PEX is flexible and performs better in freezing conditions than rigid pipes like copper, PVC and CPVC. These other pipes are more at risk of the water freezing in them, making them susceptible to weakening and bursting.
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.
Yes, PEX pipes can burst from freezing. However, they tend to expand as the water freezes, so they are less likely to burst than other piping materials, like copper.
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.
Copper pipes are pretty terrible. Copper reacts with minerals and chemical additives in the water. After a long time, the copper pipe will wear out. You end up with a leak.
Copper pipes outshine PEX pipes in terms of longevity. On average, copper pipes impressively endure for 50 to 70 years, whereas PEX pipes have an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
Its popularity soared after lead pipes became obsolete due to their unsafe nature. Today, plumbers still install copper pipes quite regularly, but you have a wide variety of other materials to choose from, too. PVC and PEX are both common and tend to be more affordable than copper.
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 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: 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.
It is usually worth it to replace older copper pipes with PEX. PEX is more reliable and durable in the long term.
While more burst-resistant than copper, in extremely low temperatures, when water completely freezes in the pipes, PEX pipes are still susceptible to bursting. Over-chlorination of water. Water containing high levels of chlorine is highly aggressive, especially when the water is hot.
A few tips for preventing frozen PEX pipes:
Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees. Add insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, garages and basements. Drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes. Shut off the water to outside hose bibbs (spigots) and drain the pipes.
Vulnerable to Damage
Plumbing failures can be caused by defective copper pipes several years after installation. Acidic water can be very bad for copper systems. Scale builds up inside the lines and blocks the flow of water through the plumbing system.
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 is lighter and more affordable than traditional copper, and it's less likely to leak. Most research suggests that PEX isn't ideal for drinking water.
Chlorine Degradation Near PEX Fittings
Improper installation is a common cause of leaking in and around PEX fittings, but not the only cause. One issue PEX systems have to contend with is incompatibility with local water conditions.
Copper pipes remain popular among plumbers and homeowners alike because they are corrosion-resistant and best suited to protect the quality of the water. Copper pipes are able to handle high water pressure and are tolerant of both hot and cold water temperatures.
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.
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.
Our PEX pipe is not suitable for use in areas where the soil is or may become contaminated, including soil used for backfilling. Soil used for backfilling must be free of rocks, debris or any sharp object that may cause damage to the fitting or pipe through impact or abrasion.
Findings show some chemicals released by plumbing pipes can be transformed into carcinogenic chemicals regulated by the EPA; chemicals leached by certain plastics are conducive to bacterial growth; and plumbing system cleaning practices described in some, but not all, plumbing codes can cause PEX pipe chemical leaching ...
The Cons of Using Copper Pipes
Installation costs: Copper is more expensive than other piping materials. Since they're also rigid, you must incur the cost of elbow fittings. The rigidity makes them more challenging to cut and fix during installation. The longer it takes to handle the materials, the more cost you incur.
Yes, copper pipes can freeze, crack, and burst in cold weather. In fact, of all piping types used for plumbing, copper pipes burst most easily when frozen. This is because copper conducts energy and loses heat more quickly than other types of plumbing. Copper also won't expand when the water inside freezes.