The old saying, “Measure twice, cut once” is used for many types of household projects. People that are not professional plumbers have started trying to get around this rule by using flexible pipes. This shortcut can have some disastrous consequences.

Plumbers pride themselves on the accuracy of their measurements. Working with copper tubing require precision measurements so connections can be made securely, without stressing joints. It is an art form as much as it is a science. It is also why we pay plumbers so well, because their talents allow them to do the job right, without taking shortcuts. Flexible pipe is a type of PVC pipe that can be bent like a hose.

Flexible pipe is an attractive alternative to copper piping for many people doing their own home projects according to an Atlanta plumber we spoke to. Flexible pipe is typically made of a plastic or PVC style pipe and is cheaper than traditional copper piping. Flexible tubing can also make up for measurement errors so that connections can be made easier. Installation of flexible pipe is also easier because there is no welding on the pipe joints. They are normally held together with contact cement adhesives. With cost and ease of use as strengths, it is hard to imagine why it is not recommended by plumbers.

A Boston plumber pointed out that PVC pipes and other flexible pipes have a major weakness, they do not handle heat well. They expand and contract with heat, and this can cause joints to work loose. Copper does not have this weakness, so hot or cold weather do not cause the fittings to come loose. PVC piping does not have the strength of copper piping. In areas where temperatures freeze pipes, ruptures of PVC pipes is a frequent occurrence. Freezing water expands in the pipe and can cause them to burst.
Because of the risk of fittings becoming loose, plumbers never recommend using them in area's that are sealed in. Any plumbing that is behind a wall should be done with copper pipes. Because of the risk of leaks substantial damage can occur before the leak is even detected. Getting to the leak may involve removing a section of wall. Copper pipes provide a more reliable connection, reducing the likelihood of leaks and the substantial cost associated with repairing them.

There are, however, some areas where flexible tubing is safe to use according to a San Diego plumber we interviewed. Plumbing professionals recommend that flexible tubing only be installed where access is easy to gain, such as the water lines under kitchen and bathroom sinks. Easy access allows for simple inspections and easier replacement, if problems are found. Because these areas are also used for storage, flexible pipes may help maximize the space.

Though PVC flexible piping is lower cost and easier to install, the risks of having the piping fail is much greater than that of copper pipe. The savings can be lost as the result of a plumbing failure. Take the recommendations of professional plumbers, take the time to measure carefully and use reliable copper pipes.