Selecting the Right Plumbing Pipes for Your Home

Confused about which plumbing pipe is best for your home? Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, replacing old pipes, or building new, choosing the right type of pipe is crucial for durability, safety, and cost-efficiency.

As licensed plumbers with decades of hands-on experience across Fort Worth homes and commercial properties, we’ve worked with every pipe on the market. In this guide, we break down the most common types of plumbing pipes—based on where they work best, how long they last, and what they’ll cost you in the long run.

Types of Plumbing Pipes (and When to Use Them)

1. PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)

Best for: Remodels, retrofits, cold-weather areas
Pros: Flexible, easy to install, affordable
Cons: Not UV resistant—can’t be used outdoors

Why we recommend it: PEX is ideal for snaking through walls and tight spaces. We use it often in older Fort Worth homes where rerouting is required.

💡 Pro Tip: Opt for red and blue PEX lines to easily identify hot and cold water.

2. Copper Pipes

Best for: Long-term installations, resale value, high water quality
Pros: Extremely durable, corrosion-resistant, bacteriostatic
Cons: Higher cost, requires soldering

Why we recommend it: Copper is a premium option. It performs excellently in slab foundations and is a go-to choice when long-term value and water purity are key concerns.

🧪 Fact: Copper can last over 50 years with proper maintenance.

3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Best for: Drain lines, toilet venting, non-pressurized systems
Pros: Lightweight, inexpensive, easy to cut and fit
Cons: Not for hot water use

Why we recommend it: PVC is standard for drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems. It’s cost-effective and code-approved for most residential uses.

🚫 Caution: Never use PVC for hot water lines—it can warp or degrade over time.

4. CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)

Best for: Hot and cold water supply
Pros: Higher temperature tolerance than PVC
Cons: More brittle, sensitive to impact

Why we recommend it: CPVC is a budget-friendly alternative to copper and can safely carry hot water.

5. Galvanized Steel (Legacy Use)

Best for: Historical reference only
Cons: Prone to corrosion and buildup

Why we don’t recommend it: If your home still has galvanized piping, it’s time to upgrade. These pipes often clog internally or leach rust into the water.

Pipe Comparison Table

Pipe Type	Lifespan	Est. Cost (per foot) But can change	Hot Water Safe	Best For
PEX	40–50 years	$0.50–$2.00	✅	Remodels, cold climates
Copper	50+ years	$2.00–$6.00	✅	Premium installs, resale
PVC	25–40 years	$0.50–$1.00	❌	Drainage, venting
CPVC	40–50 years	$0.50–$1.50	✅	Budget hot/cold systems
Galvanized	40 years (declining)	Obsolete	❌	Replacement needed

What We Recommend in Dallas

For remodels: PEX is usually best—affordable and fast to install.
For resale or custom builds: Copper adds long-term value.
For drain systems: PVC and ABS meet code and work well.
Avoid: Galvanized steel and polybutylene—they are outdated and problematic.

Trust Hooper Plumbing for Honest, Expert Advice

We don’t just install pipes—we help you make informed decisions that last. Every recommendation is based on 30+ years of real-world plumbing experience across North Texas.

Need help choosing the best pipe for your home? Call us for a free consultation or pipe inspection today.

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