Should I replace stolen copper plumbing with PEX?

Question

Some copper was stolen from the house my family is moving into. The only pipes that were stolen were in the basement, that is, no walls were ripped apart, etc. - only the stuff that was easily accessible. My friend, a casual handyman, has suggested that we replace the missing stuff with PEX pipes instead of copper. I'm leaning towards buying copper and doing it that way. Any advice from the seasoned experts?

Update:

Thanks Paul. Are the two compatible? (e.g. can you use one 3/4" PEX pipe to replace one 3/4" copper pipe?).

smokey · Accepted Answer

you might want to check with the building codes office to see if PEX is to code for the application.

Susan · Answer

that's common in a lot of areas. Most times theyonly hit houses under construction. If you have a heat pump, protect your outside condenser, the coils are copper. I don't think you could replace all the copper in your house to avoid being ripped off. You're talking water pipes, electric wire, A/C unit, etc. Maybe the Darwin award winner that fried himself will show the others that maybe this isn't such a good idea. The police in your area are probably already staking out the local scrap yards, if no cooperation, they'll work undercover. BUT, as long as copper prices are high, it's a quick and most times, easy pay off.

joea · Answer

well it ultimately becomes a choice in cost - copper will be a bit more expensive than pex. all is required is parts, torch, solder, flux and cleaning tools to join it all together. pex needs pipe,fittings, clamps and the specialty tool to crimp the fittings/pipe together - either way is acceptable -

Paul in San Diego · Answer

Pex will work and it uses compression fittings that don't require special skills (like pipe soldering) to install. Copper is the preferred material, but requires a plumber experienced in soldering pipes, and the pipes and fittings are more expensive.

? · Answer

I have been a plumber for 20 yrs and although pex is approved for water supply lines and is now being used in most new homes I wouldn't use it in my house for drinking water. its just to new, i don't trust it.

as for connecting the two, yes they have adaptors but then you will need tools for sodering on the adaptors and cripping tools for the pex, probably easier to just soderr in new copper

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Should I replace stolen copper plumbing with PEX?

5 Answers