In colder climates, insulating PEX pipes can help prevent the water inside from freezing, which could lead to burst pipes. On the flip side, in hot and humid environments, uninsulated cold water lines may sweat, leading to potential issues like mold growth or water damage. Insulation can help mitigate these risks.
It's best practice to pipe insulate your pex 24'' or so in either direction of direct contact with duct work, weather that duct work is insulated or not. Especially in moisture rich environments, heat exchange can cause condensation build up. with enough time moisture damage can occur.
Key Takeaways. All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.
PEX tubing does not provide any significant thermal insulation properties and would not meet code requirements without additional insulation.
No. People have misconceptions about insulation. It does not prevent freezing. It just slows the release of heat.
It is not likely that PEX pipe will freeze. However, it is possible if it gets cold enough.
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.
PEX pipe can be used as a service line based on its corrosion resistance to soil and water, its long life and its oxidative resistance. Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling.
We also recommend insulating the parts of your pipe that are often exposed to extreme temperatures. Below are a few tips when insulating PEX pipes: Use foam to insulate PEX pipes. Foam is the most popular insulation material for PEX pipes because they are flexible.
PEX Plumbing in your Area
Although PEX tubing is approved by all major building codes and major model plumbing codes, it still has not received acceptance with local codes in some parts of the country. For example, PEX tubing has only recently been allowed for use in the state of California.
PEX often lasts around 50 years. However, PEX is more durable and has more flexibility than PVC and CPVC. Also, because PEX is made from cross-linked polyethylene, it won't corrode.
PEX A offers higher burst resistance, capable of withstanding up to 500 PSI in extreme cold, while PEX B, being more rigid, is less resilient.
PEX pipes are very thick but they are still susceptible to rodent damage that can cause pipes to crack or break. Possible Leaching: Although uncommon, some homeowners and plumbing companies have reported a few PEX pipes leaching harmful contaminants like BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water supply.
PEX pipes will freeze if the temperature drops to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If the pipes are not insulated, they may start to freeze closer to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the freezing point of water. Insulated PEX pipes may be able to withstand some more chill.
The updated guidelines stipulate that pipes conveying space heating and hot water through unheated areas must now be insulated.
Insulating PEX Pipes Can Lead to Noise Reduction
PEX piping, due to its flexibility, is often quieter than metal pipes. Yet, water rushing through any pipe can produce some level of noise. Insulation can serve as an added layer that absorbs sound, providing a quieter living environment.
Use foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. Insulation can help keep the pipes closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add extra heat to the pipe and unfortunately will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
NOTE 3: While it is not the focus on this Technical Note, plastic pipe materials (e.g., CPVC, HDPE, PEX, PEX-AL-PEX, PE-RT, PP-R, PP-RCT) are not known to have chemical-compatibility issues with properly mixed and applied spray polyurethane foam insulation.
Material Concerns: One of the primary concerns about Pex plumbing is the material itself. While Pex pipes are undoubtedly flexible, making them easier to install in tight spaces, they are not as durable as traditional materials like copper or even PVC.
Currently, PEX plumbing is one of the most widely used plumbing systems around the world. It was temporarily banned in California for a while due to concerns about toxic materials but this was later disproven by laboratory tests.
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. If you're hearing rustling noises coming from the attic, it's time to do an inspection.
Reflective Foil Insulation: Reflective foil insulation is an excellent choice for PEX pipe located in areas with extreme temperature variations. It helps to reflect heat back into hot water pipes and prevents heat gain in cold water lines.
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, has a chemical structure that gives it flexibility to withstand pressure increases and perform better in the winter. If water freezes in the pipe, for example, PEX will expand to accommodate the change. Then it will contract back to original dimensions once thawed.
With a life span that's 20 to 30 years longer than PEX pipe, copper is the clear winner. Properly maintained copper pipes can be expected to last 50 to 70 years. PEX pipes that are properly maintained generally last for 25 to 50 years.