Why Is PEX Plumbing Bad For Outdoor Areas?

Whenever you choose a piping system for your house upgrade project, you should research all the available options.

PEX plumbing pipes are usually a good performing system, but they may not last as long when used outdoors due to the harsher conditions. For that reason, they are not recommended for outdoor use.

Here, we explain why is PEX plumbing bad performing in outdoor areas?

PEX Plumbing Explained

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a type of plastic piping system for water supply lines. It has become an alternative option to classic copper and galvanized steel.

It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, and it is best known for being flexible. The colors of the PEX piping generally represent hot water (red) and cold water (blue).

There are three types of PEX pipes. Type A, B, and C. Each one has a different manufacturing process and has its own characteristics.

PEX A is the most flexible, resistant, and expensive of all. However, it has a lower bursting pressure than PEX B, which is the cheapest among all. Type B and A are the most recommended for hot and cold water supplies.

There’s no rule to choosing the best type for your plumbing project. However, you could ask your plumber for recommendations.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of PEX Piping

Above all, PEX plumbing is a good option, however, its performance depends a lot on the installed location.  When compared to copper pipes and CPVC, PEX is a relatively new and innovative technology.

Let’s start by stating the advantages:

1. The primary advantage of this system is that it’s generally more affordable compared to copper and CPVC piping.
2. Additionally, PEX pipes are significantly easy to install and connect, making them the ideal material for a remodeling or re-piping project.
3. It resists extreme water temperatures, hot and cold water.
4. It’s less prone to corrosion and therefore less likely to leak because it’s plastic.
5. You can use it for long distances without the need for joints or fittings, due to its bending capacity. However, they can not exceed their maximum bend radius.

Regarding the drawbacks of PEX piping, the major disadvantage is that it is prone to damage after exposure to sunlight, fluorescent lights, or heat.

3 Reasons Why Is PEX Plumbing Bad In Outdoor Areas

Now that you know the main drawback of this material, you are starting to have an idea of why outdoor PEX tubing is not the best idea.

Poor Resistance to UV Lights

Outdoor PEX tubing can slowly disintegrate after long exposure to UV lights for long periods of time. You could start seeing damages, such as cracks, after barely some months.

If you’re choosing this material for your interior walls, this factor is still important. You must not even store them in an area exposed to sunlight.

You must keep this factor in mind because damage can also occur after long exposures to some types of interior lights or heat sources. For this reason, it’s better to avoid placing them near water heaters because of the hot environment.

Susceptible To Chlorine Damage

In ideal conditions, PEX piping has a good performance when it comes to resisting chlorine or chemicals in the water. However, in outdoor areas, exposure to UV lights and rough surfaces can weaken the piping, making it prone to degradation caused by over-chlorinated water.

Prone to Rodents and Pests Damages

Rodents can chew plastic, these can lead to leaks and potential contamination, causing unpleasant water smell and taste. This type of damage affects the whole system.

How to Protect PEX Piping from Sunlight Outdoors?

As we already stated, the major disadvantage of PEX piping is its low resistance to UV lights. However, there are some possible solutions to this limitation:

Direct Burial Underground Method

The first solution is to install the PEX piping underground. For this, you have to find the appropriate depth and location. All types of PEX piping could be installed underground, nonetheless, it’s better for you to research which type will last longer in this condition.

As a general rule, PEX B can withstand freezing temperatures for a longer time than PEX A due to its high bursting pressure. However, it is less flexible than PEX A.

Run The PEX Piping In Another UV Resistant Material

The second option is to enclose it inside another pipe material, such as PVC piping. With this extra protection, it still can go underground or even above. However, you would be spending more money as you would have to buy two piping materials.

Coating With Latex Paint

A third option is to apply a layer of latex paint, this will help to repel the sunlight from the pipe and extend its lifespan. However, this is just a temporary solution, and your pipes will potentially be affected sooner or later.

Whether you are going to use PEX pipes inside or outside your residence, you have to be careful when transporting the material from the store to the installation site.

Signs of UV Light Damage on PEX Pipes

In case you ran PEX piping outdoors or didn’t take the necessary precautions when installing them inside your residence, you will start noticing some signs of degradation.

Some of the signs that your PEX pipe has been overexposed to UV lights are white stains, sometimes described as a “chalky” or “popcorn” appearance. Besides appearance, a degrading PEX pipe will start to malfunction, causing leaks.

Clear Your Doubts With The Help Of Our Professional Plumbers

If you are choosing PEX plumbing for your house, you first have to think about where you are going to place the pipes. As long as you carefully choose the location and install it properly, PEX plumbing will perform well in your home.

For any other doubts regarding plumbing systems, you can count on our plumbing experts at Discover Plumbing and Rooter.

We can help you determine if any failure in your plumbing system relies on poor installation or poor quality of the material. Get an estimate for our plumbing services in San Mateo, CA.

Contact our team of plumbers for a consultation!