What is wrong with PEX plumbing?

Pex Piping fails when the pipes are exposed to chlorine that is common in municipal water supplies, exposure to direct sunlight before its installation. PEX pipe is also vulnerable when it contacts petroleum products or oxygen. Pex piping can leach toxic chemicals from pipe material.

Why do plumbers hate PEX?

Re: Why the PEX hatred? your water may require plastic. in this area most leaks on copper are from outside problems like kinks, concrete on the pipe and bad solder joints. If those are the reasons for using PEX, then the installers in your area may require PEX, not the water conditions.

How reliable is PEX plumbing?

The reasons are obvious – PEX has flex; it is inexpensive; and the installation is fast, simple and reliable. Also, PEX will not burst in freezing conditions like CPVC or copper. PEX installations older than 30 years are common in Europe, with an excellent reliability record.

Do shark bite fittings work with PEX?

SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.

Will plastic PEX fittings freeze?

PEX pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. But putting frequent stress on the system weakens it, increasing chances of failure and leaks. So, to preserve the strength of your pipes, you should use the same standard insulation precautions with PEX to keep it from freezing.

Can you bundle PEX?

Not sure what code you are under, but Section 308 of the VA plumbing code (2006 IPC based) says that you cannot bundle hot and cold lines together. Although PEX is better than copper for thermal insulating, bundling them together creates a co-current heat exchanger.

Is PEX considered plastic pipe?

PEX is a flexible plastic material made from medium- or high-density polyethylene. PEX piping has been used in hot- and cold-water distribution systems and for hydronic radiant heating in Europe for decades.