Does PEX have a shelf life?

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.

Does PEX get brittle with age?

Defective PEX pipes will not last 50+ years as advertised and quickly degrade and become brittle when exposed to hot chlorinated water. We also offer remediation consulting to help determine the most cost effective way to restore the piping system to a reliable condition.

When was PEX pipe used in homes?

PEX has been used Europe since the 1970s and in the United States since the 1980s, initially for radiant heating. Its market share increased as builders and consumers began to use it for residential water distribution in the 1990s.

When did CPVC and Pex plumbing come out?

Plumbing slowly developed over the years, sometimes making progress like the development of CPVC in 1959 and sometimes making mistakes as in the introduction of polybutylenepiping in 1978 (polybutylene is now banned from most building codes due to early failure when exposed to chlorinated water). Your Best Plumbing Options

Why are PEX pipes used in New construction?

Complaints about early PEX water systems cropped up when the fittings used to connect the pipes failed and leaked. Improved fittings solved that problem and the popularity of PEX surged. Today, PEX is used in more than 60 percent of new construction residential water supply systems.

Which is easier to install copper or PEX plumbing?

PEX Plumbing PEX plumbing has been in use in Europe since about 1970, and was introduced in the U.S. around 1980. PEX is an excellent choice especially for remodel projects for a few reasons. Cheaper than copper and about the same price as CPVC. Easier and faster to install than copper.

Why are PEX pipes used for radiant floor heating?

PEX pipe remains popular for radiant floor heating. While PEX use for water supply systems has been widespread in Europe since the 1980s, it was a latecomer here because some early versions deteriorated slightly when exposed to the high chlorine levels common in US water supplies.

When was PEX first used in North America?

A little background first: PEX was invented in 1968, and by the 1970s, it was being used throughout Europe for water distribution systems. PEX was brought to North America in the mid-1980s for use in residential radiant floor heating applications. By the mid-1990s, it was being used for residential potable plumbing as well.

What are the advantages of using PEX plumbing?

Called “homerun” plumbing, by using a single length of PEX for each hot and cold water supply fixture in your home, it eliminates the risk of leaks at multiple connection sites. Beyond flexibility, PEX has other advantages—and two main considerations. Installing PEX does not require soldering as does copper and galvanized steel.

Where can I find more information on PEX?

For more information about PEX, visit the Plastics Pipe Institute website at plasticpipe.org or the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association website at ppfahome.org . Kim Bliss is the content development manager at Uponor. She can be reached at [email protected]

Are there any lawsuits against PEX plumbing systems?

The Kitec® plumbing system manufactured by PEX Inc. and IPEX USA, LLC have been subject to lawsuits. Kitec® piping is typically colored blue for cold water and orange for hot water. Brass pipe fittings used in PEX systems, including those by Uponor, Wirsbo, and Aquapex have been subject to lawsuits due to premature deterioration and leakage.