The lifespan of PEX pipes is one of their most appealing features. On average, PEX pipes can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years, and in some cases, even longer.
Pex is very susceptible to UVA damage. Pex is semi permeable, meaning liquids can get inside the tubing and contaminate the water inside . Pex is not antibacterial like copper is. Pex cannot be used in high heat areas like around recessed lights or be directly connected to a water heater.
Defective PEX pipes will not last 50+ years as advertised and quickly degrade and become brittle when exposed to hot chlorinated water. These pipes are destined to fail.
PEX tubing, when operating within its pressure and temperature ratings, has a predicted life expectancy of 50 years per PPI TR-3. Additionally, SharkBite PEX offers the highest-rated chlorine resistance and six-month UV resistance to combat risk of premature failure.
Some homeowners may mention how PVC can last around 100 years, and PEX might last half of that. 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 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 Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
Copper is usually preferred for water supply lines and heating systems but plex is most often used for drain or waste lines because copper corrodes over time. Ultimately, it's up to the homeowner to decide where to spend the construction budget.
Also, PEX can become brittle or develop cracks over time when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Longevity. In the right conditions, PVC pipes can last upwards of 70 years. Both ABS and PEX pipes have about 40-50 years of life.
The problem with PEX seems to be that it's contaminated -- it leaves the factory with chemicals used in its manufacture still on the pipe. In time it cleans up, but during that time those chemicals are going into the water.
PEX pipe is significantly less costly than copper pipe, costing between $0.50 and $2 per foot. As a result, the typical cost of plumbing a house per square foot is cheaper than with copper pipes, ranging from a few thousand dollars to roughly $15k for a full installation.
At what temperature will PEX freeze and burst? PEX pipes are extremely burst- and freeze-resistant because of their insulation properties and natural flexibility. However, at certain temperatures, even PEX can no longer stand up to the elements. The temperature cutoff for PEX pipes is around -7°C.
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.
PEX pipe is safe for drinking water in households and commercial systems. NSF International has teams of toxologists and other technical professionals who administer the NSF 61 standard which requires all components in a water system to be safe for drinking water. This includes PEX pipe systems with drinking water.
Some studies suggest that chemicals used in the manufacturing process can leach into the water supply, posing risks to human health. The possibility of chemical leaching from PEX piping into drinking water has been a significant factor in its ban.
Fragility and Brittleness. ASTM F441 CPVC pipes can become brittle over time, particularly under stress or extreme temperatures. This brittleness makes them more prone to cracking and failure. In colder climates, this issue is exacerbated as pipes can freeze and break easily.
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.
One of the biggest downsides of PEX plumbing is that some of them affect the taste and odor of water. It's important to know about this risk before installing PEX water lines in your house. In some cases, the smell and taste are so unpleasant, that people have to replace the pipes all over again.
It has become expensive, can still corrode based on pH levels of water, and in cold climates, frozen water can cause copper pipes to burst.
CPVC is More Effective at Maintaining Water Quality than PEX
Third party studies show that CPVC piping, such as FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings, consistently demonstrate a lower risk of biofilm formation than PEX.
PEX: 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.
Lower Lifespan Than Other Materials
While PEX plumbing is cheaper upfront, the cost benefits may be negligible when you consider that it might not last as long as copper or other materials. PEX pipes have an average lifespan of about 40-50 years, while copper can last over 70 years.
Average Cost. If you are looking into replacing your home's plumbing pipes, you will typically spend between $2,250 and $15,000 for PEX piping OR between $2,500 and $15,000 for copper piping, including labor and materials. To narrow that down, re-piping a small 1-bathroom home with PEX costs about $2,000-$3,000.