How Long Does PEX Tubing Last? (2024)

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How Long Does PEX Tubing Last? (1)

Are you searching for information about the lifespan of PEX tubing?

Here at Repipe Specialists, with over 75,000 successful whole home repipes completed throughout the USA, we are frequently asked about the longevity of PEX tubing and its suitability for complete home repiping projects.

In this article, we will delve into the key factors that affect the service life of PEX tubing and whether PEX is a good material for a complete home repiping project.

We also offer free in-home consultations with one of our local Repipe Consultants.Request a free consult and quote, and we'd be happy to explain all your options in person.

How Long Does PEX Tubing Last?

In normal conditions, PEX tubing can last for several decades, with an estimated lifespan of 50 years or more. This long lifespan can be attributed to several factors that make PEX an excellent choice for repiping projects.

First, unlike copper, PEX tubing is highly resistant to corrosion, scale buildup, and chemical degradation. This means that your new pipes will continue to function properly for many years, without the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

How Long Does PEX Tubing Last? (2)

Second, PEX is incredibly durable. Unlike some other plumbing materials, PEX is highly resilient and can withstand high temperatures and pressures without compromising its structural integrity.

Finally, PEX tubing is highly flexible. This flexibility reduces the risk of cracks or leaks caused by freezing and thawing cycles, further extending the lifespan of your pipes.

If you're considering repiping your home, PEX tubing is an excellent choice that offers long-lasting performance and peace of mind. We have a comprehensive article on the benefits of repiping with PEX tubing, which you can findhere.

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Key Factors Affecting How Long PEX Tubing Lasts

There are several key factors that can affect the lifespan of PEX tubing, including:

  1. Quality of the PEX Tubing: The quality of the PEX tubing itself plays a significant role in its longevity. Higher-quality PEX tubing is typically manufactured using superior materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure durability and resistance to environmental factors. Here at Repipe Specialists, we use Uponor PEX-A tubing for all our PEX repipes due to its high quality and versatility. Read our article aboutthe types of PEX tubing to use for a repipe.
  2. Proper Installation: Proper installation is crucial for the long-term performance of PEX tubing. The use of appropriate tools, fittings, and connectors, along with adherence to manufacturer guidelines and industry standards, is essential to ensure a secure and leak-free installation. Improper installation practices, such as excessive bending or stretching of the tubing, can result in premature failure. Here at Repipe Specialists, we offer a lifetime warranty on workmanship.
  3. Water Quality: The quality of the water running through the PEX tubing can impact its lifespan. Factors such as pH levels, chemical composition, and the presence of corrosive substances can affect the tubing over extended periods. Water with high levels of chlorine, excessive acidity or alkalinity, or high mineral content may accelerate degradation or shorten the lifespan of the PEX tubing.
  4. Temperature and Pressure: PEX tubing is designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures and pressures.PEX can expand and contract slightly if the pipes freeze. However, extreme temperature fluctuations or consistently high pressure levels can cause stress on the material and reduce its lifespan. Proper insulation and pressure regulation are important for maintaining the integrity of the PEX tubing.
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  5. Environmental Exposure: PEX tubing installed in outdoor or exposed areas is susceptible to degradation from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. UV radiation from the sun can weaken the material and lead to cracking or brittleness over time.

By considering these key factors, homeowners can maximize the lifespan of their PEX tubing.

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Is PEX a Good Material for Repiping?

PEX tubing has become increasingly popular as the preferred material for repiping in recent years, thanks to its cost-effectiveness, durability, flexibility, and longevity.

PEX tubing has a remarkably long lifespan and can outlast most other repipe materials, including popular choices like copper.

At Repipe Specialists, we have successfully repiped thousands of homes across America using Uponor PEX tubing. The majority of our repiping projects now utilize PEX tubing, and we provide a lifetime warranty with all our repipe installations.

By choosing PEX for your home repipe, you can have peace of mind, knowing that you have made an investment in a plumbing system that will deliver reliable performance for many years to come.

