Will Hot Weather Damage PEX Tubing?
While PEX is celebrated for its durability and resilience, questions often arise around its tolerance for extreme heat.
Hot weather generally will not damage PEX tubing, as it is designed to withstand significant temperature fluctuations, including high heat. Even when exposed to consistent heat, such as in the crawlspaces or attics of sun-soaked regions, PEX tubing can maintain its integrity.
According to the Plastics Pipe Institute, PEX tubing "must be tested at 230°F (110°C)… by hydrostatic pressure testing until brittle failure occurs." This testing determines the failure time of specific PEX tubing. They maintain that, "For all PEX pipe and tubing, the maximum operating temperature is 200°F. No PEX should be operated at temperatures above 200°F for any length of time."
There are some considerations when it comes to long-term exposure to extreme heat, especially direct sunlight. However, for typical residential use, PEX performs well in both cold and hot water systems.
How Does PEX Handle Heat?
The resilience of PEX tubing in high temperatures is due to its unique molecular composition.
- Cross-Linking: PEX tubing is made from polyethylene, and the cross-linking of its polymer chains enhances its resistance to temperature and pressure. This cross-linking can be achieved through various methods, creating different types of PEX tubing. The cross-linked structure provides PEX with improved strength and durability, allowing it to withstand hot water temperatures without losing integrity.
- High Temperature Resistance: The cross-linking of PEX molecules imparts thermal stability, enabling PEX tubing to handle hot water applications. PEX can typically withstand continuous operating temperatures of up to 200°F, depending on the specific type of PEX and its manufacturing process.
- Flexibility and Expansion: PEX's flexibility accommodates thermal expansion and contraction, which is essential in hot weather conditions. As temperatures rise, materials expand, and PEX's ability to flex without breaking or losing strength is crucial for its performance in various climates, including hot and cold weather conditions. In comparison, metal piping materials such as galvanized pipe and copper are not able to expand and contract in the same way as PEX.
Whether confronted with hot summer climates or extended periods of elevated temperature, PEX remains a reliable piping material for hot weather.
Can PEX Tubing Be Exposed to UV Light?
While PEX tubing is durable in many conditions, UV light presents a unique challenge. Exposure to direct sunlight can weaken PEX over time, causing it to degrade.
Extended UV exposure can lead to photodegradation, resulting in embrittlement and making the tubing more likely to crack under stress. For this reason, professional plumbers generally advise against using PEX in areas where it will be exposed to direct sunlight or prolonged UV exposure.
To address this, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. In situations where UV exposure is a concern, taking precautions during installation—such as avoiding direct sunlight and using protective coverings—becomes particularly important to ensure the optimal, long-term performance of PEX tubing.
If you have plumbing that is exposed to UV light for extended periods, copper may be a more durable solution. We use American-made L-grade copper piping for our copper repipes. For more information on the pros and cons of PEX and copper, check out our article comparing both materials.
Feel free to contact us to schedule a free consult with one of our local repipe consultants.
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What Is the Best Type of PEX for Hot Weather?
Among the different types of PEX tubing (PEX-A, PEX-B, PEX-C), PEX-A is known for its superior flexibility and heat resistance, making it a preferred choice for installations where temperature variations are expected.
PEX-A tubing is manufactured using the Engel method, which results in the highest cross-linking of polyethylene molecules, giving it exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures.
In fact, PEX-A tubing is rated to handle water temperatures up to 200°F, ensuring stability even during hot water surges. This resilience to heat makes it a favorite in many repiping projects, especially where hot weather is a common concern.
At Repipe Specialists, we use American-made Uponor PEX-A tubing for all our full home repipes. For more details, read our article, Is Uponor PEX-A a Good Repiping Choice?.
For homeowners in areas with hot climates, opting for Uponor PEX-A tubing provides confidence that it will withstand the heat without warping or cracking over time.
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. When it comes to hot weather areas, we have completed thousands of repipes using Uponor PEX-A tubing. 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 versus 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 repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote. Beat the heat, repipe with PEX.