When we’re working on mobile home plumbing in Orange County, one of the first things we look at is the water itself. It may appear clear, but the high mineral content here can make a big difference in how PEX and copper pipes hold up over time.
We just installed a full repipe last month in an older mobile home. The owner had copper pipes that kept leaking. The water had slowly eaten away at the inside of the pipe. That’s not rare here. So let’s talk about what’s really going on behind your walls.
What Is the Water Like in Orange County?
Orange County is known for hard water. Hard water means it has a lot of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
What does hard water do to pipes?
Mineral buildup slows water flow. Over time, hard water leaves scale inside pipes. This buildup makes the pipe opening smaller.
Hard water can wear down metal. When minerals mix with heat and pressure, they can help cause corrosion in copper pipes.
Chlorine can affect pipe material. Our water is treated with chlorine. While it keeps water safe to drink, it can react with certain pipe materials over time.
We see this all the time when we open up old walls during a remodel. The outside of the pipe may look fine, but inside it can be rough and clogged.
How Does Hard Water Affect Copper Pipes?
Copper has been used for many years. It is strong and handles heat well. But in Orange County, water quality can be tough on it.
Does copper corrode in hard water?
Yes, it can.
Corrosion causes pinhole leaks. We just repaired a home where tiny holes formed in the copper lines. The homeowner noticed wet spots on the floor. That came from slow leaks caused by corrosion.
Acidic water speeds up damage. If the water has a lower pH level, it can eat away at copper faster.
Scale buildup reduces pressure. Over time, minerals stick to the inside of copper pipes. This lowers water pressure in showers and sinks.
Copper is durable, but in areas with hard water, we often see it fail sooner than expected.
How Does Hard Water Affect PEX Pipes?
PEX is a flexible plastic pipe. We install a lot of PEX in mobile homes across Orange County.
Is PEX better for hard water?
PEX resists scale buildup. Minerals do not stick to PEX the same way they stick to metal. This helps keep water flowing strongly.
PEX does not corrode like copper. Since it is not metal, it does not rust or develop pinhole leaks from corrosion.
PEX handles chlorine better. Modern PEX is made to handle treated city water.
We just finished a repipe using PEX in a 1970s mobile home. The old copper lines had green spots and heavy buildup. The new PEX system gave the homeowner better water pressure right away.
Does Water Pressure Make a Difference?
High water pressure can stress any pipe. In Orange County, pressure can sometimes run high, especially in certain neighborhoods.
High pressure stresses copper joints. Soldered joints can weaken over time.
PEX bends instead of cracking. Because PEX is flexible, it can handle pressure changes better.
We always check the pressure when we install new plumbing for a mobile home. If it’s too high, we suggest adding a pressure regulator to protect the system.
Which Pipe Lasts Longer in Orange County?
This depends on the home and water conditions. From what we see in the field, PEX often lasts longer in areas with hard water.
Copper can last decades in the right conditions. If water is balanced and not too acidic, copper performs well. PEX holds up well in mineral-heavy water. Since it does not corrode, it avoids many common leak problems.
At Cal Star Mobile Home Construction, we look at each home before making a call. Age of the home, water quality, and budget all play a role.
Is PEX or Copper Safer for Drinking Water?
Both are approved for drinking water when installed correctly.
Copper is naturally antimicrobial. It can reduce certain bacterial growth inside the pipe. PEX is certified safe for potable water. It meets plumbing codes when installed by licensed professionals. We always follow California plumbing codes and use approved materials. Safety comes first in every installation we do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Home Plumbing
Does hard water ruin copper pipes?
Yes. Hard water can cause buildup and corrosion inside copper pipes. Over time, this can lead to leaks.
Is PEX affected by chlorine in city water?
Yes. Chlorine can affect PEX over the long term. Modern PEX is designed to handle typical city water pressure.
Should I replace copper with PEX in Orange County?
Yes, in many cases it makes sense. PEX handles hard water better and often has fewer leak issues.
Ready to Protect Your Pipes in Orange County?
Water quality plays a big role in how long your plumbing lasts. Hard water, chlorine, and pressure all affect PEX and copper in different ways. We’ve opened enough walls and fixed enough leaks to see the pattern clearly.
If your mobile home has low pressure, rusty water, or small leaks, it may be time to look at your pipes. At Cal Star Mobile Home Construction, we install, repair, and repipe with care. We just do this work every day, and we stand behind it.
Call Cal Star Mobile Home Construction today at 855-370-3900 to schedule an inspection. Let’s make sure your plumbing is built to handle Orange County water for years to come.
