PEX plumbing has been used for quite some time and is common in both homes and businesses. Many builders like it because it is easier to install than materials like copper or CPVC, and it costs less. For example, replacing the pipes in a 1,500-square-foot house with copper might cost about $10,000, but using PEX would be about half that price. PEX might seem like the clear choice for your home, but there are a few reasons you might want to think twice.
- Dezincification
- Difficulty getting insurance
- Water Quality
- Chemical deterioration
Dezincification:
Older PEX plumbing fittings had a problem called “dezincification.” These fittings were made from brass with a high zinc content, known as “yellow brass.” Over time, chemicals in the water would cause the zinc to leach out, making the fittings brittle and likely to leak. In recent years, these fittings have faced a lot of criticism and were even the subject of a class action lawsuit. You can spot them by the markings “Q-pex” or “F1807.” The manufacturers involved in the lawsuit were Zurn, NIBCO, and Uponor. However, not all brass fittings had this issue, and brass is still used today. Modern fittings are made from lead-free brass that resists dezincification.
Difficulty getting insurance:
As a home inspector, I make sure to let my clients know about any defects I find, along with issues that could affect their ability to get insurance. For example, families who buy a home with PEX plumbing installed before 2011 may have trouble finding an insurance company willing to cover them. In Florida, more companies are now saying in their policies that homes with older PEX pipes are not eligible for insurance. If they do offer coverage, it often comes with higher rates or a warning that damage from leaking pipes will not be covered. I expect this trend to continue in the next few years.
PEX Plumbing Water Quality:
PEX pipes are made from cross-linked polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. Because of this, they can release microplastics and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your water. Most of this leaching happens in the first year, but it does not stop completely. For better water quality, I recommend using a reverse osmosis filter for your drinking water and ice maker. Standard refrigerator filters do not remove microplastics.
PEX Plumbing Deterioration:
PEX is a flexible type of plastic and, like other plastics, it can break down over time. If PEX is exposed to sunlight, it may start to deteriorate in less than six months. That’s why any PEX used outdoors needs to be painted to protect it. Chlorine, which is found in most public drinking water, can also cause PEX pipes to oxidize and wear out as water flows through them. Over time, this can make the pipes fail, which could mean the whole house needs new plumbing.
If you are buying a home or are a home owner and are curious if you have this type of plumbing you can schedule a home inspection with us here!