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When did they stop using copper pipes in houses?

Copper was the plumbing pipe of choice from the 1950s until 2000 and was widely used both in new construction and to replace the galvanized steel water supply pipes that had been the standard into the 1950s. But copper's use has gradually faded, due to the introduction of PEX plumbing tubing.

thespruce.com - How to Replace Copper Pipe With PEX - The Spruce

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Major remodeling projects often involve opening up walls, floors, and ceilings, and this presents a good time to inspect old plumbing pipes and replace them when necessary. Water supply pipes are especially critical to inspect since these carry water under pressure, and the results of a major plumbing leak can be devastating. Replacing old plumbing pipes is a very common project, and all homes will need to have this done sooner or later. More often than not, the old copper pipes are replaced with newer pipes that are easier to work with: PEX.

From Copper to PEX

At one time, replacing water supply pipes usually meant installing new copper pipes joined with sweat-soldered fittings that required a flame torch and considerable skill to assemble. Copper was the plumbing pipe of choice from the 1950s until 2000 and was widely used both in new construction and to replace the galvanized steel water supply pipes that had been the standard into the 1950s. But copper's use has gradually faded, due to the introduction of PEX plumbing tubing. PEX is made of cross-linked polyethylene, a form of flexible plastic tubing with cross-linked molecules that create great durability and strength. While copper pipes and fittings are still common, many professional plumbers now use flexible PEX for all new construction and for most repairs and extensions to existing copper systems. PEX is especially friendly to DIYers, who find the various methods of making connections much easier than soldering copper fittings with a torch. PEX tubing is typically connected with either crimp-ring connectors, which require an inexpensive specialty tool known as a crimper, or with push-fit connectors, such as the popular SharkBite brand fittings. Both methods can be used to join new PEX tubing to existing pipes, but because push-fit connectors require no special tools, they are a favorite among DIYers.

3:17 Watch Now: How to Replace Copper Pipe With PEX

Before You Begin

Copper pipes properly installed have a very long life—50 years or more. In fact, copper excels as a building material. It's still found in roof and chimney flashings. Copper pipes that are green and corroded-looking may not necessarily need to be changed; they just look that way. Yet copper pipes do go bad eventually. Original copper pipes may be nearing the end of their useful lifespan and it's not always easy to recognize when they need replacement. When copper pipes are just starting to corrode, leaks don't always gush forth and make themselves obvious, but there are early signs you can look for. Any or all of these signs mean that your copper pipe is on its way out. Smell. Over time, you might begin to notice a stale, musty smell that you cannot quite identify. It is even more confusing if the smell is in a laundry room, bathroom, or a child's room because you naturally think that the smell is related to the room. But the odor is more like stagnant pond water, and it persists. The type of smell might be caused by copper pipes leaking within a wall or ceiling.

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Over time, you might begin to notice a stale, musty smell that you cannot quite identify. It is even more confusing if the smell is in a laundry room, bathroom, or a child's room because you naturally think that the smell is related to the room. But the odor is more like stagnant pond water, and it persists. The type of smell might be caused by copper pipes leaking within a wall or ceiling. Wall or Ceiling Problems. Wide bulges may start to develop on the ceiling or on walls. This might be due to pinhole leaks in the copper slowly dripping on the drywall, causing it to expand. Water can come from other sources, too. Roofs, gutters, and drainpipes are sources of water within walls and ceilings that are unrelated to copper pipes. Wide bulges may start to develop on the ceiling or on walls. This might be due to pinhole leaks in the copper slowly dripping on the drywall, causing it to expand. Water can come from other sources, too. Roofs, gutters, and drainpipes are sources of water within walls and ceilings that are unrelated to copper pipes. Corrosion: If you open a wall or ceiling for some purpose, such as adding insulation, you may notice that copper pipes in the wall or floor cavity have become green, crusty, and corroded. Such pipes may even already have pinhole leaks that are beginning to ooze water but so slowly that dripping is not yet evident. Learn to identify copper pipe corrosion. Copper pipe joints that were sweated into place by a blowtorch have a braised, burnt, or silvery appearance. This is normal and it is not related to corrosion.

thespruce.com - How to Replace Copper Pipe With PEX - The Spruce