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I am replacing my shower and want to replace the plumbing. Which is better to use, PVC or Copper and why?

Public Comments

  1. PVC is definately the way to go.First it's less expensive than copper.Secondly it will expand if the water freezes and won't burst as easily.
  2. Use PVC for the drains, easy to cut easy to install and long lasting. Cut and glue the pieces together. Use copper for the hot and cold water lines, it again is very easy to cut and install. Cut and solder the pieces together. for more on how to solder go to : http://www.oatey.com/apps/catalog/instance_assets/assets/Solder_Lead_Products.pdf#search='how%20to%20use%20solder'
  3. PVC
  4. PVC is good for drains and vents but if you are talking water supply, you're talking CPVC which is completely inferior to copper. CPVC gets brittle over time and cracks easily. Only a newbie homeowner would ever consider CPVC over copper. A small job like a shower, how much are you really gonna save? A couple of bucks? Copper, learn to sweat.
  5. I am in the middle of remodeling my bathroom and have redone all the plumbing in copper piping. They have these "EZ Sweat" couplings, elbows, and connectors which makes copper easy to use. PVC is good if you aren't comfortable using a torch, but make sure you use plumbers putty or something like it.
  6. pvc. it's much easier to cut and you don't have to solder it.
  7. PVC may be easier to work with, but it is more likely to crack or break. Copper however is more durable and longer lasting--just make sure you have soldered all your fittings.
  8. sweating has a tendency to catch things on fire, use a "heat shield" and keep a spray bottle full of water with you if you go that route. cpvc is made better than it used to be, and priming and glueing dont put houses in flames
  9. PVC for drains and copper for water. If you decide to go with PVC you will have to use CPVC for any hot water lines. As far as cost copper will be more but is well worth it.