What is 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.

What are the disadvantages of PEX?

Why do PEX fittings fail?

Piping fails when the pipes are exposed to chlorine that is within the water, exposure to direct sunlight before its installation. Furthermore PEX pipe is vulnerable when it comes in contact with such solutions as petroleum products and oxygen. It can leach toxic chemicals from pipe material also.

What is the life expectancy of PEX plumbing?

While you can expect PEX to last for 30 to 50 years, copper piping will outdo it by about two decades, with a typical lifespan of 50 to 70 years. Copper is a more durable option that isn't susceptible to rodents or sunlight. These pipes can easily handle water pressure of up to 1,000 psi.

Is PEX plumbing healthy?

These leakage products consist of residues of additives used during production to give plastic pipes their desired properties, as well as any subsequent breakdown products. The study showed: There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes.

When PEX goes horribly wrong

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.

Do mice eat PEX tubing?

The Problem

Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home's PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.

Should I replace copper pipes with PEX?

Coupled with low production and shipping costs, the savings resulting from installing PEX instead of copper pipes can be significant. Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time.

Should I use PEX or copper?

While PEX pipes are easier to install, cheaper, and more flexible, copper pipes are sturdier and tend to have a longer lifespan. PEX pipes are best used indoors since they degrade quickly under intense sunlight, but it's an excellent choice if you're looking to minimize leaks and energy consumption.

Is PEX pipe 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. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply.

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.

Which is better PVC or PEX?

PVC has a predicted lifespan of 50-70 years or more, compared with 40-50 years for PEX. - Lower cost. PVC is less expensive to purchase than PEX, although it usually will cost you more in labor.

Does PEX degrade over time?

Generally, PEX does not deteriorate. But, PEX will deteriorate if it's left in the sun. PEX has an expected life of 25 to 40 years. Therefore, it is expected that it will need to be replaced 40 years after it has been installed.

How long does PEX last vs copper?

Although copper piping takes significantly longer to install, it does provide a longer overall lifespan. Copper manufacturers typically offer a 50 year warranty in comparison to 25 years for PEX, but this of course may vary by supplier.

What are the pros and cons of PEX?

Pros: Immediate pressure testing, no issues with cold temperatures, better system flow. Cons: Two-step process can take more time, and it can be hard to maneuver the tool into tight spaces to make the compression portion of the connection. There is potential for injury due to pinch point area near the compression jaws.

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 used in new construction?

Today, PEX is used in more than 60 percent of new construction residential water supply systems.

Does PEX piping freeze?

Frozen PEX Pipes Have a Unique Reaction. Due to its flexibility, PEX can expand under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.

Do PEX pipes sweat?

Any pipe, including PEX pipe, will condense, or sweat, when the water inside is cold and the air outside is humid and hot. This happens for the same reason that a glass of cold water or other beverage attracts condensation when outside on a hot day.

What pipe is best for plumbing?

Strengths: Copper is unquestionably the premium choice, simply because it has such a long and proven history. Copper piping has been used for 80 years -- and many of those original lines are still going strong. Enviro factor: Copper plumbing pipe won't pollute your drinking water, and old pipes can be recycled.

Is PEX safer than copper?

Copper Pipe Lifespan. PEX pipe is not only cheaper than copper but more durable too. PEX is immune to corrosion and mineral build-up, and it's not affected by electrolysis, which can cause small pinhole leaks in copper piping. Copper pipes can last anywhere from six months to the life of a building.

When did they stop using copper pipes in houses?

Copper was the plumbing pipe of choice from the 1950s until 2000 and was widely used both in new construction and to replace the galvanized steel water supply pipes that had been the standard into the 1950s.

How do I stop rats chewing my PEX pipe?

Make sure to seal up any spaces around window or wall-mounted air conditioners. Provide a water source. It may seem like you're encouraging the problem but setting out a bowl of water will keep rodents from chewing on water lines to hydrate allowing you time to do preventive maintenance.

Does PEX reduce water pressure?

At a rate of 8 feet per second, the CPVC fitting will cause less than 1% restriction in flow while PEX fittings create a 23% to 54% reduction in flow, depending on the fitting used.

Is PEX better than CPVC?

CPVC Pipes Offer Better Water Pressure Than PEX

Depending on the fitting used, this can reduce the internal diameter of a ½” pipe by 21% to 35%. At a rate of 8 feet per second, PEX fittings create a 23% to 54% reduction in flow. For every ½” fitting, a PEX fitting can introduce 2 to 3 psi of pressure drop/fitting.