PEX vs Copper Water Lines in Ohio: Our Honest Take from Carlong Plumbing

Picture a January night in Ohio. A draft sneaks through a crawlspace, the temperature drops, and by morning a split pipe has turned your quiet evening into an expensive mess. We see it every winter, and we get the same question every time: should I choose PEX or copper for my water lines?

At Carlong Plumbing, we want you to feel confident in your choice. We install both PEX and copper, and we do it right. Here is how we think about performance, freezing, and cost, and how to prevent the problems that keep homeowners up at night.

The Big Idea: Quality Installation Matters Most

Both PEX and copper can last around 50 years or more when installed properly. That means attention to detail every step of the way. We make sure fittings are fully seated, PEX crimps are correct, and copper joints are either soldered cleanly or pressed properly. Cleaning, deburring, and verifying every connection is what separates a dependable system from one that fails early.

So which is best? In most homes, PEX and copper are very close in long-term performance. The real difference shows up in freezing conditions and installation cost.

Is PEX Better Than Copper in Freezing Temperatures?

Short answer, neither material is designed to withstand freezing. If water lines are exposed to drafts and drop below 32 degrees, both can freeze and fail.

That said, PEX has a slight advantage when a small section freezes away from a fitting. PEX can expand a bit, which sometimes allows it to freeze and then return to form once it thaws. Copper is rigid, with no elasticity, so freezing expansion is more likely to burst a copper pipe.

What does that mean for your home? The smart move is to solve the draft and insulation problem. No pipe material is a substitute for keeping your lines above freezing.

Our Recommendation on CPVC

We do not recommend CPVC for water lines, especially in cold climates. With temperature swings, CPVC becomes brittle and can splinter. In our experience, it is the least reliable option for Ohio homes.

Installation and Cost: Why PEX Often Wins

Material price and labor time both favor PEX in most projects.

• Materials: PEX costs significantly less than copper. Copper prices have been rising, and fittings add up fast.
• Labor: PEX bends around obstacles, which means fewer fittings and faster runs. Copper requires a fitting for nearly every change in direction, and each joint is another step to solder or press. That adds time and cost.

If you are comparing on pure value, PEX is the more economical choice without sacrificing lifespan when installed correctly.

When We Recommend Each Material

We install both PEX and copper every week. Here is how we help homeowners decide.

• Choose PEX if you want a cost-effective, durable, and flexible system that installs quickly and can better tolerate minor freeze events away from fittings.
• Choose copper if you prefer a rigid, traditional material and do not mind a higher budget. Copper is sturdy and time tested, and some homeowners simply like the feel and look of copper in exposed areas.

Whichever you choose, proper installation is the difference maker. Pete and Jamie lead our crews to ensure every connection is seated, cleaned, deburred, and tested.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Ohio

No pipe material makes up for a cold draft. Focus on prevention:

• Seal drafts around crawlspaces, rim joists, and sill plates.
• Insulate vulnerable sections, especially near exterior walls.
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks during cold snaps to let warm air circulate.
• Maintain consistent indoor heat.
• Know your home’s cold spots and address them before winter.

If you have a recurring freeze issue every year, we can help you find the source and fix it.

Key Takeaways from Carlong Plumbing

• PEX and copper both last a long time when installed correctly.
• Neither material is designed to live in freezing conditions. Fix drafts and insulate.
• PEX is usually more affordable and faster to install.
• Copper is rigid and sturdy, but more likely to burst if it freezes.
• We do not recommend CPVC for water lines in cold climates.

Talk With the Pros You Can Trust

Ready to replace or upgrade your water lines, or worried about freezing risk in your home? Let us take a look and give you a clear plan. Call Carlong Plumbing at 216-463-2463 to schedule service or request an estimate. We are here to help Northeast Ohio homeowners make smart, long-lasting choices.