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PEX Pipe Failure
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Degradation due to contact with locally treated water.
PEX is part of the same polymer family as Polybutylene, and their track records are shockingly similar. PEX has an unproven track record, with several major PEX manufacturers having changed the materials and design of their systems multiple times after several high-profile fitting failures.
Every major PEX manufacturer excludes failures caused by water chemistry from their warranty. Amusingly as well, the intended installation benefit (its flexibility) became its own enemy since it fails even more often when bent inside interior walls.
- Developed in Europe which doesn’t use chlorine to treat water the way the U.S. does
- Many previous class-action lawsuits allege PEX system failures due to exposure to normal drinking water — 12 more are currently underway
- Although different PEX production methods (A, B, C) vary widely in chlorine resistance, it is difficult to figure out which, if any, PEX product is reliable
- No PEX is recommended for use where chlorine levels are greater than 5 parts per million (a miniscule amount that is LESS than what is actually USED)
- The use of PEX piping can be detrimental to household water quality PEX piping is known to leach regulated gasoline components such as MTBE, ETBE, TBA and Toluene into drinking water.
- PEX piping is permeable, meaning that outside chemicals can enter through the pipe wall and contaminate the water without causing a pipe failure
Click here to download our Failing Pipe Systems brochure.
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Is PEX the new Polybutylene?
There are a lot of similarities between PEX pipe failure and Polybutylene pipe failure. For us, the replacement process is similar. You can read more about our process here: Pipe Replacement Process.
Additionally, the reasons for the pipe failure are similar, insofar as exposure to sunlight and chemicals in the water deteriorate the material.
In the past, PEX pipe was commonly used to replace failing polybutylene.
Polybutylene was installed in more than 10 Million homes between the 1970’s and mid-1990’s! (1)
Unfortunately, PEX piping was popular with new home construction for a long time.
As polybutylene began to fail – which ultimately led to a massive class action lawsuit (2) – cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) was a fast and cost effective solution.
Now, within the last few years, PEX manufactures are facing similar class action lawsuits. (3)
So, to answer the question: yes, PEX failure is essentially the new polybutylene failure.
Is PEX plumbing bad?
It depends on how it’s being used. When we say “PEX pipe failure”, we are primarily talking about PEX being used inside the walls.
Specifically, when PEX pipe is used for the interior water distribution system.
Essentially, you have a “ticking time-bomb” inside your walls, because that PEX pipe is going to fail.
If PEX piping is being used for water supply lines to your toilet, then that’s not the same “ticking time-bomb scenario”. In that instance, the pipe is not necessarily part of the interior water distribution system. In those cases, you’ll be able to see when PEX line needs to be replaced.
When PEX pipes ARE inside your walls, then you won’t know it. You won’t see it. There won’t be much warning, before “the time-bomb” goes off.
So, yes, PEX can cause catastrophic damage to your home and belongings. Therefore, we definitely think PEX pipes are bad for the interior water distribution system of your home.
Example of PEX-A being used in the walls
What should PEX pipe be replaced with?
There are trade-offs with all replacement options. Ultimately, our customers want their PEX or poly pipes replaced with a material that’s going to last and not empty their bank account.
We highly recommend replacing PEX or poly pipes with CPVC pipes or Copper pipes; however, we do not put cheap & generic CPVC pipes in your house.
It’s extremely important to us that the manufacture is willing to put their name on their product. So, we specifically use FlowGuard Gold®.
Get the facts about FlowGuard Gold vs. other products
Product Comparison
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The FlowGuardGold® website also has some recommended blogs on: identifying signs that a repipe is needed, understanding problems that arise from bending pex, and learning how changing water treatment practices impact plumbing design.
The people at FlowGuard Gold® recently reached out to us for an interview. They wanted to know why we choose to use their product. You can read that interview by clicking here
Is CPVC the same thing as PVC?
No, CPVC is not the same thing as PVC.
PVC is a pipe used mostly for drains. It should not be used as part of the interior water distribution system, because it is not rated to carry hot water.
Is CPVC pipe bad?
It depends on who you ask. A lot of construction companies & plumbers like PEX, because it’s affordable and easily installed.
One of the reasons, PEX is easy to install is because it’s basically a flexible hose that doesn’t have the traditional joints of other pipes.
So, most people that don’t like CPVC complain about the need for properly creating those joints.
Creating the pipe joints for CPVC takes more time & skill. CPVC is not like a garden hose that can easily move around objects. So, we have to carefully plan the route for the CPVC pipes.
