Rising Copper Prices Motivate Switch to PEX, An Economical, High Performance Choice for Commercial and Residential Plumbing Projects
LEESBURG, Va., September 28, 2006 – With a 30 to 40 percent cost hike from this April to September alone, the steadily increasing price of copper is having a significant impact on North America’s building and construction industry. From plumbing contractors to architects, volatile copper costs over the past six months have posed numerous challenges, including an increase in housing construction costs, an inability to quote jobs in advance with confidence, and job site material theft due to copper’s high scrap dollar value.
Current market conditions for copper have encouraged building and construction professionals to consider alternative materials, particularly for commercial and residential plumbing installations. Of primary concern, especially for those contractors that have used copper pipe throughout their careers, is finding a reliable, high-performing product.
"We're seeing that the main question plumbing contractors have is 'what other products offer the performance and quality of the copper I’ve always used?,'" Jonathan Bittenbender, business team manager for REHAU’s plumbing group, said.
Behind this question are a number of misconceptions about alternative pipe products, including less reliable performance in challenging installation environments, inferior connections, and a more limited product selection. In reality, plumbing materials such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe can in fact match – and typically exceed – the performance of copper.
PEX pipe has been used successfully throughout the world for more than 35 years in both plumbing and heating applications, as well as for snow and ice melting and radiant cooling. During this time, PEX has been recognized for its lighter, more flexible nature, which facilitates a number of installation advantages. Namely, PEX pipe is more easily installed – especially in challenging spaces – and requires fewer fittings than rigid copper pipe.
When looking at total cost, PEX pipe’s lightweight, flexible qualities reduce the amount of labor required for installation, thus adding savings beyond the cost of materials. “With increased ease of installation, PEX pipe allows for the contractor to make more efficient use of his or her valuable labor force,” explained Bittenbender.
Many contractors are already realizing the benefits of PEX, and growth in the market–– approximately 20 percent per year – has been significant. Not only are they experiencing considerable cost savings, but contractors are also discovering a number of the unique quality and performance benefits provided by PEX pipe.
According to Scott Gregg, REHAU technical associate and territory manager for Thompson-Withers, the advantages of using PEX plumbing were more than evident on one of his contractor’s most recent projects. “Between material and labor savings, the contractor was able to keep the installation of 1,000 feet of chilled water lines for a new hotel within the customer’s fixed budget."
The Advantages of PEX
Delivering a reliable water supply is of prime concern to contractors, builders and homeowners alike. While copper pipe is likely to pit or fail when exposed to aggressive water pH conditions or high water velocities, PEX pipe offers stability in a wide pH range and can be used in very aggressive water conditions. Also, the smooth internal walls of PEX pipe inhibit calcium deposits and other build-up, providing a cleaner, more reliable water supply.
Rich Anderson, plumbing supervisor for mechanical plumbing contractor Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, frequently promotes the use of PEX pipe to ensure delivery of a reliable water supply with long-term purity. “As someone who has seen the detrimental effects of corroded pipes on water quality, I fully support the attributes PEX pipe brings to any plumbing application. Especially when considering critical environments such as food service facilities, educational institutions and hospitals, PEX is a natural choice in ensuring high-quality water delivery over the long term."
The elevated level of PEX pipe’s product performance stems beyond its ability to deliver a dependable water supply and incorporates a number of factors that contribute to its long-term reliability. As a highly flexible product, PEX pipe resists distortion and damage that is often inflicted upon copper pipe during handling, storage and transport. In addition, the impact-resistance of PEX minimizes breakage when compared with copper, even at cold temperatures. PEX also offers thermal and shape memory properties that allow it to return to its original state in the event that it is bent from impact, or shrinks/expands due to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Unlike copper pipes that condensate and freeze quickly, as well as lose heat, PEX pipe does not conduct heat as readily, which helps reduce both overall system heat loss and condensation. Flexible and with a yield strength that allows it to absorb the noise associated with “water hammer,” PEX pipe also offers a quieter system than copper, which frequently requires the installation of water hammer arrestors to reduce noise.
