## Why Older Piping Materials Fail
Pipes installed prior to 1990—specifically galvanized iron and polybutylene—suffer from internal zinc leaching, heavy iron oxide flaking, and acetal fitting embrittlement.
## Comparing Type-L Copper vs PEX-A Systems
- **Type-L Copper:** Premium metallic rigids offering natural antimicrobial properties, zero VOC leaching, high fire rating, and exceptional burst pressure tolerances.
- **PEX-A (Cross-linked Polyethylene):** Highly flexible plastic tubing featuring shape memory; uses cold-expansion F1960 fittings that eliminate joints behind walls and resist freeze-bursting down to sub-zero conditions.