Another big difference between CPVC and PEX pipes is the way they connect to other pipes.
CPVC, like many plumbing pipes, needs to have the connection and joints sealed. PEX, however, uses a crimping method, which has its own host of problems.
For example, if PEX is not crimped with the proper tools or methods, then you will have leaks.
CPVC basically uses a solvent to create a chemical weld between the pipe and the fitting. Like any type of plumbing pipe, it’s important that CPVC be installed with the proper tools & methods.
Does Plumbing Express use PEX piping?
We do use PEX for water service lines.
This is the line bringing water from the water meter to the house.
PEX is a flexible tub and it is very good in underground applications which are less critical than in-wall applications. If a pipe leaks in the yard, there is a minimal likelihood of damage to the home.
What if I have PEX piping under my house?
If there is a failing pipe under the house that can’t be accessed because it is under a concrete slab, Plumbing Express will repipe a home and bypass the pipes that are under the slab.
Many plumbers will do a slab leak repair which involves calling a leak detection company to pinpoint the leak, removing the flooring above the slab and then breaking the concrete slab with a jackhammer to access and repair the pipe. We don’t do that.
Rather, for not much more money, all the slab pipes can be bypassed with a complete repipe. After a repipe, there are no more active water supply pipes in the slab.
As with other types of leaks, a leak in a slab is often a sign of widespread failure in the system.
What if I have a PEX pipe leak?
To repair a PEX pipe leak, the best thing to do is cut out the section of failed pipe and re-crimp a new piece of pipe into the line.
If the PEX pipe in the system is failing, then it is likely that another leak will develop on the adjacent pipe.
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What Our Customers Are Saying
With over 35 years of experience, Plumbing Express has earned the trust of homeowners across Atlanta, GA. Backed by 1,500+ reviews and a 4.9-star rating, we take pride in delivering top-quality plumbing and repiping services. See what our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with us!
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Daniel was amazing! He represented the company to the very best standards! I will dwfinitely use him again! Very Professional! Courtesy! A very positive experience! Will use in the future! Absolutely
This was my second time using Plumbing Express. Once again, I had an excellent experience with Dylan
Anthony came to my house for an ongoing problem of extremely high water bills. He quickly diagnosed and fixed the issue. Anthony has a pleasant attitude and provided great service with professionalism and care for my home and property.
Everything about my experience was A++ service. From the friendly receptionist who took our call and let us know available times to Dylan who was friendly, knowledgeable and extremely professional. He helped fix everything and left it better than ever. Great Atlanta plumber team. You will not be disappointed!
My issue was a water heater being a great distance from my kitchen sink causing water waste as I waited for hot water to reach the kitchen. Daniel was very familiar with the issue. In a very brief time, he installed a recirculating pump on my water heater and a sensor valve at my sink. I now have instant hot water where I need it. Express plumbing was very responsive to my call, arrived promptly, and Daniel did an exceptional installation job. Express Plumbing can be proud to have an employee like Daniel representing them.
Very nice experience working with Plumbing Express, particularly with Tim Robinson who complete the job as expected. He listened and understood my concerns and try to address them as close as possible. Very nice work. Thanks guys.
Rod was courteous and focused. He had the situation sized up and solved by the time I got out to the meter-box to greet him. I was impressed with his talent for deduction and followed his train of thought in trouble shooting the problem. There was no leak after the watermeter and the watermeter worked fine. The evidence was subtle but it was there. Water wasn't leaking out of the box it was leaking in by the direction of the mud residue build-up. Thanks again Rod!
We had water pressure and water temperature issues, which turned out to be caused by a failing pressure regulator valve and a failed valve in a crossover recirculator. Anthony diagnosed and replaced both, repaired a pinhole leak in a copper pipe near the PRV, and did the annual service on our tankless heater, all in less than 3 1/2 hours including a 45 minute trip to pick up the correct PRV for our system. He is always fast, efficient and knowledgeable, and willing to answer all our questions.
Daniel did a great job with the tankless installation, educating us on the new unit, and was very professional. Happy to have hot water once again. Thank you.
Rob came in and was friendly and completed the toilet repair quickly and professionally.
Fantastic, trustworthy and reliable Plumber. Highly recommend. Daniel was awesome. Hard to recommend any other plumbing business in Atlanta! These guys are honest and don’t nickel and dime you for everything.