Beyond actual product performance, reliable system performance – a combined result of quality products and secure installation – is also a main concern for contractors. One of the primary elements to consider in this respect is how system connections are made, and the subsequent level of reliability of those connections over time. PEX plumbing systems provide a significant advantage in this respect, as connections are made with robust fittings that require no glue, solvents, solder, flux, paste or torches.
"A high-quality fitting system is as important as the quality of the PEX itself," Bittenbender explained. “A connection product like the EVERLOC® compression sleeve fitting system from REHAU, which uses both the inherent memory of the pipe and axial pressures to ensure a secure fit, offers contractors superior reliability and long-term performance,” Bittenbender added. “That can essentially eliminate their need to return to the jobsite.”
Finally, working with a material that provides significant product breadth is very important to contractors looking to get a job done efficiently and effectively. With the wide variety of pipe and fitting sizes available, including larger diameter pipes necessary for bigger-scope residential and commercial projects, PEX allows for an entire system to be created using one type of material.
“With a considerable price difference between PEX and copper, which escalates for larger diameter sizes, our pipe range offers numerous advantages to contractors,” Bittenbender stated. “Not only is the material cost savings significant, but there’s a convenience factor in being able to plumb an entire system in the same material. In addition, installation aspects like making connections, which becomes increasingly challenging as pipe size increases, are simplified by reducing the required number of fittings and also providing an easier alternative to soldering.”
As copper prices continue to escalate and contractors are becoming aware of high-quality, high-performance alternative products, more and more contractors are being motivated toward a complete switch to PEX plumbing systems. The choice is being made all the more logical by a heightened awareness and acceptance of PEX systems among builders, architects and homeowners, and an understanding of the benefits they themselves can experience from PEX.
“The market is definitely changing, and it’s more than likely to altogether shift in the direction of plumbing materials that can protect a contractor’s profits in an otherwise volatile copper market,” Bittenbender said. “The next step will be for contractors to identify a manufacturer dedicated to a high degree of product and system reliability, superior customer training and support, and to forging a long-term partnership – all things which a contractor himself strives to deliver to his customers.”
For more information on making the switch from copper to PEX plumbing systems for residential and commercial construction, visit www.na.rehau.com/plumbing.
REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. More than 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.
Current market conditions for copper have encouraged building and construction professionals to consider alternative materials, particularly for commercial and residential plumbing installations. Of primary concern, especially for those contractors that have used copper pipe throughout their careers, is finding a reliable, high-performing product.
"We're seeing that the main question plumbing contractors have is 'what other products offer the performance and quality of the copper I’ve always used?,'" Jonathan Bittenbender, business team manager for REHAU’s plumbing group, said.
Behind this question are a number of misconceptions about alternative pipe products, including less reliable performance in challenging installation environments, inferior connections, and a more limited product selection. In reality, plumbing materials such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe can in fact match – and typically exceed – the performance of copper.
PEX pipe has been used successfully throughout the world for more than 35 years in both plumbing and heating applications, as well as for snow and ice melting and radiant cooling. During this time, PEX has been recognized for its lighter, more flexible nature, which facilitates a number of installation advantages. Namely, PEX pipe is more easily installed – especially in challenging spaces – and requires fewer fittings than rigid copper pipe.
When looking at total cost, PEX pipe’s lightweight, flexible qualities reduce the amount of labor required for installation, thus adding savings beyond the cost of materials. “With increased ease of installation, PEX pipe allows for the contractor to make more efficient use of his or her valuable labor force,” explained Bittenbender.
Many contractors are already realizing the benefits of PEX, and growth in the market–– approximately 20 percent per year – has been significant. Not only are they experiencing considerable cost savings, but contractors are also discovering a number of the unique quality and performance benefits provided by PEX pipe.
According to Scott Gregg, REHAU technical associate and territory manager for Thompson-Withers, the advantages of using PEX plumbing were more than evident on one of his contractor’s most recent projects. “Between material and labor savings, the contractor was able to keep the installation of 1,000 feet of chilled water lines for a new hotel within the customer’s fixed budget."
