Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Why is PEX Plumbing Bad?
- You can’t use PEX in outside as it is highly susceptible to UV light.
- PEX is semi-permeable. ...
- PEX can tolerate up to 125° F. ...
- Water can be contaminated with bacteria easily as PEX is not antibacterial like copper pipe.
- If your home is also a place of mice, then you have to be careful because mice love to chew it and can go through it.
What is the life expectancy of PEX plumbing?
What Is the Life Expectancy of PEX Plumbing? Realistically, PEX plumbing can last from 25 to 40 years. It will need to be replaced after 40 years of usage. However, over the years, PEX plumbing goes through a lot of wear and tear. Leaks or burst pipes are not very common, but as we’ve seen above, PEX plumbing is vulnerable to a lot of elements.
Should PEX piping be insulated?
PEX doesn’t sweat in high humidity and is resistant to bursting in freezing temperatures. While PEX does not ordinarily burst in the cold, the water in the pipes can still freeze. It is important to insulate PEX pipe in an attic, particularly in cold-weather areas.
What type of PEX is best?
PEX A
- It has the highest flexibility of all PEX types
- Expansion-style fitting reduces the risk of flow restriction
- Kinks can be eliminated using a heat gun
- Withstands well in extremely cold temperatures because it is more resistant to burst pressure
- Easy to work with
Why is PEX pipe needed?
What is PEX used for?
How to join copper pipes?
What can be added to PEX piping to keep hot water hot and cold water cold?
How long does PEX last?
Can PEX pipes be used underground?
Is PEX tubing used for drinking water?
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When did PEX plumbing come out?
In the United States, PEX for radiant floor heating applications originated in the early 1980s; PEX plumbing applications became prevalent in the mid- to late-1990s. Watts: PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene tubing, goes all the way back to the 30s, in Europe.
How long will PEX piping last?
50 yearsPEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
What pipe was used before PEX?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel as water supply lines in both new construction and remodeling projects.
Why is PEX not allowed?
Rodent Risk Factors While pest experts don't know whether rodents chew through PEX to get to the water inside or simply because it's there, PEX and rodents can be a dangerous combination. Local building codes in some communities may not permit the installation of PEX if rodent infestations are common.
Do mice chew through PEX?
PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable Rodents Chewing Through PEX Pipe is a common problem in our area. It doesn't matter how old your home is, if you have an attic, you need to watch for rodent damage to PEX Pipe or PVC.
Is it worth replacing 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.
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. But copper's use has gradually faded, due to the introduction of PEX plumbing tubing.
Where should you not use PEX?
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. PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe. When it comes to safety, PEX isn't antibacterial.
What kind of piping was used in the 80s?
Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as "the pipe of the future" and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping.
Do plumbers like PEX?
All this makes PEX an excellent piping material for hot and cold water systems, especially since it is flexible and well adapted for temperatures below freezing all the way up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. PEX is easy for plumbers to install and has fewer joints, bringing your costs down.
How toxic is PEX?
There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes. A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time.
Can bacteria grow in PEX?
PEX pipe showed a higher growth of coliform bacteria than copper pipe [42]. The levels of released metal from plastic pipes were monitored in five pipe systems, PB, PVC, PP, PE, and cPVC. The metal levels in new plastic facilities were not serious except for PVC and cPVC, respectively.
What are the disadvantages of PEX?
PEX Plumbing DisadvantagesPEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. ... PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. ... PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. ... PEX can't be installed in high heat areas. ... PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.
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 reliable is PEX plumbing?
Its resistance to freeze damage as well as corrosion, pitting and scaling makes PEX the most durable piping product on the market today. Its flexibility minimizes connections by up to half in certain applications, making it one of the fastest piping installation methods available.
How long does PEX last vs copper?
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.
When was PEX pipe invented?
