Cost: PEX vs Copper

[TomW]

Does anyone the installed cost difference between PEX and copper pipe when done by a professional?

PEX materials are cheaper, and require significantly less time to install than copper.

Is installed PEX plumbing half the cost of copper? One-third? Anyone have any direct experience with a professional plumber?

Thanks,
Tom

[clancy_boy]

Copper was the most expensive when rebuilding my house. Materials and labor were higher.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by TomW

Does anyone the installed cost difference between PEX and copper pipe when done by a professional?

PEX materials are cheaper, and require significantly less time to install than copper.

Is installed PEX plumbing half the cost of copper? One-third? Anyone have any direct experience with a professional plumber?

Thanks,
Tom

Tom,

I'm not a pro plumber but I do a lot of water system repairs in RV's. From my perspective, I would say that you should save between 30-40% using PEX over copper....labor and materials combined for a large job. The savings are much bigger for small repairs like leaky connections and valves.....50-60% there. Hope this helps.

[j54mark]

The cost of the materials will be little different either way - there just is not that much plumbing in one of our coaches. The labor should be significantly less with PEX, however.

I cannot imagine a reason to choose copper over PEX in an RV. PEX should be much more reliable and longer lived.

Mark

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by j54mark

The cost of the materials will be little different either way - there just is not that much plumbing in one of our coaches. The labor should be significantly less with PEX, however.

I cannot imagine a reason to choose copper over PEX in an RV. PEX should be much more reliable and longer lived.

Mark

I agree. I recently corrected a mistake that was done when my TT was fitted with PEX (PO). It was a bit of work, working under the rear bath sink. I would not have wanted to crawl into that area with a torch in my hand. PEX also gives you some protection from freeze as the pipes will expand slightly. Copper pipes will split if the water inside freezes.

[SafeHarbor]

Plus with copper you have to buy a tube bender and flarer. All that's really needed with PEX 'n Qwest is a tube cutter (the crank-up mechanical leverage ones from Lowes for about $15 are nice) and an adjustable wrench.

A slight disavantage is that can't get as tight curves with PEX as you can with copper.

Lamar