pex or copper for water main line??

[Chris Fox]

Is using PEX worth the cost savings?

 

[Jadnashua]

Is this from the street to the house? In the house? Some soils will eat copper quickly, don't know about your specific soil. If it's from the street, there are other plastic lines that can be used as well. A single piece of pipe is less likely to generate a leak verses one with multiple joints.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

PEX is smaller then copper. So if you are running PEX as a water service, it would be a good idea to go up one size.

 

[Chris Fox]

Its from street to house. I live in AZ - rocky soil.
I am getting quotes for both, both about the same price.

 

[Terry]

Same price? I would get copper then.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

I would go with HDPE over either of them.

 

[Jadnashua]

Many municipal supplies use one form or another of plastic pipe...

Depending on the water chemistry and the soil, plastic has its advantages. With any type of pipe, you'd want to bed it in sand to avoid any rocks.

 

[Chris Fox]

I like the idea of sleeving the soft copper in 200 PVC pipe or similar.

 

[hj]

I have done hundreds of copper service lines in Phoenix and area, but have NEVER sleeved them with anything. I have also NEVER used PEX for that purpose. Either I use soft copper for up to 100' or PVC for longer lines.