Whether you're repiping your home or fixing a single line, the type of pipe material matters. Here's a practical comparison of the most common options available to homeowners in the Norwalk and La Mirada area.
Copper Pipe
Copper has been the gold standard in residential plumbing for decades. It's durable (50+ year lifespan), resistant to bacteria, and handles both hot and cold water. The downside: copper is the most expensive option and requires soldered joints, which means higher labor costs. It can also corrode in areas with highly acidic water.
PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
PEX has become the most popular choice for residential repiping projects. It's flexible, resistant to scale and chlorine, and costs roughly 25-40% less than copper including labor. PEX can be run in long continuous lengths with fewer joints, reducing potential leak points. The main limitations: PEX can't be used outdoors (UV degrades it) and some homeowners prefer the proven track record of copper.
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)
CPVC is a rigid plastic pipe that handles hot and cold water. It's cheaper than copper and easier to install than it. CPVC is a reasonable choice for specific applications but has lost market share to PEX due to PEX's flexibility and easier installation.
Galvanized Steel
If your home was built before 1960, you likely have galvanized steel pipes. These corrode from the inside out over time, restricting water flow and eventually causing leaks. If you have galvanized pipes and are experiencing low water pressure or rusty water, it's time to repipe.
Our Recommendation
For most whole-home repipes in the greater Los Angeles area, we recommend PEX for water supply lines. It offers the best combination of durability, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. For specific applications like exposed outdoor lines, copper remains the better choice.
Need a repiping estimate? Call 562-219-4085 for a free in-home assessment.