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.
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 find here.
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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:
- 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 about the types of PEX tubing to use for a repipe.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Burst frozen copper pipe - 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.
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.
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 our One-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 several financing 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 covers repipe 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.