Plumbing Material Comparison: PEX, PVC, or Other?
When it comes to plumbing, there are a lot of different materials that could be used to make up your piping infrastructure. The most popular modern materials for residential plumbing include PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). At RX-Plumbing, we have extensive experience with these and other materials, including copper, galvanized steel, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), cast iron, and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). We’ll focus on analyzing the differences between PEX and PVC, but stick around to learn more about each of the other materials as well.
“PEX is a favorite material of ours due to its versatility, durability, long lifespan, and leak-resistance.”
What is PEX?
PEX is a material made up of cross-linked polyethylene. As a type of plastic piping, it features both high flexibility and durability, making it a popular choice growing in usage over the past few decades. Its greatest strengths are the ease of installation and high resistance to temperature extremes. This allows for it to be used in both hot and cold water supply lines, as well as radiant floor heating systems.
Key Features of PEX:
Flexible
It can maneuver and bend around corners or objects without additional fittings to achieve angles, which reduces the amount of potential leak points.
Durable
PEX is highly resistant to corrosion, scaling, and chlorine, while effectively handling high temperatures and pressures.
Thermal Memory
PEX-A is a type of PEX that returns to its original shape after being expanded. This allows for secure and seamless connections where needed.
Freeze-Friendly
It will expand instead of cracking if water freezes inside, offering a reduction in the chance of bursting frozen pipes.
What is PVC?
PVC is made of polyvinyl chloride, a rigid plastic commonly used for drain, waste, and vent systems, as well as some cold water supply lines. You are likely familiar with the popular material, as it’s valued for its low cost, ease of installation, and resistance to chemicals and corrosion.
Key Features of PVC:
Cost-Effective
It is generally cheaper than PEX and offers a budget-friendly option for certain projects.
Chemical Resistant
PVC is highly resistant to many chemicals, making it a great choice for waste lines and vent systems.
Durable
These pipes don’t rust or corrode, so it’s possible for them to last decades with proper maintenance.
Easy Installation
PVC pipes are fairly easy to install, but do require solvent cement and precise cutting to create effective fittings.
In Comparison
Installation
The flexibility of PEX gives it a massive advantage in installation over PVC, particularly in compact or complicated spaces. There are less elbows or other fittings required when using PEX, and the expansion method allows for easy, leak-free connections. While still easy to work with, any changes in direction require a separate fitting due to the rigidness of PVC. These fittings require precise cutting and strong bonds with solvent cement that add more labor and time to the installation process when compared to PEX.
Durability
PEX’s high durability features a resistance to corrosion, scaling, and chlorine, while PVC also showcases strengths over corrosion and chemicals. The difference comes in regard to their performances in extreme temperatures, where PEX can serve as a hot water supply line and expands incredibly well in freezing conditions, PVC can’t even be used for hot water since it’ll become brittle and crack over time. That being said, PVC is still an incredibly durable material for waste lines and drainage systems.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of material, PEX is generally the more expensive of the two. PVC is known for its amazing affordability and reliability, especially on projects prioritizing cost-effectiveness. However, it must be said that the ease of installation, fewer fittings, and reduced risk of leaks that come with a PEX install could eventually offset the initial difference in cost.
Applications
PEX clearly wins out in the versatility category. Its combined flexibility and durability make it perfect for hot or cold water supply lines, radiant floor heating systems, and even snow-melting systems in colder regions. The ease-of-use also makes it ideal for either new construction or retrofitting and repairs. In comparison, PVC is usually used for just cold water supplies or drain, waste, and vent systems.
Other Common Plumbing Materials
PEX and PVC aren’t the only plumbing materials in use on installations and repairs. Others include the following, with their own uses, advantages, and disadvantages:
Copper
Advantages: Durable, corrosion-resistant, and can handle high temperatures while inhibiting bacterial growth.
Disadvantages: Copper is expensive to both purchase and install due to its rigidity and difficult soldering requirements.
Uses: Hot and cold water supply lines, HVAC refrigerant lines, and underground water lines.
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
Advantages: CPVC is also corrosion-resistant like standard PVC, but the added benefit lies in its ability to hold higher temperatures, making it usable for hot water lines.
Disadvantages: It costs more than PVC and can still run the risk of weakening over time with frequent exposure to very hot water temperatures.
Uses: Hot and cold water supply lines, and industrial liquid handling.
Galvanized Steel
Advantages: Incredibly strong, high-pressure resistant, and zinc-coated for exterior rust and corrosion resistance.
Disadvantages: Susceptible to internal corrosion over time, which causes reduced water flow, clogs, and could lead to contamination.
Uses: Older residential water lines and some outdoor plumbing applications.
Stainless Steel
Advantages: Strong, durable, and capable of high-pressure uses while retaining a very high resistance to corrosion and rust.
Disadvantages: Very costly and necessitates specialized tools for installation.
Uses: Coastal regions, high-pressure water lines, and industrial applications.
Cast Iron
Advantages: Highly durable with a long lifespan; actually reduces water flow noise and is fire-resistant.
Disadvantages: Due to its extreme weight and installation difficulty, it’s frequently replaced by PVC and ABS in modern plumbing.
Uses: Drain, waste, and vent systems in large buildings.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Advantages: Lightweight, resistant to damage, and budget-friendly.
Disadvantages: Could warp in extended exposure to direct sunlight.
Uses: Drain, waste, and vent systems.
The Best Choice
PEX is a favorite material of ours due to its versatility, durability, long lifespan, and leak-resistance. At the same time, we want to recognize that PVC is still a fantastic option for particular uses. As well as that, the other materials also have their own suitability for various situations. Choosing between them will sometimes come down to a judgment call dependent on your specific needs and budget. At RX-Plumbing, we’re always ready to help you make the best choice for your plumbing system.
Whether you’re planning a new installation, a remodel, or just need repairs, our experienced team has seen it all and is here to provide expert advice and five-star service at affordable rates. Contact us today for a free estimate or guidance on your current plumbing situation.