The Advantages of PEX
Delivering a reliable water supply is of prime concern to contractors, builders and homeowners alike. While copper pipe is likely to pit or fail when exposed to aggressive water pH conditions or high water velocities, PEX pipe offers stability in a wide pH range and can be used in very aggressive water conditions. Also, the smooth internal walls of PEX pipe inhibit calcium deposits and other build-up, providing a cleaner, more reliable water supply.
Rich Anderson, plumbing supervisor for mechanical plumbing contractor Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, frequently promotes the use of PEX pipe to ensure delivery of a reliable water supply with long-term purity. “As someone who has seen the detrimental effects of corroded pipes on water quality, I fully support the attributes PEX pipe brings to any plumbing application. Especially when considering critical environments such as food service facilities, educational institutions and hospitals, PEX is a natural choice in ensuring high-quality water delivery over the long term."
The elevated level of PEX pipe’s product performance stems beyond its ability to deliver a dependable water supply and incorporates a number of factors that contribute to its long-term reliability. As a highly flexible product, PEX pipe resists distortion and damage that is often inflicted upon copper pipe during handling, storage and transport. In addition, the impact-resistance of PEX minimizes breakage when compared with copper, even at cold temperatures. PEX also offers thermal and shape memory properties that allow it to return to its original state in the event that it is bent from impact, or shrinks/expands due to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Unlike copper pipes that condensate and freeze quickly, as well as lose heat, PEX pipe does not conduct heat as readily, which helps reduce both overall system heat loss and condensation. Flexible and with a yield strength that allows it to absorb the noise associated with “water hammer,” PEX pipe also offers a quieter system than copper, which frequently requires the installation of water hammer arrestors to reduce noise.
Beyond actual product performance, reliable system performance – a combined result of quality products and secure installation – is also a main concern for contractors. One of the primary elements to consider in this respect is how system connections are made, and the subsequent level of reliability of those connections over time. PEX plumbing systems provide a significant advantage in this respect, as connections are made with robust fittings that require no glue, solvents, solder, flux, paste or torches.
"A high-quality fitting system is as important as the quality of the PEX itself," Bittenbender explained. “A connection product like the EVERLOC® compression sleeve fitting system from REHAU, which uses both the inherent memory of the pipe and axial pressures to ensure a secure fit, offers contractors superior reliability and long-term performance,” Bittenbender added. “That can essentially eliminate their need to return to the jobsite.”
Finally, working with a material that provides significant product breadth is very important to contractors looking to get a job done efficiently and effectively. With the wide variety of pipe and fitting sizes available, including larger diameter pipes necessary for bigger-scope residential and commercial projects, PEX allows for an entire system to be created using one type of material.
“With a considerable price difference between PEX and copper, which escalates for larger diameter sizes, our pipe range offers numerous advantages to contractors,” Bittenbender stated. “Not only is the material cost savings significant, but there’s a convenience factor in being able to plumb an entire system in the same material. In addition, installation aspects like making connections, which becomes increasingly challenging as pipe size increases, are simplified by reducing the required number of fittings and also providing an easier alternative to soldering.”
As copper prices continue to escalate and contractors are becoming aware of high-quality, high-performance alternative products, more and more contractors are being motivated toward a complete switch to PEX plumbing systems. The choice is being made all the more logical by a heightened awareness and acceptance of PEX systems among builders, architects and homeowners, and an understanding of the benefits they themselves can experience from PEX.
“The market is definitely changing, and it’s more than likely to altogether shift in the direction of plumbing materials that can protect a contractor’s profits in an otherwise volatile copper market,” Bittenbender said. “The next step will be for contractors to identify a manufacturer dedicated to a high degree of product and system reliability, superior customer training and support, and to forging a long-term partnership – all things which a contractor himself strives to deliver to his customers.”
For more information on making the switch from copper to PEX plumbing systems for residential and commercial construction, visit www.na.rehau.com/plumbing.
REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. More than 15,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.
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© REHAU Incorporated 2008
© REHAU Incorporated 2008