The new plastic, fashioned into flexible PEX pipe (also known as PEX tubing), arrived in the US in the 1980s , initially for radiant floor heating systems: The flexible tubing is embedded in a concrete slab and hot water pumped through to heat the slab and radiate heat to rest of the room. PEX pipe remains popular for radiant floor heating.
What is PEX pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel as water supply lines in both new construction and remodeling projects. You’ve probably seen rolls of blue and red PEX pipe in the plumbing aisle of your local home improvement store, but might not know that this colorful tubing now makes it possible for enthusiastic DIYers to replace their own leaky water lines instead of calling a pro. Read on to learn more about PEX—what it is, where it can be used, and all the pros and cons of this popular plumbing material.
What type of fittings are used for PEX?
Hundreds of types of fittings, usually brass, are available for connecting PEX to existing copper or steel pipes, and for making connections to fixtures. Fittings are also available for connecting pipes of different sizes. The following five methods are used for making the connections watertight. Photo: amazon.com.
What is PEX tubing?
Choose the tubing best suited to your needs: PEX-A is manufactured using peroxide. This type of PEX is the most flexible of the three types and is suitable for use in all home water-supply plumbing needs.
What color is PEX?
Water flows silently through PEX, eliminating the “water hammer” noise associated with metal piping. Color-coding (red and blue) make it simple to distinguish hot and cold supply lines. PEX can be connected to existing metal supply lines with the correct fittings.
What is the advantage of PEX pipe?
PEX has a distinct advantage over these materials because of its flexibility, which allows one end of PEX pipe to connect to a PEX manifold (the main water control system) and then wind through walls and floors—uninterrupted—all the way to an individual fixture.
What type of PEX pipe is used for hot water?
Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray).
When was PEX tubing invented?
Fact: PEX Tubing was developed and first used in Europe in the 1960’s. This product entered US market 30 years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since. During these years, tubing has been installed in millions of houses, commercial and industrial buildings, and has been sufficiently tested by many years of continuous use. ...
How long does PEX tubing last?
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.
Is PEX tubing allowed everywhere?
Myth: PEX Tubing is not approved for use everywhere. Fact: In 2010, California became the last state to approve the use of PEX tubing. Today, PEX tubing is allowed to be installed within all 50 states.
Is PEX tubing reliable?
Myth: PEX Tubing is not reliable. Fact: PEX has been extensively used in Europe and USA, giving it a 50 year track record of strong performance and reliability. Rapid growth of PEX installations in the US over the past 2 decades serves as an indicator that the product is becoming widely accepted by home owners and contractors alike.
Is PEX tubing expensive?
Myth : PEX tubing is expensive. Fact: With today’s high copper prices, the cost of PEX tubing amounts to less than 10% of the cost of copper. Using PEX tubing comes out to be less expensive even after taking into consideration the fact that more tubing is needed when laying a radiant heating floor pattern.
Is PEX tubing hard to install?
Myth: PEX Tubing is hard to install. Fact: In comparison to installing other pipe materials, such as copper, installation of PEX does not require sweat connections and can often be installed without hiring a professional plumber or HVAC technician.
What is PEX Piping?
PEX piping (shorthand for cross-linked polyethylene) costs less than half the price of copper and installs much faster. And since it’s flexible, PEX makes remodeling jobs easier. PEX has a strong “memory;” it always wants to spring back to its original shape. So working with a coil of PEX is like wrestling with a giant Slinky. For most jobs, you’re better off buying 10-ft. “sticks” instead. You may have to pay a few cents more per foot and install a coupler or two, but you’ll avoid frustration and kinks. Even plumbers who run miles of PEX every year often buy sticks than coils.
How Do I Connect PEX to my Plumbing Fixtures?
If the connection will be visible, like under a wall-hung sink, and you would prefer the look of a copper tube coming out of the wall, use a copper stub-out (left). You can connect a compression-type shutoff valve to the one-half inch copper stub-out and then connect your fixture. In areas that are concealed, like under a kitchen sink or vanity cabinet, you can eliminate a joint by running PEX supply directly to the shutoff valve. Use a drop-ear bend support to hold the tubing in a tight bend (right). There are several types of shutoff valves that connect directly to PEX.
