Richmond draws municipal water from the James River, treating it to maintain slightly alkaline pH between 7.2 and 7.8. This chemistry treats copper relatively gently compared to acidic well water common in surrounding counties. However, neighborhoods in eastern Henrico and parts of Chesterfield receive water with higher chlorine content, which can accelerate copper corrosion over decades. Homes built before 1960 often have galvanized steel pipes that create electrochemical reactions when connected directly to copper, causing accelerated corrosion at the junction points. PEX eliminates this galvanic corrosion risk entirely since the plastic material doesn't conduct electricity. Properties with well water need analysis before selecting materials since low pH water below 6.5 attacks copper aggressively while leaving PEX unaffected.
Richmond's plumbing contractors have installed both materials extensively since PEX gained code approval in Virginia during the 1990s. This 30-year track record in our specific climate provides real performance data rather than theoretical projections. Summit Plumbing Richmond has documented how both materials perform in crawlspaces with our humidity levels, how they handle our freeze patterns, and which connection methods prove most reliable long-term. We participate in continuing education through the Virginia Plumbing and Mechanical Inspectors Association, staying current on code updates and material advances. This local expertise helps you avoid costly mistakes that national installation guides might not address for Richmond's specific conditions.
