Is It Safe to Drink Water From PEX Pipe?
PEX is considered incredibly safe for drinking water. PEX tubing is widely approved for use in potable water systems, both hot and cold. It's manufactured without lead, installed without solvents or glues, and meets all national and state standards for water safety.
Unlike older plastic piping systems such as polybutylene, which were prone to failures, PEX has been extensively tested and reviewed. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certify PEX piping for use with drinking water. Homeowners can feel confident that the water flowing through PEX is safe for everyday use.
Beyond safety, PEX offers practical advantages in home plumbing. Its resistance to corrosion helps ensure that your water remains clean and uncontaminated throughout the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Does PEX Leach Chemicals Into Drinking Water?
One of the most common questions about PEX is whether it leaches chemicals into drinking water.
Studies conducted by independent organizations, as well as government agencies, confirm that PEX does not pose a health risk. While trace amounts of organic compounds can be detected initially after installation, these levels are well below safety limits and usually dissipate quickly after the system is flushed.
In fact, PEX performs better in this regard than some other materials, such as galvanized steel pipes, which corrode over time and can add unwanted particles to your fresh water supply. For homeowners concerned about water taste, any temporary odor or flavor from a new PEX installation typically fades after a short period of regular use.
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Is PEX Approved for Use in Residential Plumbing?
PEX is not only safe, but it is also widely approved across the United States. It meets national plumbing standards and is accepted under the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
Different types of PEX exist under the names PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. PEX-A is often preferred for repiping because of its flexibility and strength. At Repipe Specialists, we use Uponor PEX-A and back our installations with a lifetime warranty to give homeowners peace of mind.
The only situations where PEX may not be permitted are rare local code exceptions. For example, PEX cannot be installed in direct sunlight, as UV exposure can degrade the tubing. In these cases, alternative installation methods or protective measures are used to ensure compliance and longevity.
Should I Repipe My House With PEX or Copper?
Both PEX and copper are excellent options for whole-home repiping, and at Repipe Specialists, we provide lifetime warranties on both. While some homeowners prefer copper, the majority of our clients choose PEX for its combination of reliability, cost-effectiveness, and installation advantages.
Some of the benefits of PEX over copper include:
- Lower cost compared to copper, both in material and installation.
- Flexibility, which allows for fewer connections and less invasive installation.
- Resistance to corrosion, unlike copper or galvanized steel.
- Expansion capability, making it less prone to bursting in freezing conditions.
Copper does remain a popular choice for certain homeowners who prefer metal piping in their homes. It is highly durable and UV-resistant, though it can be more expensive and may be affected by acidic or aggressive water supplies, causing pinhole leaks.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and your home's specific needs. For a more detailed breakdown of the two materials, you can read our article Should I Repipe My House With Copper Piping or PEX Tubing?.
Contact us to have one of our local repipe consultants explain your repipe options and provide you with a consultation and quote, either in-home or remotely.
Get a Free PEX Repipe Quote for Your Home
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've safely replaced outdated and damaged plumbing in thousands of homes since 1991, giving homeowners peace of mind that their water supply is clean, reliable, and fully code-compliant. Choosing a whole-house PEX repipe is not just a smart long-term investment; it also ensures your family's drinking water remains safe and your home's plumbing system meets modern standards. Our team consistently delivers exceptional results when it comes to:
- 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. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consult to see how a PEX repipe can protect your home and drinking water. One of our local consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide a written, fixed-price quote.