Everything you need to know about copper and PVC pipes
Copper pipes are more durable and have a longer life span, while PVC pipes are more affordable and easy to install.
Copper pipes fit into more compact spaces but can develop pinhole leaks.
PVC pipes are more resistant to impact and abrasives than copper pipes but require a larger installation space.
Copper pipes and PVC pipes are two of the most common piping materials. Knowing the pros and cons of each and their best applications will ensure your plumbing system has a longer life span and higher-quality performance. In the meantime, using the wrong type of pipe could be a disaster for your home.
Below, we’ve broken down the major differences between copper pipes and PVC pipes so you can find the right solution for your plumbing needs.
If you observe a leak in your home, do not procrastinate getting it fixed. This can help prevent future plumbing emergencies and water damage to your home while saving a significant amount of money in wasted water.
Copper pipes and PVC pipes differ in various aspects, including cost, life span, application, and maintenance requirements. The table below provides an overview of the two.
| Copper Pipes | PVC Pipes | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3 per linear foot | $2.50 per linear foot |
| Common sizes | 3/4, 1, and 1 ¼ inches | 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 inches |
| Average life span | 70 to 80 years | 100 years |
| Suitable applications | Water supply lines and some HVAC | Plumbing, sewage, and drainage |
| Maintenance | Requires regular surface cleaning | Minimum maintenance |
| Freezing temperature | -20 degrees | -32 degrees or below |
Now, let’s look deeper into each type of pipe and its pros and cons.
While older homes used to have copper pipes throughout the house, nowadays, copper pipes are only used as your water supply lines. These thinner, bronze-colored pipes are one of the most affordable piping options for homes and businesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Last about 70 to 80 years | Pinhole leaks can lead to replacement costs and water damage |
| More sustainable | Freeze at higher temperatures than PVC pipes |
| Withstand high water temperatures | Corrode under acidic water, making them unsuitable as drainpipes |
Copper pipes are affordable and durable, and they last about 70 to 80 years on average. They’re lightweight and more environmentally sustainable than other metal piping options. These metal pipes are resistant to chemicals and handle high water temperatures, making them effective water supply lines.
Also, copper pipes do not contaminate your water like lead unless the structure fails due to corrosion. You can also fix copper pipe leaks yourself.
At a certain point, copper pipes build up enough corrosion to cause a pinhole penetration, or pinhole leak, known as the silent assassin in the plumbing world. Because pinhole leaks are so small, it’s nearly impossible to notice the early stages of one.
Pinhole leaks result in major structural failure and costly water damage repair. When you realize you have a pinhole penetration, you’re looking at a major plumbing project that may require a full replacement of your copper pipes.
Copper pipes also suffer corrosion under acidic water, making them unsuitable as drainpipes. Finally, copper pipes freeze at a higher temperature than PVC pipes do.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are one of the most popular piping solutions in modern homes. They’re lightweight, transportable, and more affordable than copper pipes. Some homes and businesses also use a stronger PVC pipe variation called CPVC pipes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Material and labor costs are more cost-effective | Less durable |
| Resistant to abrasions and chemicals | The cement solvent joining the pipes deteriorates over time |
| More suitable for outdoor uses | Large pipe size prevents installation in tight areas |
Affordable material and labor costs are one of PVC pipes’ biggest advantages. Since PVC pipe installation is simpler, you may also complete partial installations and repairs yourself.
Since PVC pipes are thicker, they’re more resistant to abrasions, and their plastic material is more resistant to chemicals than copper. Furthermore, PVC pipes don’t freeze as easily as copper pipes, making them more suitable for outdoor applications.
PVC pipes’ main disadvantage is that their overall structure is less durable than copper pipe systems. While the material lasts longer, PVC pipes are joined by a cement solvent that deteriorates over time, causing major structural failures before the pipes expire. Also, they can only be installed in larger spaces because the pipes are thicker and larger, whereas copper pipes can fit into tighter areas.
When choosing a pipe material for your plumbing project, you'll need to consider various factors, including the installation location, the application (such as indoor or outdoor uses), and the required maintenance and repairs. Here’s how copper and PVC pipes compare in different categories.
