Pros and Cons of PEX Pipes: The Versatile Plastic for Plumbing (2024)

Homes and commercial buildings rely on intricate pipe systems to transport warm and cold water to different appliances. This system is responsible for providing your home appliances, kitchen sink, and bathroom fixtures with a water supply. Such a vital system requires trustworthy pipes to get the job done.

Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipes are the go-to pipes trusted by plumbers everywhere to safely deliver hot and cold water throughout your home. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we've replaced and installed thousands of PEX pipes and have seen how happy homeowners are when their house's water supply system runs effectively.

There are plenty of reasons why PEX pipes are superior and a few reasons why they're not the best option for your home. As a homeowner, you'll gain insider knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of PEX pipes. This information could be the deciding factor for your home's pipe repairs, which can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars!

Pros of PEX Pipes For Your Home

Did you know that over 60 percent of newly constructed homes have PEX pipes installed for water supply systems? This is because of various factors that give PEX piping its overall stellar reputation. Plumbing companies, contractors, and homeowners have sought PEX piping for the following reasons.

1. PEX Piping is Cost-Effective: This plastic pipe is easier to install and is one of the lightest options when compared to copper pipes. Its low installation cost means you will pay less for PEX and have high-quality piping in your home. Plastic pipes are also cheaper than copper pipes to produce, so those savings are passed down to the homeowner.
2. Ease of Installation: Thanks to its physical and usage flexibility, plumbers can use one single-length pipe to connect water lines in hard-to-reach places. PEX connections are easier to install since the fittings require less specialized tools to connect. PEX pipes are easy to install because of their unique color-coding system not available on other pipes. Blue pipes are for cold water, red for hot, and white/gray colored pipes are for both.
3. PEX Pipes Reduce Noise: You may hear water flowing through pipes because of loose pipes or high water pressure, but that's not the case with PEX plastic. These pipes provide silent water flow, so you don't hear running water while trying to enjoy music or watch a movie in your living room.
4. PEX Plastic is Durable: PEX pipes will not corrode over time like metal pipes. These pipes have a lifespan of 30 years with proper water treatment and a yearly check-up from a professional plumber. PEX piping is also resistant to freeze-cracking, so it can handle temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit without breaking, thanks to its ability to expand and contract.
5. PEX Pipes Are Energy Efficient: PEX plastic is an excellent thermal insulator for hot water. With PEX piping, water heater systems use less energy. This ensures that hot water from your home's water heater arrives at your faucets without losing a lot of heat. With thick PEX piping, hot water will lose only one or two degrees of heat which aren’t enough to call it cold water.

Homes provide shelter and protection from outside elements. It's only fair that you use the best available materials for your home so it can continue to serve you and your family. With PEX piping, your family can depend on a good water supply system throughout your house.

PEX pipe is just one of the different pipe materials available for water supply plumbing. Copper is another choice and pipe material worth comparing with PEX plastic.

Cons of PEX Pipes in Your Home

PEX piping sounds like a fantastic option for water supply plumbing in every home, but it does have some drawbacks. Although it has many advantages, you should consider the following PEX pipes' disadvantages in deciding whether this material is a good fit for your home.

1. PEX Plastic Is Weak to Fire: The chances of a fire inside your home are very low, but it still remains a nightmare scenario for any homeowner because you can lose everything in your home. But if there were a fire, PEX plastic pipes would melt, requiring new replacement pipes.
2. Ultra Violet UV Light Sensitivity: PEX pipes don't do well for outside plumbing, even if underground, because UV light can penetrate through the dirt and affect PEX pipes. If left outside, PEX pipes will deteriorate and become useless. These plastic pipes should not be stored exposed to the sun.
3. PEX Pipes Are Not Recyclable: If you are trying to implement an eco-conscious lifestyle, you will not want PEX pipes in your home. PEX plastic can't be broken down like other plastics, like PVC plastic, for reuse. Discarded PEX can end up in landfills instead of being processed for reuse. This plastic can last 30 years, so it isn’t like it’s disposed of every couple of years.
4. Susceptible to Rodents: If your home has a rodent problem, it can affect your PEX pipes. On rare occasions, rodents have been shown to chew through PEX plastic. PEX pipes are very thick, but they are still susceptible to rodent damage that can cause pipes to crack or break.
5. 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. BPA chemicals can cause neurological, reproductive, and immunity issues, according to scientific study.
   

Brief History of PEX Pipes in Plumbing

Unlike copper, which dates back to ancient times, PEX plastic was created in 1968 by German scientist Thomas Engle. The material was used in Europe for water supply plumbing but wasn't used as frequently in the United States until 30 years ago.

PEX piping is a lot more common today and is available in three different types:

• PEX-A: This pipe provides the most flexibility and is suitable for all water supply plumbing needs. It is also the most resistant to freeze cracking. PEX-A pipes are manufactured using peroxide.
• PEX-B: PEX-B pipes are great for pools since it has increased chlorine resistance. These pipes also have great coil memory, returning to their original shape when it expands.
• PEX-C: PEX-C plastic pipes are the lowest in price compared to the other two, but they may crack in freezing temperatures. It's also the least flexible, so it is not commonly used.

Most homeowners don't have to worry about choosing which type of PEX plastic pipe to install. Experienced plumbers will always select the best materials to do the job efficiently.

Choosing PEX Pipes For Your Home

You use your shower, washer, the dishwashing machine, and other appliances, but have you ever wondered what materials help transport the water around your home? Homeowners prefer PEX pipes for cost-effectiveness, and plumbers prefer PEX pipes for ease of installation.

This guide will help you make the best purchasing decision if your home requires new pipes. At Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air, we've seen a growing demand for PEX pipes and have answered plenty of homeowners' questions on PEX piping.

If you have any questions regarding PEX pipe installation, contact us online or at (310) 853- 8690. If you're unsure about PEX pipes for your home, it's worth checking out copper pipes and learning more about their pros and cons.