Copper Pipe

Copper pipe and fittings are in millions of homes and are still used today. Even with the advent of PEX, many professional plumbers still prefer to use copper pipe. About two-thirds more expensive than PEX, copper pipe is readily available at all home improvement and hardware stores. Copper's higher cost is mainly due to the price of bulk copper.

One of copper pipe's strong points is its predictability. Since copper pipe has been so widely used for so long, its durability and lifespan—plus its propensity for developing pinhole leaks—are known quantities.