Debate : Pex vs Copper

My preferences in order:

1. CPVC
2. PEX
3. COPPER

If your water is acidic it will dissolvce the copper pipes in time, I have an old house (250 years old) and wed replaced most of the copper pipe runs with PVC in the last 20 years. Copper is not as friendly as PVC pr PEX and when you buy it, its sold by the pound really. So, youre buying copper on the plumbing "Spot " market.
As we replaced the copper pipe, weve updted our water treatment system until, now, its handling the pH problem of our Piedmont ground water (our pH is about 5.2) so our water treatment (a dolomite and filter unit) is always active.
Ive found that, with certain types of dolomites and dolomitic limestones (crsuhed and screened and washed at the quarry) Im able to actually achieve different tastes in the water. The dolomite we use now is a smaller crystal and the water is actually sweeter with a hint of berries.
Im gonna become a "water snob".

Theres a market strategy for H2O MAN, You can start on taste enhancement for home water treatment.

I run my own Home Repair/Improvement biz and a get a LOT of business replacing sections of copper pipe that have burst or simply decayed (and then fixing the ceilings/walls that got soaked...). Many (the majority) of these houses are under 40 years old so the plumbing is no older than that. I'd have to guess that PEX will last just as long if not longer. The acid water issues that Farmerman mentioned go away and you don't have to worry about copper coming in contact with cement or plaster (which both have lyme in them that will eat through copper).

Between the current prices of copper pipe and the labor cost savings of installation I'd go with PEX every time if I were buidling new.

Corrosive H2O


This true - it's all organic.

No matter what pipe you use, low Ph / Acidic / Corrosive H2O will continue to dissolve any metal it comes in contact with.

If you have a Ph lower than 7 you need an acid neutralizer because you can't eliminate all of the metal fixtures and fittings in your home.

Woow !! This debate is getting all the more interesting..I found couple of details here .Since you all have experience I feel nice to get an overview rather than taking a hasty decision and regretting later. Thanks a Bunch Guys !

PEX, crosslinked polyethylene, has been used in Europe for 30 years. It has been used in the US for 15-20 years. It has many advantages over copper or CPVC and should last longer than copper because nothing in water can harm it and it does not add anything to water like copper can. It doesn't get brittle like other plastics.

It should last as long or longer than regular PE (polyethylene) that has been used for city water service lines and well water systems for 45-50 years. It is tough stuff. It is used down wells to 500+' with a submersible pump hung on it.

You must protect both types of PE from sunlight, mice and other rodents as all plastic must be.

I do not like PEX run in the branch and tee way copper and CPVC is run. If it is you lose some of the advantages of using PEX. I like the manifold 'homerun' way.