Where should you not use PEX?

PEX can't be installed in high heat areas.

You can't install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can't connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.

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 are the disadvantages of PEX?

The biggest disadvantage to PEX is that it is unknown how well or long it will last. While PEX piping is warrantied for up to 25 years, it is unknown what could happen to PEX piping as the years go on. Since it is so new, it is hard to know what water will do to the plastic over 30 years.

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.

Can PEX be used for hot water?

White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water.

PEX-A vs PEX-B - What's the Difference? Which Should You Use?

How long does PEX last?

Benefits of Copper Pipes

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.

Should I replace copper 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.

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.

Does PEX leak over time?

PEX PIPING IS NOT Leak Resistant

It's lack of required fittings and flexible nature allow for quicker installs than traditional rigid pipe systems. This seemingly quick and flexible installation does have its downfalls.

Can you use PEX for kitchen sink?

It's easy to connect PEX tubing to fittings as well as to copper and CPVC pipes. When you use it to supply a sink, Tools Specialist offers several options for connecting the valves. Two of the most common are transitioning to copper and installing metal compression valves or using valves designed for PEX tubing.

Can I use PEX for shower plumbing?

Use threaded PEX water line fittings for shower valves. Tighten the fittings before crimping the PEX water line. A plastic bracket forms the sharpest 90-degree angle permitted for this brand of PEX.

Will PEX freeze and burst?

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. However – manufacturers won't provide a guarantee against rupture due to freezing.

Can you run PEX in attic?

If you are using PEX, you can run it through your attic. PEX will NOT burst unless you live in a place that gets like 50 below. And it does not freeze as readily as metal pipe. We used PEX once and ended up replumbing our entire house with it.

Is PEX good for main water line?

In slab and underground

Some plumbing contractors may be surprised to know that PEX is approved for use in underground as well as in-slab applications. For jurisdictions that allow PEX in these types of applications, this can be a big advantage.

Can I use blue PEX 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.

Can PEX be used in walls?

I used pex and pex fittings inside a wall last year, and just did it again last week. I've used mostly the plastic quick-connect fittings, but last week I used a couple of brass shark bite elbows as well. The brass shark bite fittings were easier to install.

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.

How long does PEX last in 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.

Why is there a PEX fitting shortage?

The pandemic has led to production stoppage, shortage of workers, and disruption of logistics in several PEX producing countries. APAC and Europe are the leading producers of PEX for industrial processes.

Do rats like PEX?

PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable

It won't be long before these critters look for something to gnaw on. It's instinctive, especially with tree climbers like rats and squirrels. According to NYC Rodentologist Dr. Bobby Corrigan, rat's incisors (the front teeth) are hard — harder than iron, platinum and copper.

How reliable is PEX plumbing?

ASTM International, a standards organization, requires that the life expectancy for PEX pipe be at least 50 years. (Some PEX manufacturers offer a pipe life expectancy of more than 100 years.) In short, PEX is more durable and provides longer system longevity with less time and material invested in the installation.

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 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.

How close can PEX be to water heater?

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC 604.13) states that “PEX tubing shall not be installed within the first 18 inches of piping connected to a water heater." But the UPC is not used in all jurisdictions.

Is PEX water line better than copper?

Copper lasts longer than PVC pipes.

It's tough to beat copper pipes for longevity, which on average last 50 to 70 years, compared to PEX, which has an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years.