When Plastic Meets Heat: What to Consider for Wellness-Focused Plumbing

Sophisticated Zellige shower design in Westlake Village, CA, showcases unlacquered brass fixtures, copper piping, and natural elements by Et Sal Interiors.

In the world of construction and design, so much attention is given to the visible layers of a home—tile, cabinetry, finishes. But as a holistic interior designer, I’ve learned that what’s behind the walls is just as important to your health and wellbeing.

One topic that often surprises my clients is plumbing. More specifically: PEX plastic piping vs. traditional copper. While PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has become increasingly popular for its flexibility and affordability, I always encourage clients to pause and consider the long-term implications of materials—especially those that interact with your water supply every day.

PEX is widely marketed as BPA-free, and current safety standards permit its use in residential plumbing. However, in holistic living, we look beyond minimum standards. Repeated exposure to high temperatures—such as sending boiling-hot water through plastic daily—may contribute to the release of chemical residues over time. While research is ongoing and opinions vary, some experts and health-conscious homeowners raise valid concerns about the cumulative effects of synthetic materials used in household systems. It's a choice that I would not make for my family and would not recommend for my clients.

By contrast, copper piping has a long history of performance, safety, and environmental responsibility. It’s naturally antimicrobial, extremely durable, and does not introduce synthetic compounds into your water. From a sustainability standpoint, copper is fully recyclable and adds real value to your home’s infrastructure. Additionally copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in energy production, iron absorption, and other critical bodily functions. Which would you rather have, your water repeatedly exposed to a mineral your body needs or a manufactured product with some known links to issues like cancer and endocrine disruption?

Is copper more expensive up front? Usually, yes. But when you consider its longevity, environmental profile, and alignment with a wellness-focused home, the investment often pays off. I see copper piping as one of those "invisible luxuries" that supports your lifestyle from the inside out.

Holistic design is about harmony, and that includes the materials you don’t see. Choosing copper over plastic may not feel like a bold design statement—but it’s a foundational one. And it’s these quiet decisions that shape a home that truly supports your health and the planet.