PEX Water Piping

[BikingBrian]

Does anyone have a house with PEX water piping?  If so, has it worked out well?  Do any of the local plumbers work with it?  Do they have supplies at the local hardware stores or at the big box stores in Victorville?

[Surfer_Dude]

I put a form of Pex in my travel trailer.  I will tell you how things come out.  One reason that some people will not use it is because they believe rats can chew into it.  I haven't checked into that belief.

[GirlFarmer]

Although PEX has been used throughout the world for years, it is only recently approved for use in California (union influence prevented it--it's faster to install).  Ferguson Supply or Winnelson in Victorville should have it.

[Wrightwood]

You do need special tools to work with it and if rats decide to chew it best of luck.

Why wouldn't you go with copper in a house?

[KWBoy]

I sure wouldn't put PEX piping in our place too many dang rats around. I had a put in a pvc water line to the front so we could hook a hose up out front and when it got so cold it burst and when I took a closer look at it the rats were working on going through the pvc... I fixed that problem and put in a copper line out there 

[BikingBrian]

You do need special tools to work with it and if rats decide to chew it best of luck.

Why wouldn't you go with copper in a house?

The "do it yourself" aspect of PEX seemed very attractive, but after doing some more research, it's not at the point where you can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and buy the PEX, rent the tools, and get help with any questions.  For that reason alone I will probably go with "tried and true" copper.

[KWBoy]

The "do it yourself" aspect of PEX seemed very attractive, but after doing some more research, it's not at the point where you can go to Home Depot or Lowe's and buy the PEX, rent the tools, and get help with any questions.  For that reason alone I will probably go with "tried and true" copper.

Copper is pretty easy to learn.

[GirlFarmer]

Copper has worked great in most areas for the 40 years it has been used.  There are a lot of areas in the IE with hot soil that just eats it up though.  Up here a lot of people use water softeners.  If not adjusted right, the copper will be pitted badly on the inside and eventually rupture (probably during a freeze).  PEX is the future (present everywhere else), but it does take specialized tools.  Parts are not easy to find at every hardware store yet.  I have never used PEX.  I have installed miles of copper, yet the winds are definitely blowing that direction.
BTW, PEX won't rupture in a freeze.

[clint]

Plenty of sources on the web for materials.

[BikingBrian]

Anyone know the cost for a copper repipe for a typical two bedroom, one bath cabin?  Just looking for a ball park figure - so I can know if it's closer to $100, $1,000, or $10,000.   

[KWBoy]

Ask plumberford he should be able to give you a ball park range