Table of Contents
Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Potential chemical leaching is another downside of PEX piping. Due to its chemical composition, the PEX pipe material may leach toxic chemicals including bisphenol (BPA), MTBE, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others.
How do you do plumbing with PEX pipe?
What are the disadvantages of PEX?
PEX Plumbing Disadvantages PEX 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.
Do you need a special tool for PEX?
Do I Need Special Tools? Yes. When plumbing with PEX, you can use stab-in or compression fittings to make the connections, but they’re too expensive to be practical on large projects. Connections for most PEX supply jobs require a special tool.
Is PEX OK for drinking water?
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.
How long will PEX last?
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.
Is PEX plumbing better than copper?
We generally belive that Plumbing PEX Tubing is much better than Copper for most, if not all, plumbing systems. PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install. PEX Tubing is quickly becoming the industry standard.
Is PEX pipe good for plumbing?
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.
Can mice chew through PEX pipe?
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.
Why is PEX banned in California?
PEX was banned in California due to some concerns about toxic materials leaking through the pipe and into water. Through various national laboratory tests, PEX has proven to be completely safe and durable. It is now legal in California and even included in principal plumbing codes.
When should you not use PEX pipe?
PEX Plumbing Pipe Disadvantages While PEX has numerous benefits, it should not be used outdoors. PEX can’t be recycled. PEX can’t be directly connected to a water heater, requiring an 18-inch copper or PVC line directly connected to the water heater.
Can I use blue PEX for hot water?
PEX without an oxygen barrier is designed primarily for use in potable water plumbing systems. The color of PEX does not change any of the tubing’s ratings. There would be no problem, for example, using blue PEX for hot water lines or red PEX for cold water lines.
Can you pinch off PEX tubing?
Do not do this! If the pipe is kinked you are to remove that section or use the heat gun they have to heat it up till the piping is clear and then let it cool off.
Can PEX pipe be connected to hot water heater?
PEX tubing may be connected directly to residential electric tank or tankless (instantaneous) water heaters, if the local code and manufacturer’s instructions allow. When connecting PEX tube to gas tank or tankless water heaters, the tube must be kept at least 6 inches away from the exhaust vent of the heater.
Does PEX pipe freeze and burst?
Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion 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.
Is PEX better than PVC?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. It’s resistant to freezing (once again, due to its flexibility, which allows the PEX piping’s diameter to expand as the water pressure changes).
Does PEX affect water pressure?
PEX plumbing systems don’t allow the water pressure to drop.
Can I run PEX through 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.
Is it necessary to insulate PEX piping?
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! If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit your pipes have a very good chance of freezing.
Can PEX be exposed?
PEX pipe can’t be heated or exposed to a direct flame. The best method to the pipe for straightening is by soaking the pipe in warm water or running warm water through the pipe. Please make sure that the pipe is not exposed to direct UV rays.
What size PEX is used in homes?
PEX tubes range in diameter from 3/8-inch to 1-inch for residential applications. For adequate water flow, it’s a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines. The standard when replacing old water supply lines with PEX is to use the same size.
Can you run PEX under house?
If the piping is on the house side of the insulation, it should be okay.
