Why Is PEX Plumbing Bad? Hidden Problems Explained

When I first started researching plumbing materials, one name kept coming up: PEX plumbing. Its full form is Cross-linked Polyethylene plumbing. It is a type of modern plastic pipe that has been widely used around the world in the last few decades. Its biggest feature is its flexibility, relatively low cost, and ease of installation. While installing conventional copper or PVC pipes takes more time and effort, PEX pipes can be used indoors very easily. That is why many homeowners or people involved in construction prefer it.

However, as well as its advantages, there are some disadvantages and limitations. Many times, people get confused- is PEX plumbing actually completely safe? Why do many people say Why is PEX Plumbing Bad? PEX is not a bad material at all; it has many good points and is quite effective when used in certain places. But it is not perfect either because in some environments, its use can cause complications in the future.

 Therefore, when choosing plumbing materials, it is not right to make a decision only considering the cost or ease of installation. Instead, you should know where PEX works well and where it fails completely. Sunlight, rodent damage, chemical hazards, or failure of fittings- these are all factors that make PEX’s limitations clear. And this is why many people say, Why is PEX plumbing bad.

Let me discuss in detail the advantages of PEX plumbing, how it compares to other materials, and when it is best not to use it. My point is that while PEX plumbing is a great solution, not knowing its limitations can put the homeowner or user at risk.

Main Disadvantages of PEX Plumbing

1. Sunlight or UV sensitivity

One of the biggest limitations of PEX pipe is that it cannot withstand sunlight or UV rays. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade its properties, weakening the pipe and causing it to burst. This is why PEX is not suitable for outdoor use. If you need plumbing outside your home, copper or PVC is much more reliable.

2. Rat or other rodent-related damage

Another major problem is that rodents can easily cut through PEX pipe. Since it is made of plastic, if there is a rodent infestation in the home, the PEX pipe can become perforated and leak water. Copper or CPVC pipes are not usually affected by this problem.

3. Chemical hazards

Many people are concerned about PEX’s chemical leaching. Some studies suggest that  PEX pipes can initially give off a slight plastic taste or odor to water after installation. While the long-term health risks are still a matter of debate, the question remains: Why is PEX Plumbing Bad? While this problem is often said to be solvable, it can be a nuisance for households that place a premium on the taste or purity of their water.

4. Risk of fittings failing

PEX pipe requires the use of special fittings, crimp rings, or tools. If these are not installed properly, there is a possibility of leaks. Brass fittings in particular often corrode quickly due to the chemical composition of water. This can lead to problems with the entire system within a few years.

5. Permeability or porosity

PEX pipe is not completely oxygen-resistant. This means that oxygen can penetrate through its walls. While this is not a major problem in a typical plumbing system, it can be a serious problem in a closed-loop heating system. This can lead to corrosion of metal parts.

6. Short history or lack of experience

Copper pipe has been around for over a century, so its durability is well-established. But PEX is relatively new; it was only introduced in the 1980s. So its long-term performance in all situations is still uncertain. For many, this is another big answer to Why is PEX Plumbing Bad.

Comparison With Other Materials

1. PEX vs. Copper

Copper pipe is durable and long-lasting ( lasting over 50 years). It is not susceptible to UV rays or rodent damage. However, copper is very expensive, and the installation process is also complicated. On the other hand, PEX is cheaper and easier to install, but copper is still far ahead in terms of durability. 

2. PEX vs. CPVC/PVC

CPVC or PVC pipes can withstand high temperatures well and are not chewed by rodents. However, they are brittle and can sometimes burst. PEX, on the other hand, is very flexible, easy to bend, but is vulnerable to chemical and rodent problems in some cases.

Situations in Which PEX Should Not Be Used

It is not a good idea to use PEX  everywhere. I have noticed that it can be a really bad decision in certain situations-

• In the outdoor plumbing system, where sunlight will fall.
• In homes where there is a high incidence of rodents or small animals, PEX can be damaged very quickly.
• Where the chemical quality of the water is high, PEX brass fittings deteriorate quickly.

 In these situations, using copper or CPVC is safer and more durable.

Final Thoughts

When I learnt about PEX plumbing, I realised that while it seems modern on one hand, it also has some advantages. It cannot be called good or bad in one word; rather, it can be said that it is a situation-dependent solution.

PEX is often chosen in today’s construction industry to save cost and get the job done quickly. It is easy to install and save time. Many times, it is seen that someone uses the wrong materials just to save money and later faces big problems. Therefore, I think it is very important to analyse the geographical environment, water quality, and future sustainable needs before using PEX plumbing.

Another thing I realised is that PEX plumbing, while a modern technology, is still relatively new. Its durability history is not as long as that of copper or CPVC. So, those who want to be sure their plumbing system will last for decades without problems may want to look to more proven materials. On the other hand, for those who want a quick and cost-effective solution, PEX is often a good fit.

Finally, I would like to say that the question Why is PEX Plumbing Bad is actually not completely correct because it is not directly “bad”, but rather an option that can sometimes be right, wrong, depending on the user’s needs and environment. Therefore, before making any decision about PEX plumbing, it is essential to have a clear idea of its limitations and compare it with their materials. This way, it is possible to reach the right decision, which will save time, cost, and hassle in the long run.

Also Read:

When Was Indoor Plumbing Invented? History Explained