Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jhaggett's Avatar
    jhaggett Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Jul 23, 2006, 10:55 AM
    Copper v PVC
    I'm in the process of building a home and the builder suggested we use PVC in stead of copper pipe.

    I understand there is a significant cost difference due to rising copper prices.

    The savings would be great, but I also don't want to sacrifice quality.

    I am interested to learn the pros and cons of each in order to make a more informed decision. What are the benefits of PVC over copper, and visa versa?
    RickJ's Avatar
    RickJ Posts: 7,762, Reputation: 864
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Jul 23, 2006, 11:23 AM
    You'll find this is a debatable issue... but it's more a matter of what you're used to and what you've relied on in the past (from the installers point of view) than of quality or reliability.

    My opinion is to go the PVC to not only save yourself some bucks, but to also make your life easier if you need to do any plumbing repairs or additions in the future.

    Personally, I think copper is on it's way out for water supply due to the reliability of PVC, CPVC, PEX, etc. They've all proven to be as reliable as copper from what I've seen.
    shunned's Avatar
    shunned Posts: 268, Reputation: 20
    Full Member
     
    #3

    Jul 23, 2006, 01:04 PM
    Agree. PVC is easier to repair, which is why unions have fought it.
    pinkpanthernot's Avatar
    pinkpanthernot Posts: 10, Reputation: 2
    New Member
     
    #4

    Jul 24, 2006, 09:37 AM
    Don't know where you're located but where I live there is a problem with the copper pipes corroding and leaking. All homes here are on concrete slab so repiping is done in the overhead spaces with "plastic" pipe. Seems to be working just fine!

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Why use copper for DWV? [ 6 Answers ]

Hello, Something's been nagging me for a while. Several different kinds of material are used for DWV systems, each with its own pros and cons. PVC (and I guess ABS) is inexpensive and easy to work with, but is not allowed by all codes, and is a lot noisier (I've been to a few houses where...

PVC to old copper drain [ 3 Answers ]

I would like to know the best way to transition a 2" ABS pipe to a 1.5" copper drain pipe. The 2" drain will be attached to a shower drain. An image of the current drain system is attached. Originally, I was planning to use the copper to ABS adapter sold at HD. Would there be any issue...

Copper to PVC [ 2 Answers ]

My house has all copper pipes. However, I noticed that from the street main before the house there is a tee that connects copper to PVC. The PVC branch is connected to my sprinklers and nothing else. I am worried that the PVC wasn't meant to be under constant water pressure from the main and...

Copper to Galvanized [ 1 Answers ]

I need to replace some water pipes in my house to add Shut-offs and to remove some "hokey" setups.. my issue is that I have galvanized running up through the walls to the 2nd story bathroom. Everything else in the house is copper or PVC. I want to run copper to the galvanized, do I need Dielectric...

Copper to PVC [ 1 Answers ]

HI (Ken) (!st time user) I am replacing the Main copper on/off valve. How do I connect a one inch copper outside main water pipe to a one inch PVC pipe, (which is connected to meter side) ? Additional info have 6 inches of copper and 6 inches of PVC above ground. I do not want...


View more questions Search