PVC

• PVC has become much more common in plumbing over the past few decades, and is often used in residential and commercial buildings. Unlike copper plumbing, PVC plumbing will never oxidize and rust and, if properly installed, can last upwards of 75 years (many times under a manufacturer's warranty.) PVC plumbing is easier to install than copper plumbing, as soldering is not involved. To install, all a plumber needs is the piping, PVC primer, PVC paste, PVC couplings, and a hacksaw to ensure proper length.
  
  

Copper

• Copper plumbing is a long-lasting, tried and true piping that many plumbers swear by. Copper plumbing is widely accepted by all plumbing codes, is malleable enough to be bent and manipulated by plumbers to snake a pipe through a tight spot or a curve, and can often increase the resale value of a home. Copper often is smaller in diameter than PVC plumbing, thus taking up less space.
  
  

PVC Cons

• Some detriments of using PVC plumbing include the fact that the piping is polyvinyl chloride, a resin that can--in the event of a fire--release toxic materials that can potentially be fatal. PVC plumbing is not as durable as copper, and could crack or become damaged in the event of an earthquake or any structural damage suffered by a building. PVC plumbing is not available in as many sizes as copper plumbing.
  
  

Copper Cons

• Water can sometimes seem loud, or "hammer," when copper plumbing is used. If oxidation occurs, drinking water may have a slight metallic taste. Also, because copper plumbing entails soldering, it is not nearly as easy to install as PVC piping. The resale value of copper plumbing, which is far greater than other forms of plumbing, makes it a potential target for theft.
  
  

Price Difference

• PVC plumbing is less expensive than copper plumbing. Since the price of copper fluctuates, at times this difference can be significant. And because copper plumbing installation often requires greater skill than PVC, a homeowner can save money using PVC plumbing.