I have a house from the 1970's and have found that a long horizontal run of the copper hot water supply pipe is developing some pin hole leaks. I have had two leaks that have been repaired over the past couple of years and see the signs of more problems.
From reading forums this can be from small bit's of iron that come from the hot water tank that settle down on the copper (inside) and corrosion sets up. With enough time, you get a small greenish looking area and eventually a leak.
I can easily get to most of the horizontal run and plan to replace most of it (about 30-40 feet). I plan to have a plumber do the work but don't know if I should ask for copper pipe since all of the supply lines are copper; or let them splice in a long section of PEX, since that seems to be what many are doing now?
Also if you agree that it's OK to go with the PEX, anyone know of the best type of transition fitting to request b/t the copper and PEX? I know there are the "Sharkbits" that are commonly used because they are "cheap" and easy to install. However, I'm not sure they are the best, and most secure fitting and would like to do it right. What fittings should I request if we agree to splice in PEX ?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
From reading forums this can be from small bit's of iron that come from the hot water tank that settle down on the copper (inside) and corrosion sets up. With enough time, you get a small greenish looking area and eventually a leak.
I can easily get to most of the horizontal run and plan to replace most of it (about 30-40 feet). I plan to have a plumber do the work but don't know if I should ask for copper pipe since all of the supply lines are copper; or let them splice in a long section of PEX, since that seems to be what many are doing now?
Also if you agree that it's OK to go with the PEX, anyone know of the best type of transition fitting to request b/t the copper and PEX? I know there are the "Sharkbits" that are commonly used because they are "cheap" and easy to install. However, I'm not sure they are the best, and most secure fitting and would like to do it right. What fittings should I request if we agree to splice in PEX ?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.