Gets brittle in cold temperatures
• UV exposure damages it quickly

CPVC typically lasts 25-40 years. It works for hot and cold lines but has lost ground as PEX improved.

How Central Illinois Conditions Impact Your Choice

Peoria’s water and weather aren’t neutral factors.

Hard Water Builds Up Fast

Central Illinois water carries serious mineral content. Those minerals accumulate in pipes year after year, restricting flow and creating headaches. Copper develops pinhole leaks where minerals interact with metal. CPVC turns brittle as deposits settle on surfaces.

PEX’s smooth interior gives minerals less to grip. If you’re not using a water softener, PEX handles those harsh conditions better.

Freezing Winters

When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands. Rigid pipes crack. Flexible pipes stretch slightly and survive the stress.

PEX provides advantages during those brutal February stretches. No pipe is completely freeze-proof, but PEX handles expansion that would split copper or CPVC. For exterior walls, crawl spaces, or anywhere insulation falls short, PEX adds insurance.

Older Homes with Odd Layouts

Many local homes date back 50, 60, and even 100 years. Original plumbing runs through tight spaces and follows odd paths. It connects to systems not designed for modern water flow rates.

Repiping using rigid materials means cutting walls and creating more access points. PEX snakes through existing spaces, reducing demolition and drywall repair. If you’re dealing with leaking pipes or plumbing problems, understanding your material options helps you make the best long-term decision.

Comparing Performance: Copper vs PEX vs CPVC

Is PEX Cheaper Than Copper?

Copper installation takes time. Every joint requires cutting, fitting, fluxing, and soldering. CPVC moves a bit faster, but still requires precise cuts, deburring, priming, and gluing. Both take time and skill.

PEX uses compression fittings or expansion tools, so installation runs 30-40% faster than copper. A whole-house repipe that takes three days with copper may take only two with PEX. The difference in labor costs appears on your final bill and usually outweighs any savings from selecting a cheaper material.

Maintenance Over the Years

All three need little maintenance when installed correctly. Repairs tell a different story.

Copper requires soldering skills and shutting off water to entire sections. CPVC needs precise fitting and proper curing time before you can turn water back on. PEX allows compression-fitting repairs that most plumbers can complete in minutes.

Water Quality Concerns

Copper naturally inhibits bacterial growth, though modern municipal water treatment makes this mostly beside the point. PEX and CPVC don’t affect water chemistry when properly manufactured. Quality PEX meets NSF drinking water standards. That plastic taste some people notice typically disappears within weeks as pipes flush.

Code Compliance

All three materials meet Illinois plumbing codes when installed correctly. While local guidelines occasionally differ, your plumber should know what applies in your area without you having to ask.

When Each Material Makes the Most Sense

PEX works best for:

• Whole-house repiping projects, especially in older homes where you want to minimize wall demolition
• Anywhere freezing is a real concern: exterior walls, crawl spaces, unheated areas
• Project where installation speed matters
• Home running hard water without softeners

Copper makes sense when:

• Pipes will be exposed to UV light
• Local code requires metal pipes
• You’re running hot water recirculation systems that need high-temperature performance
• Appearance matters

Has a place in:

• Budget repairs where you’re matching existing CPVC systems
• Short runs where the material you choose doesn’t impact long-term performance

Most homes don’t use a single material throughout. You might run PEX through walls and ceilings but use copper for visible fixtures or high-temp applications. That’s fine. Match each material to what it does best, rather than forcing a single choice everywhere.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Chasing the Lowest Material Price

The cheapest pipe often costs more once installation is factored in. Saving $200 on materials but spending $600 extra on labor doesn’t actually save you money.

DIY Plumbing Adventures

Home improvement stores sell all three materials, but that doesn’t mean everyone should attempt to install them on their own. Improper connections fail. Incorrect pressure ratings cause problems. Code violations create liability nightmares. Professional installation prevents mistakes that can lead to water damage and costly repairs.

Ready to Discuss Your Home’s Plumbing Needs?

Choosing between PEX, copper, and CPVC depends on your home, budget, and timeline. The answer isn’t the same for everyone.

Dries Plumbing has installed all three materials across Central Illinois. We’ve repiped century-old houses and plumbed brand-new construction. We know what works with the area’s hard water and harsh winter conditions.

Whether you’re planning a remodel or addressing leaking pipes, we’ll assess your situation honestly and recommend the best options for your home.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your plumbing and provide a detailed estimate.