I'm in Central Florida and dealing with a foundation leak under my slab. I need to repipe my house through the attic and I'm planning to use plastic piping because it's budget-friendly. My main concern is ensuring the water is safe, as my area gets municipal water that likely has chlorine in it. I've heard mixed opinions on CPVC and PEX. My neighbor swears by CPVC, having used it for an extra bathroom, while my roommate recommends PEX for its ease of use. I've read that CPVC can be affected by chlorine and tends to get brittle, while PEX might leach chemicals but has a reputation for greater flexibility and lower freeze risk. I don't have a big worry about costs or installation challenges—I'm mainly trying to figure out which pipe type poses fewer risks regarding drinking water safety. Should I go with CPVC, PEX, or is there another option that's safer? Also, if I opt for PEX, which type is best? I just want to make sure my water is clean for drinking, showering, and gardening without any long-term safety worries.
6 Answers
Just make sure you have a good filter for your drinking water, either from your fridge or a sink tap filter. It's a minor part of your total water use but a good way to ease your worries! I switched my whole house to PEX and it was a breeze to install.
I can also speak from experience—using PEX in my own house made renovations so much quicker and easier than any previous plumbing I’ve done. It’s flexible and easy to work around any obstacles. I used metal fittings with PEX B; highly recommend that setup.
Don't be fooled by the simplicity of PEX; it's not an inferior product. In fact, it’s more resilient to freezing than copper pipes. Sure, PEX quality over its lifespan is still debated, but it's believed to outlast CPVC. So if you're running pipes in the attic, go with PEX—it’s likely less stressful in the long run.
Good point! Just check the specifications on the PEX you select. Some types handle chlorine better than others.
I’d go for PEX-A with expansion fittings. It’s easier to work with and outlasts CPVC, which has been known to become brittle. No matter what, avoid exposing either to UV rays. For any external pipes, consider copper instead to avoid theft or degradation.
Both CPVC and PEX are accepted for drinking water, so you don't need to overthink it too much. Personally, I went with PEX because it’s easier to install and has a good record for safety. I’d recommend it!
For insights backed by research, studies show CPVC has higher potential for chemical leaching compared to PEX. Shifting to PEX pipes can decrease possible exposure to harmful substances in your drinking water. I’d still say go for PEX and perhaps add a carbon filter for drinking water.
Got it! I'll look for that study. Thanks for sharing.
I'm mainly worried about contamination. If my municipal water has chlorine, does that affect PEX differently depending on the brand?