Safest Pipes for Drinking Water: A Comprehensive Guide

The safety of your drinking water is a top priority, and one crucial aspect is the type of pipes used to transport it. PEX pipes, for instance, are known for their resistance to bacterial growth and corrosion.

PEX pipes are made from cross-linked polyethylene, a flexible material that's less likely to burst or leak. This reduces the risk of contamination and makes them a great choice for drinking water distribution.

In contrast, copper pipes can leach chemicals like lead and copper into the water, posing health risks. However, some copper pipes are coated with a layer that prevents this from happening.

Galvanized pipes, on the other hand, are made from steel coated with zinc, but they can corrode over time, contaminating the water.

Plastic pipes, such as CPVC and PEX, are safe for drinking water, especially in warm climates like Hawaii where they can last a long time without issues.

However, PVC pipes are not recommended for main drinking water due to their tendency to warp and break down when exposed to hot water.

Polypropylene Pipe (PP) is a safer option, with a 30-year history of durability and health safety in Europe, and it's also a more eco-friendly choice with no safety concerns about chemicals leaching from it.

Copper pipes can last up to 100 years with proper care.

Copper pipes are a very expensive option, with prices such as $285 for 100 feet.

You should check your water's pH level before installing copper pipes, as acidic water can cause the copper to corrode and lead to stomach problems.

Copper pipes are a premium choice due to their long and proven history, with many original lines still going strong after 80 years.

However, copper mining and manufacturing are environmentally damaging, making copper pipes not a green product.

Copper can leach into drinking water, leading to higher than recommended levels of copper, which can be a concern for those sensitive to metals.

Copper pipes can be filtered from point-of-use drinking water with a reverse osmosis system, but not whole-house RO which can cause more leaching of copper.

Copper pipes are more prone to bursting if it freezes and can have pinhole leaks, making them a less durable option.

It's essential to ensure that the pipe solder is lead-free, and that the fittings are made from lead-free materials, such as tin-antimony or tin-silver.

Type L copper pipes are thicker and made for underground use, where there could be abrasion or corrosion.

Plastic pipes, such as CPVC and PEX, are safe for drinking water.

In fact, plastic pipes are certified to meet the requirements in the NSF standards and are approved for use in drinking water applications.

Plastic pipes can last a long time without issues, especially in warm climates like Hawaii where CPVC and PEX pipes can last for years without any problems.

However, PVC pipes are not recommended for main drinking water lines as they can warp and break down when exposed to hot water.

Some options for plastic pipes for safe drinking water include CPVC and PEX pipes, which are widely used and have a good track record.

A better option for water safety is polypropylene pipe (PP), which has a 30-year history in Europe with an unblemished record for durability and health safety.

PP pipes are not joined together with chemicals, but instead are fused together with heat, making them a safer choice.

PP pipes are also a more environmentally friendly option, with a lower environmental footprint than other components.

One drawback of PP pipes is that they require specialty tools to install, making them more expensive for DIY projects.

PEX pipes are a popular choice for safe drinking water, especially in warm climates like Hawaii where they can last a long time without issues.

PEX is cross-linked polyethylene, a type of plastic that's resistant to acidic water and can withstand pH levels of less than 7.

It's also more flexible than PVC, making it a good substitute for pipes that need to curve around corners and obstructions.

PEX pipes are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to copper, and have been widely used for over 30 years with no major issues.

However, some environmentalists worry about the process used to make PEX, which involves a toxin found in gasoline.

But the state of California recently approved PEX for use, which has quieted some concerns.

If you have PEX pipes and are concerned, run the water for a few minutes to flush out any contaminants before filling a drinking or cooking vessel.

PEX pipes are also great for retrofits, as they can be snaked into walls easily and don't require soldering.

They're available for around $30 for 100 feet, making them a cost-effective option.

Overall, PEX pipes are a safe and reliable choice for drinking water, especially in warm climates.

But it's worth noting that some industry watchers think today's PEX product is safer than the first generation used a couple of decades ago.

The evaluation process for contaminants is rigorous, involving a review of regulated and non-regulated contaminants to ensure they meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's and Health Canada's levels.

Regulated contaminants must be below the EPA's and Health Canada's levels, while non-regulated contaminants are evaluated using health-based pass/fail levels set by NSF/ANSI/CAN 600, based on a review of available toxicology data.

The NSF Health Advisory Board, comprised of toxicologists from the U.S. EPA, state regulatory agencies, Health Canada, academia, consultants, and manufacturers, independently ratifies the pass/fail level and sometimes adjusts it.

The NSF Drinking Water Additives Joint Committee, with an equal representation of regulators, users, and product manufacturers, reviews and approves the document, and the NSF Council of Public Health Consultants, comprised of public health officials from the federal level, states, and provinces, finally reviews and approves the recommendation.

PEX pipes are made from HDPE, a plastic that's free of bisphenol A (BPA) and substitutes like BPS.

The EWG promotes polypropylene pipes as an alternative to copper and PEX, citing lower leaching rates.

However, polypropylene pipes are not widely used or accessible, making them a less practical option for many people.

Most PEX pipes meet the NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standard, which sets limits on the chemicals that leach from the pipes.

Some PEX pipes may leach small amounts of VOCs, but the leaching rate decreases over time, with a significant drop after 30 days.

PEX pipes do not contain per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), except for seals or processing aids used in other types of pipes.

To reduce exposure to chemicals leaching from PEX, it's recommended to avoid drinking water from the tap for the first 30 days after installation and to filter your drinking and cooking water with reverse osmosis/carbon or distillation.

Here are some tips to reduce exposure to chemicals leaching from PEX:

There are no totally non-toxic alternatives to PVC pipe glue or ABS cement glue.

Gorilla PrimaGlue is a lower odor option that some people have liked.

Chemically sensitive folks sometimes wrap foil tape around the outside of the pipes after gluing to block offgassing.

Using a non-PTFE pipe dope is a good idea, especially if it meets the requirements of the specific plumbing job. Gasoila NT is an example of a PTFE-free and PFAS-free option.

The evaluation process for contaminants begins with a formulation review to determine the testing regimen for possible ingredients, contaminants, or by-products that may potentially migrate from materials into drinking water.

Regulated contaminants must be below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) and Health Canada's levels for regulated contaminants. This ensures that drinking water remains safe for consumption.

For non-regulated contaminants, NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 sets health-based pass/fail levels based on a review of available toxicology data. These levels are independently ratified by the NSF Health Advisory Board (HAB), which comprises toxicologists from various organizations.

The NSF Health Advisory Board adjusts the pass/fail level as needed, and the document is then submitted to the NSF Drinking Water Additives Joint Committee for review. This committee has equal representation of regulators, users, and product manufacturers.

The Joint Committee's recommendation is reviewed and approved by the NSF Council of Public Health Consultants, comprised of public health officials from the federal level, states, and provinces. This rigorous process ensures that contaminants are thoroughly evaluated to protect human health.