You’re planning a remodel. Or maybe replacing a section of pipe. Suddenly, you’re asked: “Do you want copper or PEX?” Or “We’ll need to replace this with PVC.” And you’re thinking… wait, which one is good?

At Golden Valley Plumbing, we get this question every week from homeowners in Sacramento — and honestly, it’s a great question. Because the answer depends on where the pipe’s going, how long it needs to last, and what it’ll be carrying.

Let’s break it down the way we do on job sites.

Copper: Strong, clean — and pricey

Copper has been around forever, and for good reason. It’s durable, resists bacteria, and handles both hot and cold water well. If you’ve got an older Sacramento home with original copper lines, they may still be holding up fine — unless corrosion has started to sneak in.

When do we still use copper?

• Exposed plumbing (it looks clean and pro)
• Under slab or in crawlspaces where rodents are a concern
• When customers want a long-term, low-risk option — and are okay with the cost

Copper lasts — but the price isn’t what it used to be. That’s why more homeowners are choosing…

PEX: Flexible, fast, and homeowner-friendly

PEX is the flexible plastic tubing you’ve probably seen coiled in blue and red. It’s what we use most often in Sacramento repipes and remodels — and it’s not because it’s cheaper (though it is).

We use PEX when:

• We need to snake through tight walls or between floors
• We’re replacing large sections of pipe and need to work fast
• We want fewer joints, fewer fittings, and fewer potential leak points

PEX also handles freezing better than copper and doesn’t corrode. But it can’t be left in the sun (UV is its enemy), and it needs to be supported properly so it doesn’t sag or kink over time.

PVC (and its cousin, CPVC): Great for drains — with limits

When it comes to drain lines, PVC is king. It’s easy to work with, inexpensive, and lasts a long time underground. We use it all the time for sewer lines and vent systems. CPVC, which handles hot water, sometimes gets used in older home repairs — but we’re careful with it. It’s brittle, doesn’t like high pressure, and doesn’t always play nice with older systems.

Bottom line: we don’t use PVC for supply lines in modern homes — only for drainage and vents.

So what should you pick?

Honestly? You don’t have to. That’s our job. We’ll look at your house, your setup, your goals — and tell you what makes sense. Sometimes we even mix materials, using copper in one zone and PEX in another.
If you’re planning a major upgrade, our whole-house repiping service helps Sacramento homeowners get the right material in the right place — built to last. nother.

Bottom line:
In Sacramento homes, plumbing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s copper, PEX, or PVC, Golden Valley Plumbing knows which material belongs where — and why. If you want it done right (and to last), we’ve got your back.