Copper pipes cost about $3 per linear foot, while PVC pipes cost approximately $2.50 per linear foot. Less common copper drain lines can cost up to $8 per linear foot.
However, the difference in price also depends on the cost of labor. Because copper pipe installation requires more expertise and skills, contractors are more likely to charge you a higher price to install or repair copper pipes over PVC pipes. A licensed plumbing repair pro in your area can recommend the best pipe materials for your needs and provide an estimate.
Copper pipes last about 70 to 80 years because the material is flexible and can tolerate frequent vibrations and high heat. However, copper pipes are not the strongest against abrasions and impacts because copper is a softer metal. Depending on the water quality and the environment, copper pipes may last shorter than expected due to acidic corrosion.
PVC pipes are estimated to last over 100 years, but keep in mind that plenty of elements may cause PVC pipes to fail. However, PVC pipes are thicker, and therefore, stand up better to physical damage than copper pipes. Also, PVC pipes don’t freeze as easily as copper pipes in cold temperatures.
For the most part, copper pipes are more suitable as indoor lines and are primarily used as water supply lines for cold and hot water throughout the house, whether potable or non-potable. Additionally, since copper pipes are thinner, they’re ideal for fire sprinkler lines. Copper pipes may also be used as fuel gas transportation lines and HVAC and refrigeration lines as long as there is no freezing liquid.
On the other hand, PVC pipes are most commonly used in the drainage system. They’re effective for wastewater transportation, sewage or underground drainage, and stormwater transportation.
Copper pipes are lower maintenance than PVC pipes. They only require minimum cleaning and periodic checkups. Meanwhile, since PVC joints are more prone to failing, you need to stay on top of your maintenance schedule. However, once damaged, copper pipes are much harder to repair than PVC pipes.
It’s also much easier to fix a clogged PVC pipe. In most cases, a plunger, a snake with some dish soap, or an enzyme drain cleaner is all you need.
When you’re deciding between copper and PVC pipes for your home, you can consider the following factors:
Budget: Copper pipes are typically more expensive per linear foot, and the labor costs to install them might be higher than for PVC pipes. You should also consider ongoing maintenance and the potential for failed pipes. If copper pipes end up with a pinhole penetration, you can be in for some costly repairs, but PVC pipes come with the potential for the cement solvent to fail long before the actual pipes.
Application: If you’re installing water lines, then copper pipes are your best bet. For other needs, like drain lines, you should consider PVC pipes instead.
Repairs: Copper pipes don’t require much maintenance, but if they need repairs or to be unclogged, you’ll likely need to call in a plumber. PVC pipe joints may fail, but most homeowners can often handle clogs on their own.
Climate: PVC pipes can stand up to temperatures that reach -32 degrees, but copper pipes freeze at around -20 degrees. If you live in an area with frigid temperatures, you might be safer choosing PVC pipes.
PVC pipes are more affordable and applicable in most parts of your home’s plumbing system than copper pipes. They also require less maintenance. The only major restriction with PVC pipes is their low heat tolerance. Therefore, they’re not your best option for supplying hot water from the water heater throughout your home. PVC pipes are also larger in diameter, so they may not fit into certain spaces in your home.
For a long time, copper was our only plumbing material option. Thankfully, that is no longer the case. Copper pipes have been used since the 1940s and became most popular around 1963. It wasn’t until the 1990s that PVC pipes became popular and began to replace copper pipes. Therefore, a house built before the 1990s without recent updates will likely contain more copper pipes.
It’s safe to carry out minor repairs on small cracks and leaks on copper pipes by yourself. Since copper melts under heat, you can solder a copper pipe to repair what’s broken. Note that it’s better to solder two couplings and a copper pipe together to fix minor leaks. This gives you some additional material for a stronger repair.
There are warning signs that your copper pipes may be failing. These include discolored water, decreased water pressure, visible cracks and leaks, built-up green rust, and corrosion. If you know the copper pipes are reaching the end of their life span, consider having them replaced or at least having a professional assess your plumbing system.
PVC pipes are easy to cut out and replace if you have minimum plumbing knowledge. To replace a portion of PVC pipe by yourself, use a hacksaw to cut out the damaged portion and empty out the water. Then, attach the new pipe and secure the ends with the proper PVC pipe fittings to prevent any leakage.
