Many customers ask what the difference is between Copper, PEX, and Epoxy Lining when considering a home re-pipe. How do you know which is best? After more than 40 years in the construction and remodeling business, here is what I’ve learned:
Copper, PEX, and Epoxy Lining:
All pipe restoration projects, regardless of type, require the Customer to perform the following before work can begin:
- Purchase boxes, tape, wrapping paper, and permanent marker.
- Pack all items under all sinks and move away from the work area.
- Move and relocate away from the work area all refrigerators having water service. Replace when completed.
- Move the washer and dryer away from the work area. Replace when completed.
- Clear the area surrounding the hot water heater.
- Trim or remove all plants around water service and hose bibs.
- Remove all items within 2 feet of all access panels.
- Minimum 1/2 of the garage floor space is required for the storage and security of tools, equipment, and materials.
- Clear and unobstructed 3′ width path to all locations and a 5’Lx5’D workspace in front of all fixtures.
Here are the more significant differences between Copper, PEX, and Epoxy Lining:
Days to complete (typical)
Copper: 2-3
PEX: 2-3
Epoxy: 2-3
Note: Pipe restoration only; wall repairs increases time
Warranty (materials/workmanship)
Copper: 50/50
PEX: 25/25
Epoxy: 10/10
Note: Materials is a direct manufactures warranty
Can I live in the house?1
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy:?
Warranty (materials/workmanship)
Copper: 50/50
PEX: 25/25
Epoxy: 10/10
Note: Materials is a direct manufactures warranty
Permits required?
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Fire Code approved?
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Will house be without water?2
Copper: No
PEX: No
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: No water whatsoever for 2-3 days
Will house have water at night?
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Epoxy: buckets are filled with water to flush toilets
Water company purification damage
Copper:?
PEX:?
Epoxy:?
Note: Possible with all; voids all warranties
Open drywall at washer box
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Open drywall at refrigerator water box
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Open drywall for tub valves
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: If proper adaptor is not available, yes
Open drywall for shower valves
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: If proper adaptor is not available, yes
Remove tile for valve replacement
Copper:?
PEX:?
Epoxy:?
Note: Possible, depends on the location
Replace all hose bibs
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace refrigerator box and valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Epoxy: Replaces valve only with angle stop
Replace washing machine hoses
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Replace with steel braided hoses
Replace dryer vent duct
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Replace with 1-piece aluminum flexible duct
Replace dryer gas valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Replace dryer vent duct
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Replace with 1-piece aluminum flexible duct
Replace dryer flex gas line
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Replace/treat all water lines3
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Replace all angle stops
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Replace with 1/4-turn chrome ball valves
Replace all angle stop escutcheons
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace fixture water supply hoses
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Replace with steel braided hoses
Replace shower valves
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy:?
Note: Epoxy: If proper adaptor is not available, yes
Replace tub (tub/shower) valves
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy:?
Note: Epoxy: If proper adaptor is not available, yes
Replace water heater flex connections
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace water heater ball valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace pressure regulator
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Replace water supply ball valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Hot water limitations
Copper: No
PEX: No
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: Water temp. cannot exceed 145°F
Contractor schedules inspection
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Epoxy: Customer responsible for scheduling
Contractor present for inspection4
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: No
Note: Epoxy: Customer must be present
Wall patching required after work*
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: More with copper and PEX
Painting required after work*
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: More with copper and PEX
* Typically requires another 2-4 days to complete.
1Epoxy: Considering the multitude of hoses running throughout the house and garage, equipment, and protective mats on the floor, living in the house during the epoxy restoration process would be very challenging at best. This is especially true for those with disabilities, impaired movement or vision, small children, and four legged pets.
2With Cooper and PEX re-pipe, typically only on the day of transition from the old system to the new system is the water off for the work day.
3Epoxy: Not all water pipes are treated. Pipes supplying water to body sprays from the diverter valves in showers; tub deck hand showers and the like do not receive epoxy. Therefore, these can develop leaks.
4Epoxy: Customer is responsible for scheduling the required Building Department inspection and must be present for the inspection. This requires customer to remain physically at home until the inspector completes his work (typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Customer is also responsible for answering all inspector questions concerning epoxy work.
(For a side-by-side comparison table of the preceding information, please see our website at https://www.dadsconstruction.com/articles/repipe-vs-epoxy.html )
Summary
All things considered, for the average home, performing a PEX re-pipe is best. Why? Primarily because it’s a new, almost continuous piping system with fewer connections vs. altering an older existing system that typically contains weakened and damaged materials. When a PEX re-pipe replaces all the valves and fixtures, the entire water system is fresh and clean, free of lead, and free of mineral corrosion and contamination. PEX also appears to hold up better against water company chemicals and gases used during the water purification process.