What About PEX vs. CPVC?
A PEX supply and CPVC cost about the same. But there are a few reasons why PEX may be a better choice. First, a PEX doesn’t require glue, which means you don’t have to work in well-ventilated spaces or wear a respirator. PEX is less likely than CPVC to burst if it freezes. Also, since PEX is more flexible and available in long lengths, it can work better for ‘fishing’ through walls in remodeling situations.
How Do I Splice PEX Fittings Into My Existing Pipe?
SharkBite is one common brand of stab-in fitting. This method doesn’t require soldering, which can be a big time-saver. But check with your plumbing inspector if you’re planning to bury this connection in a wall or ceiling. Some areas don’t allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). You can also use a stab-in tee to connect PEX fittings supply to CPVC. Read the label to find the compatible fitting.
Is PEX Reliable?
PEX has been used for decades in other countries, where there are thousands of homes with 30-year-old, leak-free PEX. Most of the problems with PEX systems, in the United States and elsewhere, were due to sloppy installation or faulty fittings rather than the tubing itself.
What About Expansion?
PEX supply expands and contracts more than copper, so don’t stretch it tight. Let it droop a little between fasteners. On long runs, it’s a good idea to install a loop as shown to allow for contraction. Another advantage of the loop is that if you mess up and need a little extra tubing, you can steal it from the loop. Also, since PEX moves as it expands and contracts, make sure to drill oversize holes through studs or joists so it can slide easily. And don’t use metal straps to attach it. Use plastic straps instead.
Will PEX Break or Split if it Freezes?
Probably not. Manufacturers are reluctant to say so, but reports from the field suggest PEX can withstand freezing. You should still protect the tubing from freezing. But since it can expand and contract, it’s less likely to break than rigid piping.
Why use PEX pipe?
Plumbers and DIYers alike prefer using PEX over traditional copper and galvanized steel pipes because it’s reliable, lightweight, and relatively easy to work with. All of this means PEX pipe allows even the inexperienced DIYer to retrofit their plumbing system; no pro needed.
How long do PEX pipes last?
As corrosion can lead to leaks down the road, that means PEX pipes are a durable plumbing solution. They will last an average of 50 years.
What is PEX flooring?
PEX is a unique and easy-to-work-with material that has multiple uses. DIYers should consider using it for all home plumbing projects as well as for radiant heat flooring.
What color are PEX pipes?
If you’ve ever taken a look at your plumbing system and seen a jumble of colorful pipes, you’ve seen PEX pipes. They come in red, white, blue, and gray , and each color is used differently. Red PEX pipes carry hot water, blue pipes carry cold water, and white and gray can be used for either temperature.
How to connect PEX?
Use the tool to heat and stretch the diameter of the tube, then insert the end of a fitting. As it cools, the tube will contract and shrink down to its original size to create a seal around the fitting.
Can you splice PEX pipes?
If your home already has metal pipes, you can slowly splice in PEX whenever a pipe needs to be fixed. And if you’re building your plumbing system from scratch, use PEX pipes throughout it to make the system simpler.
Is PEX recyclable?
Green-minded DIYers beware: PEX isn’t recyclable. The material doesn’t melt like other plastics do, which poses a major recycling challenge. But it can partially make up for that with its long lifespan.
When did PEX pipes become popular?
PEX pipes became popular in the ‘80s and ‘90s and thousands of houses today still have them. While they were all the rage when they first came out, over the years, many of its shortcomings have come to light. If you’re considering PEX plumbing in your house, you might want to reconsider. Here’s why:
What causes a PEX pipe to leak?
The chlorine in the water inside PEX pipes speed-up the brittle oxidative failure of cross-linked polyethylene. This failure leads to sudden leakage and sometimes even bursting of the pipes. To combat this failure, manufacturers began to add antioxidants into the PEX piping.
