Many customers ask what the difference is between copper, PEX, and epoxy lining when considering re-tubing at home. How to know which one is the best? After more than 40 years in the construction and remodeling business, here’s what I’ve learned:
Copper, PEX and Epoxy Lining:
All pipe restoration projects, regardless of type, require the Client to do 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 outside the work area all refrigerators that have water service. Replace when done.
- Move the washer and dryer away from the work area. Replace when done.
- Clear the area around the water heater.
- Trim or remove all plants around water service and hose faucets.
- Remove all items within 2 feet of all access panels.
- A minimum of one-half of the garage floor space is required for the storage and security of tools, equipment, and materials.
- Clear, unobstructed 3′ wide path to all locations and 5’Lx5’D workspace in front of all fixtures.
Here are the most significant differences between copper, PEX, and epoxy lining:
Days to complete (typical)
Copper: 2-3
XP: 2-3
Epoxy: 2-3
Note: pipe restoration only; wall repairs increase time
Warranty (materials/workmanship)
Copper: 50/50
XP: 25/25
Epoxy: 10/10
Note: Materials are a direct manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I live in the house?1
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy:?
Warranty (materials/workmanship)
Copper: 50/50
XP: 25/25
Epoxy: 10/10
Note: Materials are a direct manufacturer’s warranty.
Are permits required?
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Fire Code Approved?
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Will the house run out of water?2
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: no water for 2-3 days
Will the house have water at night?
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy – buckets fill with water to flush toilets
Water company purification damage
Copper:?
PEX:?
Epoxy:?
Note: Possible with all; voids all warranties
Open drywall in washer box
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Open drywall in refrigerator water box
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Open drywall for bathtub valves
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: If the appropriate adapter is not available, yes
Open drywall for shower valves.
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: If the appropriate adapter is not available, yes
Remove tile for valve replacement
Copper:?
PEX:?
Epoxy:?
Note: Possible, depends on location
Replace all hose bibs
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace cooler box and valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: Replaces valve with angled stop only
Change washing machine hoses
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Replace with steel braided hoses
Replace dryer vent
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Replace with 1 piece aluminum flexible duct
Replace dryer gas valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace dryer vent
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Replace with 1 piece aluminum flexible duct
Replace Dryer Flexible Gas Line
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace/treat all water lines3
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Replace all angle stops
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Replace with chrome plated 1/4 turn ball valves
Replace all angle stop shields
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 the appropriate adapter is not available, yes
Replace bathtub (tub/shower) valves
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy:?
Note: Epoxy: If the appropriate adapter is not available, yes
Replace flexible water heater 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: Yes
Replace water supply ball valve
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
hot water restrictions
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: water temperature. cannot exceed 145°F
Inspection of contractor schedules
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy: Customer responsible for programming
Contractor present for inspection4
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: Epoxy – Customer must be present
Repair the wall after work*
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: More with copper and PEX
After Job Painting Required*
Copper: Yes
PEX: Yes
Epoxy: Yes
Note: More with copper and PEX
* Usually 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, at best, a big challenge. This is especially true for people with disabilities, movement or vision problems, young children, and four-legged pets.
2With Cooper and PEX re-plumbing, it is generally only on the day of transition from the old system to the new system that the water is turned off for the business day.
3Epoxy: Not all water pipes are treated. Piping supplying water to body sprays from diverter valves in showers; tub deck hand showers and the like do not receive epoxy. Therefore, these can develop leaks.
4Epoxy: The customer is responsible for scheduling the inspection required by the Building Department and must be present for the inspection. This requires the customer to physically remain at home until the inspector completes their work (normally 8:00 am to 4:00 pm). The customer is also responsible for answering all of the inspector’s questions about working with epoxy.
(For a side-by-side comparison chart of the information above, visit our website at https://www.dadsconstruction.com/articles/repipe-vs-epoxy.html)
Summary
Ultimately, for the average home, it’s best to run new PEX tubing. Why? Mainly because it is a new, almost continuous piping system with fewer connections compared to the old one. alter an older existing system that typically contains weakened and damaged materials. When new PEX tubing replaces all valves and fittings, the entire water system is fresh and clean, free of lead and free of mineral corrosion and contamination. PEX also appears to better resist the chemicals and gases from the water companies that are used during the water purification process.