How long will PEX pipe last outside?

Generally, PEX pipes last for 25 to 40 years before they need to be replaced. By comparison, copper pipes last for around 50 to 70 years.

Is PEX OK for outside?

Can I use PEX pipe outside? PEX pipe is not approved for outdoor applications and is not approved for continuous UV exposure. PEX pipe should not be stored in direct sunlight.

How long does PEX last outdoors?

Myth: PEX tubing has a short life span. Fact: The life span of PEX tubing can vary based on frequency of use, water quality and water temperature and has an average life expectancy of 40-50 years.

How long can PEX pipe be exposed to the sun?

PEX piping that is indoors is also susceptible to this oxidation. One study found that UV exposure from fluorescent lights for eight hours is equivalent to one minute of sun exposure. According to at least one PEX manufacturer's installation instructions, contractors are advised “Do not install … within 5 ft.

Is PEX water line UV resistant?

Key differentiators regarding PEX quality are chlorine resistance and UV resistance. All SharkBite PEX that is marked with Material Designation code “PEX 5306” indicates continuous recirculation listing and six-month UV protection. PEX 5306 rating also makes SharkBite PEX the highest-rated in the industry.

PEX vs COPPER for Plumbing - Which Should You Use and Why?

Which PVC pipe is best for outdoor use?

PVC is made to be resistant to sunlight and therefore is unaffected by sunlight in any way. PVC is OK to use on the exterior and as a main cold water supply. However, PEX is typically much easier to install. PEX is bendy, unlike PVC, which is relatively rigid.

Does PEX get brittle over time?

Like most other plastics, PEX will become brittle if exposed to sunlight for too long and may crack under pressure. Typical exposure limit is ~30 days.

How long does PEX last in concrete?

Generally, PEX pipes last for 25 to 40 years before they need to be replaced.

What temperature can PEX withstand?

But be aware that the general rule of thumb is that pex tubing can withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long does PEX last underground?

PEX has a life expectancy of 40-50 years, made possible by its durable and non-corrosive materials. Burial also reduces sun exposure, which would otherwise degrade the piping. Additionally, PEX tubing materials allow for expansion, making them resistant to freezing/cracking underground.

Can you run PEX in exterior walls?

As a general rule of thumb, if your PEX piping is traveling through interior walls or insulated exterior walls, you don't need to insulate it. However, piping exposed outside or inside unconditioned spaces like a basement, crawl space, or attic should be insulated, mainly if you live in cold-weather areas.

Is Blue PEX OK for hot water?

Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold.

Does PEX piping need to be insulated?

Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated? Yes, although PEX pipes can withstand freezing temperatures better than other pipe materials - but they are not freeze proof!

Which PEX is best for freezing?

All types of PEX — a, b and c — share nearly the same capabilities too. And SharkBite makes a PEX-b that not only holds up to freezing but is also one of the strongest PEX types on the market.

How do you protect PEX from sunlight?

Manufacturers add UV stabilizers or carbon black into the HDPE compound that is the building block of PEX before it is extruded, or manufacturers can extrude UV-blocking and absorbing barrier layers to exterior of the PEX tubing wall during manufacturing.

What are the disadvantages of PEX?

Can PEX pipe be buried in the ground?

PEX tubing is approved for direct burial outdoors, a practice most often necessary when running a water supply line to a house. PEX, since it can expand, resists freezing more effectively than rigid pipe, but PEX can still burst if water freezes in a line.

Will PEX last 100 years?

Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.

When should you not use PEX pipe?

PEX plumbing is fine inside the walls of a home, no matter the temperatures as it can be covered with insulation. However, one of the disadvantages of PEX plumbing is it cannot be used outdoors in cold climates as there is no way to cover them and protect them from freezing temperatures.

What's wrong with PEX plumbing?

PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.

Which pipe is best for outdoor water line?

Copper pipe is best for the exposed plumbing at the house, but PEX tubing is best for the underground. It's a lot cheaper than copper and it's easier to install than CPVC plastic. With PEX, you can make a continuous run from your house and can make turns without installing a single fitting.

What pipe should I use for water outside?

Polyethylene Pipe

Polyethylene pipes are used in a wide range of pipes for drainage, irrigation, water service and even some varieties for underground gas transport. It is durable and provides long-term resistance to environmental conditions in outdoor and underground uses.

Does PVC pipe deteriorate in sunlight?

PVC does surprisingly well when exposed to ultra violet rays (sunlight). Research shows little to no effect on PVC's tensile strength or elasticity after prolonged sun exposure. The only degradation that seems to occur is impact strength.

Will PEX freeze and burst?

PEX pipes, just like any pipe, can freeze when the temperature drops too low. Because the pipes are designed to be flexible, PEX has the ability to expand. Although it is still possible for them to burst, this means PEX pipes are less likely to rupture after freezing.

Is PEX a better insulator than copper?

PEX can also insulate water better than metal, which means hot water will lose less heat than it would in copper. PEX piping also doesn't suffer from scale buildup or chlorine damage the way copper can, and it can resist freezing conditions that would crack copper.