PEX Piping
PEX, also known as cross-linked polyethylene
Plumbers are doing most of their repairs today with PEX and builders are using PEX more and more on new homes. PEX has also been used in Europe for a number of years now and has performed well.
You may have heard about homes that had pinhole leaks in the copper plumbing. This tends to occur more in certain parts of the country than others, possibly due to a chemical composition change in the water. In these cases, you may be wondering if the home has been piped or re-piped with PEX piping.
Like everything, there are advantages and disadvantages to PEX
Advantages: less expensive and easier to install, less skilled labor needed to install it, faster to install than copper and PEX doesn’t corrode like copper. PEX also stands up to cold or freezing temperatures better than copper.
Disadvantages include: Rodents can and do chew through the pipe at times, PEX can’t be recycled as easily as copper, is not good for exterior use, and may produce toxic smoke when burned.
Tip – If you have PEX piping, make sure to have a high-level rodent control plan.
Bottom Line
PEX is generally considered a good product and if you need to repair or replace your copper or galvanized water lines, then PEX would be a good choice.
Additional Resources
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Rusted gas meters and gas piping can eventually cause issues.
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Knowing the pro's and con's of PEX piping helps buyers make informed decisions.
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Plumbers and home builders are switching to PEX piping. Is it better than copper? What are some things that you should know?
I have your system installed in my home and i am very happy with it and its concept,the only problem is were do I buy the little tool to turn off the individual destinations instead of the whole house for repairs. Your help would be much appreciated . Mark Shaw MD
how much does pex piping cost to replace in 1200 sf single story?