Why is PEX bad for you?
Chlorine. PEX plumbing and chlorine do not mix well, which is ironic. Chlorination badly affects the durability of the PEX plumbing system and shortens its lifespan. The chlorine in the water inside PEX pipes speed-up the brittle oxidative failure of cross-linked polyethylene.
What is PVC pipe?
Polyvinyl Chloride Piping (PVC): PVC pipes are an inexpensive alternative to copper pipes. They are resistant to rust and corrosion and can sustain high-pressure water.
Why is PEX not versatile?
Light. PEX plumbing lacks versatility because of its sensitivity to light. PEX cannot be taken anywhere outside the house where it is directly exposed to UV for a long period. The synthetic material of the pipes can slowly disintegrate due to the light of the sun.
Can a PEX pipe be contaminated?
This mostly happens when PEX pipes are installed deep under the ground and vulnerable to moisture. In extreme cases, the bacteria caused by moisture can penetrate inside the PEX pipes and contaminate the water.
Is PEX plumbing bad for your house?
Undoubtedly, PEX pipes are one of the easiest pipes to install. However, they come with quite a few downsides and could end up costing house owners thousands of dollars in damage. Let’s discuss in details: why PEX plumbing is bad for your house:
How much does PEX save?
Installing PEX can save as much as 60 percent on project costs, and, unlike copper, PEX tubing is flexible and can be fished through existing wall spaces, reducing the scope of a retrofit project.
What are the signs of a PEX water line?
For homeowners who have PEX water-supply lines, signs of rodents, such as droppings, chewed paper or wood, or other shredded items, signal a need to take action before damage to the water supply system can occur.
Can mice chew PEX?
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.
Is PEX tubing a water supply?
For both new construction and remodeling projects, installing a cross-linked polyethylene ( PEX) water-supply system is attractive to builders and homeowners a like. Deciding factors for choosing between the two most common water-supply materials, PEX and copper, include ease of installation and cost. Installing PEX can save as much as 60 percent on project costs, and, unlike copper, PEX tubing is flexible and can be fished through existing wall spaces, reducing the scope of a retrofit project.
Can rodents chew through PEX?
While pest experts don’t know whether rodents chew through PEX to get to the water inside or simply because it’s there, PEX and rodents can be a dangerous combination. Local building codes in some communities may not permit the installation of PEX if rodent infestations are common.
Why is PEX pipe needed?
Since PEX pipes typically have fewer sharp turns, there is greater water pressure at the sinks and showers and toilets where it is needed .
What is PEX used for?
It can be formed into tubing, and is used in building services pipework systems, heating and cooling systems, domestic water piping, and high voltage electrical cables. PEX is also used for natural gas and offshore oil application, chemical transportation, and transportation of sewage and slurries.
How to join copper pipes?
The oldest and most common method for joining copper piping is to solder pieces together using a torch. With an open flame there is always the risk of causing a fire in the surrounding structure, but PEX installation does not require a flame.
What can be added to PEX piping to keep hot water hot and cold water cold?
Conventional foam wrap insulation materials can be added to PEX piping to keep hot water hot, and cold water cold, and prevent freezing, if necessary.
How long does PEX last?
LONGEVITY: The advantageous properties of PEX also make it a candidate for progressive replacement of metal and thermoplastic pipes, especially in long-life applications, because the expected lifetime of PEX pipes reaches 50 years.
Can PEX pipes be used underground?
In the 2000’s, copper pipes as well as plastic PVC pipes are being replaced with PEX. It can be used for underground purposes as well.
Is PEX tubing used for drinking water?
PEX tubing has widely replaced copper in plumbing application. One estimate states that residential use of PEX for delivering drinking water to home fauce ts has increased by 40% annually, and there is evidence that will become the dominant technology for carrying water in homes and businesses in the next decade. It is accepted by national organizations like the Habitat for Humanity for constructing homes.