We had a pool of water forming in our front yard, so we scheduled an appointment with Plumbing Express and they quickly sent Daniel to come diagnose the issue. When he arrived, he let me know what the potential issues were and gave me a very detailed breakdown of the costs and work involved, from best to worst case scenario. He was able to break things down in a way that I could easily understand, and I could tell that he was being honest with me which gave me the confidence to hire him to work on the issue. He quickly found the leak, showed me, and I immediately agreed to have him fix the pipe. Within an hour or so he had the leak fixed and filled the area he had to dig up, all while it was so cold it actually began to snow a little bit. I could not ask for better service and will happily go with Plumbing Express in the future for any plumbing needs.
Rod was very professional, courteous, and quick. I've also used Plumbing Express in the past and was happy with the service.
Tim was great. Took the time to explain what he was doing and break down everything that needed to be done.
I requested Dylan because he had previously came to our house to diagnose what was wrong with our Renni tankless water heater. He always explains what is wrong and what needs to be done to fix what's wrong. Dylan this a highly talented plumber.
They say, “you won’t know what someone is made of until you see them navigate problems and mistakes.” The install team were incredibly professional and courteous. They did unfortunately have a couple of big missteps, but they and their boss Ty handled it the way great companies do. They listened apologetically and made it right!! Ty acted honorably to make things right and Lucio, Joe, Ben and Rad did a tremendous job replumbing the house in just one day to bypass the leak under the slab. Grateful for their hard work and will certainly recommend to my friends and family!
Daniel did a great job of telling me exactly what the issues were as well as the solutions. He finished the work in a timely fashion and was able to recommend another company for possible water damage.
Polite, customer friendly. Both were very nice. Work completed on time and did what they said. Thanks, Harry Fraley
Anthony hooked up a firepit to a new gas line. He did a good job and worked quickly. He was friendly and explained things well.
Service is prompt and expert. Highly recommend. Mr Robinson minimized any disruption possible from installation. His professionalism and attention to detail is outstanding.
Third time using them, very positive experience, friendly, efficient and do clean work. Will call them again.
Very calm, respectful, and explained things well to someone who doesn’t know much about plumbing.
Anthony was amazing to work with. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and very quick to respond to our situation! We would recommend him to anyone.
I am very pleased with their work. Were the most affordable and they a terrific job. I highly recommend it
Anthony was very competent, professional and friendly. He answered all my questions throughly. Highly recommend!
Thanks to Rod Anderson. I had a great experience with the Mr. Anderson who came to my home. He was very professional, respectful, and honest. You could tell he really knew his work and took the time to explain everything clearly. I truly appreciated his knowledge and transparency. I would highly recommend his services and will definitely call him again if I ever need plumbing help!
After suffering a second leak under our slab and getting quotes from various plumbers, we decided to have our house repiped through the attic. Ed came by from Plumbing Express and I was convinced that they were the right company. Not only was their bid competitive with the other plumbers, but they also provided better insulation for the pipes and turnkey drywall repair and paint. The plumbing crew were polite and professional and kept the work areas clean. They kept the damage and the dust down to a minimum which was a pleasant surprise. After they completed the job, Flaniel repaired and painted the walls like new with no signs of patching. He was super clean and even mopped the floors before he left. I also want to give a shout out to Ivan in the office who orchestrated everything. Finally, I can say without a doubt, that if you have plumbing issues, Plumbing Express is the one to call.
Anthony is very professional and polite. He installed plumbing during reno for the master bath, basement bath and new kitchenette. Highly recommend.
Rod did a great job.He was very professional and informative. Great customer service overall.
Very happy with the pipe replacement. The whole team was super professional, knowledgeable, efficient and communicative
Installed new water heaters and a whole home water filter system. Great communication. Did everything they said they would do in the timeframe stated. Left everything clean and answered all my questions.
I had an outstanding experience with Rod. He was professional, punctual, and extremely knowledgeable. He quickly diagnosed the problem, explained everything clearly, and completed the work efficiently. The quality of his work was excellent, and he left everything clean and neat when he finished.
Smooth process from receiving the initial estimate to completion of our complete home repiping.
Rod Anderson was my technician. He was courteous, prompt, and knowledgeable. He was able to fi n d the problem and recommended next steps. Thanks for your services.
Had a leaking pipe around the hot water heater and another one showing alot of corrosion from calcium buildup. I needed these pipes repaired before they become a bigger problem. I have used Plumbing Express in the past and had great results so I called them again and got great results from their service on repairing these pipes and quick and efficient service. Dylan was great and very efficient and knowledgeable about what repairs needed to be done. I will definitely use Plumbing Express and ask for Dylan when I have any plumbing problems in the future!
