How do I know if I have PEX plumbing?

PEX Pipe Markings

All PEX pipe is manufactured with its design specifications listed directly on the pipe.
Starting from left to right, most PEX pipe commonly lists their manufacturer’s name.
This name is followed by the manufacturing lot, and the date the pipe was manufactured.

Do you have to worry about PEX pipe freezing?

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.

Does PEX collapse?

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.

Does PEX pipe need to be insulated?

PEX is treated the same as copper, iron, PVC or CPVC for the same end use. PEX tubing does not provide any significant thermal insulation properties and would not meet code requirements without additional insulation.

Is there a problem with the PEX pipe?

The actual pipe itself, which is known as pex pipe, isn’t the problem. In fact, according to a number of plumbers and contractors contributing to a contractor’s blog, the pipe product itself is pretty good stuff.

Is the KITEC PEX pipe a copper pipe?

Chances are good it’s not copper. You may well have the Kitec system, with potentially unreliable brass fittings. Kitec PEX Pipe: The Fuse May Already Be Lit… And if that is the case, your home could be at risk. A leak could happen anywhere, at any time. It could be a gusher or it could be a drip.

Can a rodent chew through a PEX pipe?

While pest experts don’t know whether rodents chew through PEX to get to the water inside or simply because it’s there, PEX and rodents can be a dangerous combination. Local building codes in some communities may not permit the installation of PEX if rodent infestations are common.

What’s the difference between PVC and PEX pipe?

PVC pipe was the darling for awhile. But PVC pipe doesn’t bend. Pex does—however the single-layer flexible pipe was not well thought of either, in terms of long-term reliability. Kitec, with its color-coded piping (blue for cold, orange for hot) seemed like an idea whose time had come.

Are there any plumbing failures associated with PEX?

On the other hand, research has shown that PEX is associated with much failures compared to copper and PVC plumbing systems. Among the failures is the occurrence of fitting failures water leakages that causes great damage.

Why does my home insurance not cover PEX?

Just completed a PEX repipe because the home owner had to go to the expensive state HO insurance because no private company would insure them with the polybutylene that they had. Now the homeowner is having trouble finding insurance with PEX installed.

Is there more than one connection for PEX pipe?

Often, pipe is left where it lie and the new line is put around it. CHARLIE: You talked about the connections where you put these together. Is there more than one kind of connection that is used to make these T’s and go down to the fixtures?

What should I do if my PEX pipes get damaged?

With PEX, there is limited adhesives for pipe insulation that makes pipes to prematurely get damaged due to its detrimental effects. Therefore a plumber should opt for other insulating materials such as conventional form wrap insulation with no effects.