Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The End of Copper. Why PEX-A Is Taking Over
In this video, professional plumber Roger Wakefield breaks down the truth about the future of copper — and why PEX-A (expansion PEX) is quickly taking over residential plumbing.
For years, copper has been the go-to choice. It’s durable, antimicrobial, and trusted. But rising copper prices, theft, freeze damage, and labor costs are changing the game. Roger explains why PEX-A has evolved into a serious competitor — and why in 2026, repiping your home with copper might cost you far more than you think.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🔹 Why copper theft is skyrocketing — and why no one steals PEX
🔹 How PEX-A can lower material costs by up to 60%
🔹 The deep freeze disasters that split copper pipes wide open
🔹 The “thermal memory” magic of PEX-A (you can’t do this with copper!)
🔹 PEX-A vs PEX-B — the real difference in flow and performance
🔹 Open flame vs battery tools: safety inside your walls
🔹 Destructive pressure testing in a 10,000 PSI blast chamber
🔹 When copper still makes sense — and when it doesn’t
Roger was trained to sweat copper joints and once called PEX “trash plastic.” But after years of real-world installs and high-pressure testing, his perspective changed.
Is copper still the gold standard?
Is PEX-A really superior for 90% of homes?
Does pressure rating even matter in a house running 100 PSI or less?
If you’re a plumber, DIYer, or homeowner planning a build or repipe, this is a conversation you need to be part of.
👇 Drop a comment below:
• Team Copper?
• Team PEX-A?
• Solder, press, crimp, or expansion?
• If you’re building new — what would you choose?
Subscribe for more real-world plumbing tips, testing, and honest conversations about what actually works in today’s homes.
Download the Wakefield App ▶️ https://wakefield.app/
Join our FREE community ▶️ discord.gg/zu3KHudqAB
Get More Calls, Close More Jobs —Without Lifting a Finger! ▶️ rogersmarketingmachine.com
Get the BEST Leak Detection Equipment ▶️ leak-pro.com
▶️ My favorite equipment & tools on Amazon - amazon.com/shop/rogerwakefield
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⏰ Chapters:
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*NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at NO COST TO YOU. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
____________________________________________________________________________
The End of Copper. Why PEX-A Is Taking Over
In this video, professional plumber Roger Wakefield breaks down the truth about the future of copper — and why PEX-A (expansion PEX) is quickly taking over residential plumbing.
For years, copper has been the go-to choice. It’s durable, antimicrobial, and trusted. But rising copper prices, theft, freeze damage, and labor costs are changing the game. Roger explains why PEX-A has evolved into a serious competitor — and why in 2026, repiping your home with copper might cost you far more than you think.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
🔹 Why copper theft is skyrocketing — and why no one steals PEX
🔹 How PEX-A can lower material costs by up to 60%
🔹 The deep freeze disasters that split copper pipes wide open
🔹 The “thermal memory” magic of PEX-A (you can’t do this with copper!)
🔹 PEX-A vs PEX-B — the real difference in flow and performance
🔹 Open flame vs battery tools: safety inside your walls
🔹 Destructive pressure testing in a 10,000 PSI blast chamber
🔹 When copper still makes sense — and when it doesn’t
Roger was trained to sweat copper joints and once called PEX “trash plastic.” But after years of real-world installs and high-pressure testing, his perspective changed.
Is copper still the gold standard?
Is PEX-A really superior for 90% of homes?
Does pressure rating even matter in a house running 100 PSI or less?
If you’re a plumber, DIYer, or homeowner planning a build or repipe, this is a conversation you need to be part of.
👇 Drop a comment below:
• Team Copper?
• Team PEX-A?
• Solder, press, crimp, or expansion?
• If you’re building new — what would you choose?
Subscribe for more real-world plumbing tips, testing, and honest conversations about what actually works in today’s homes.
Download the Wakefield App ▶️ https://wakefield.app/
Join our FREE community ▶️ discord.gg/zu3KHudqAB
Get More Calls, Close More Jobs —Without Lifting a Finger! ▶️ rogersmarketingmachine.com
Get the BEST Leak Detection Equipment ▶️ leak-pro.com
▶️ My favorite equipment & tools on Amazon - amazon.com/shop/rogerwakefield
________________________________________________________________________________________________
⏰ Chapters:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
*NOTE: This description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at NO COST TO YOU. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, The Expert Plumber, and welcome to my channel. On this channel, it's ALL about plumbing. We play games, we experiment, and we have FUN here, talking and learning about all things plumbing!
____________________________________________________________________________