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Get a Quote for Your Home PEX Repipe

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991. A PEX repipe is not only the most cost-effective plumbing choice, but it will also save you financially into the future (we back our repipes with a lifetime warranty). We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:

  • Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
  • Convenience: Through ourOne-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
  • Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
  • Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
  • Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer severalfinancing programs.
  • Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that coversrepipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your PEX repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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About Repipe Specialists

Expert Repiping at an Affordable Cost

Since our founding in 1991, we've been completing residential and multi-family building repipes to the highest standard.

With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected ourOne Stop Repipe™ process: providing you with a high quality and convenient repipe experience while offering significant savings compared to traditional plumbers - plus, our work is guaranteed for life.

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How Long Does PEX Tubing Last? (2024)

FAQs

How long will PEX tubing last? ›

In most cases, PEX is extremely durable and lasts up to 50 years or more. PEX piping is also less likely to crack or break than metal pipe because it does not expand and contract as much when heated and cooled.

How often does PEX need to be replaced? ›

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.

What is the lifespan of PEX vs PVC pipe? ›

PVC has a predicted lifespan of 50-70 years or more, compared with 40-50 years for PEX. Outdoor safety. PVC is fine to use outdoors, even above ground – you just need to cover the exterior of PVC piping with a coat of water-based paint. Eco-friendliness.

How durable is PEX? ›

Length of Use 🗓️

Copper pipes easily outlast PEX pipes by approximately 20 years. You can expect copper pipes to last anywhere between 50 and 70 years, whereas PEX pipes will last between 30 and 50 years.

Does PEX get brittle over time? ›

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.

What is a disadvantage of PEX? ›

Of course, PEX piping does carry some disadvantages. It will crack and break apart under the influence of strong UV rays (making it unsuitable for most outdoor use). Plumbers require specialized tools to cut and join this type of modern pipe. Additionally, disposing of used PEX pipe sometimes proves problematic.

Why stop using PEX? ›

Diminished Water Quality

One of the biggest reasons to avoid PEX piping is because of its effect on your drinking water. PEX piping can alter the taste and smell of the water in your home.

Should I replace old plumbing with PEX? ›

PEX lasts longer

It has been used for decades in thousands of homes with 30-year-old leak-free piping. Long-term testing programs show it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. Unlike copper systems which may have to be re-piped every few years due to corrosion and pinhole leaks.

Does PEX wear out? ›

The problem with using PEX outdoors is that it will degrade over time, especially in direct sunlight. This is because the UV rays gradually corrode the piping. Equally, PEX tends to crack and split when exposed to cold outdoor temperatures. Since insulating the pipes is difficult, it's not suitable for outdoor use.

Is PEX ok for a hot water heater? ›

For instance, there is no problem connecting PEX tubing directly to electric water heaters. However, with other options, such as a gas water heater, best practices require at least 18 inches of metal piping (corrugated copper or stainless steel) extension from the tank to the PEX tubing.

What are five things that can go wrong with PEX? ›

PEX Plumbing Disadvantages
  • PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. ...
  • PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. ...
  • PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. ...
  • PEX can't be installed in high heat areas. ...
  • PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.
Oct 10, 2022

Will PEX last 100 years? ›

Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.

Do plumbers prefer PEX or copper? ›

While copper pipes can often last for decades before being affected by corrosion, this is one category where PEX performs much better. Like all metals, copper can experience corrosion when exposed to high acidity. Copper also puts a home's water supply at risk for mineral buildup. PEX is 100% resistant to corrosion.

What is better than PEX? ›

CPVC is More Effective at Maintaining Water Quality than PEX.

Does hard water damage PEX? ›

Or, you can upgrade your plumbing pipes to those that are immune to the effects of hard water. These pipes include PVC, CPVC, and Pex pipes because they don't have metal or iron inside of them. As such, hard water flows through them seamlessly without causing any issues or breakdowns.

Should I replace water lines with PEX? ›

The decision to repipe with pex or copper will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, installation requirements and preferences. Pex piping is generally easier and faster to install and requires less maintenance, while copper piping is generally considered more durable and reliable over the long term.

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