Do you live in a cold region and need your pipe installed? Then, you may be torn on choosing the best cold weather pipe, especially with the variety of pipe materials available on the market. But don’t worry because we will give you the most suitable recommendation.
In this guide, we will focus on water pipe that is extremely suitable for areas with freezing temperatures. Consequently, this will give you valuable information about this particular pipe material and help you assess whether it suits your preferences.
Why is choosing the best cold weather pipe essential?
Water damage it is such a devastating problem that no owner would want to put themselves in. Unfortunately, this can happen if you have leaks or cracks in your plumbing system due to burst pipes.
Every year, thousands of homes are affected by frozen pipes that are damaged due to freezing conditions caused by natural phenomena or even climate change. In cases where water freezes and causes pipes to burst, there can be more unfortunate consequences such as flooding and even fires.
Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the right pipe material for your home. And based on many studies, there is a specific type of pipe designed for this problem. And this is none other than PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene.
Read on to learn more about this rather ingenious creation, which is very valuable in cold weather.
What is PEX?
PEX is a plastic-based pipe material made from Polythene, part of the polyolefin resin group. This thermoplastic element uses medium or high density polyethylene to generate an improved material that can withstand cold air.
Moreover, this specific type of pipe comes with an improved chemical structure to suit the requirements of water supply lines and high pressure plumbing systems. Although this type of pipe material is much better than PVC or CPV pipe, you should know that PEX is a frost resistant pipe and not a frost resistant pipe.
This should be well understood beforehand as many believe that PEX is frost resistant. Furthermore, you must understand that there is a big difference between a material that effectively withstands cold weather and a material that is designed for extreme conditions.
Unfortunately, there have been no creations of the latter yet. But still, the former, which we refer to as PEX, is still the best pipe material to date for freezing temperatures.
Why is PEX highly recommended by professionals?
Below, I’ve listed them all key features of PEX which make it a standout in terms of resistance to cold winters. These include its basic properties, longevity, uses and costs, among others.
1. It behaves better in cold conditions
One of the most fascinating features of PEX is that it changes its surface with the weather. For example, in freezing conditions, there is a greater tendency for the water flowing through the pipe to freeze.
With the flexible properties of PEX, it can easily expand to accommodate changes in the elements inside the pipe. Then, as soon as the temperature returns to normal and the waters thaw, the PEX pipe contracts to its original proportions.
This unique quality makes PEX more suitable in regions with lower temperatures. And if we compare PEX to other metal-based materials like cast iron or copper piping, it certainly comes out a mile away. Well, apart from its flexibility, metals lose heat easily.
On the other hand, a PVC and CPVC pipe may not perform well in freezing conditions due to their physical characteristics. Made of polyvinyl chloride, plastic pipes tend to be very brittle at low temperatures. This means that this type of tube is prone to breaking when the temperature drops.
But as mentioned earlier, PEX pipes are not frost resistant. So while a freezing climate does not affect the durability of these pipes, they may not be able to withstand extreme conditions.
2. It lasts a long time
When it comes to long term power in colder areas, PEX tops the list due to its outstanding properties. These improved plastic pipes are designed to be more flexible even during sudden temperature drops. As a result, its lifespan is much longer compared to copper and other pipe materials.
PEX is also resistant to corrosion and rust. Moreover, it is not affected by electrolysis, which primarily causes leakage in copper tubes. But of course, if we ignore the cold temperature and focus on other areas such as strength and noise reduction, then copper may have a chance.
3. Resists chlorine
Did you know that some PEX pipes have the same characteristics as CPVC? There is a PEX pipe that provides a significant level of resistance to chlorine, making them an excellent option for water supply or even drinking water lines.
Not only that, but there are brands that are also UV resistant. However, if you are not sure, it is better not to install these pipes under the direct heat of sunlight to avoid damage to the top plastic layer. You can instead use them to insulate attics or perhaps for a plumbing system in basements.
4. Works well with both hot and cold water distribution
In relation to the above aspect, PEX is such an outstanding choice when it comes to water distribution, whether hot or cold. The inner tubes are very resistant to temperature as well as high pressure. Because of this, it can conveniently withstands different temperatures.
In addition, they are very safe and efficient in terms of water circulation for hoses and drains. In addition, PEX pipes are highly recommended to provide running water for faucets as well as to carry water from the sink.
Given its impressive features, it’s no wonder why PEX is favored by most residential and commercial construction. Many plumbers opt for this material to ensure a clean, uninterrupted water supply.
5. Re-pipe according to their use
Because PEX is much more flexible compared to metal pipes, this gives you more room to adjust or make new builds. Plastic tubing can easily crawl into spaces and snake through current pipes. As a result, this creates easy piping installation. It is also more convenient to redo pipes and remodel.
6. Provides very easy installation
Another positive aspect of PEX is that you can install the pipes yourself. The push-to-connect system works efficiently with PEX, allowing you to do the tasks yourself at your convenience.
Additionally, compared to copper pipe, PEX is much lighter. So you can easily connect and bend them without having to hiring an installer. Thus, you will not have to spend money on labor costs.
7. Emphasizes minimal maintenance
PEX is generally cheaper than copper pipe, but more expensive than other plastic pipes. Therefore, its cost can be considered to be in the middle, which is definitely a practical choice. Although these pipes might be more expensive than PVC or CPVC, you won’t pay extra money for maintenance and repairs.
Moreover, you can save more, especially if you live in colder regions, because these would take a long time. This means there would be less chance of repairing or replacing pipes due to leaks. In addition, the cost of PEX mainly does not fluctuate.
There would also be lower expenses when you opt for this pipe because of its flexibility. Since you can easily bend the pipe, then you would spend less money on elbows and other materials to connect the wires or a section of pipes.
8. It ensures your safety above all else
Finally, PEX emphasizes the lack of leaks. Unlike copper pipes and other metal pipes, there would be less concern about the hazardous elements inside the pipe. From now on, they are suggested for a cleaner water supply.
Other outstanding features of PEX that highlight safety include resistance to pitting and leaching. It would be no mineral build-up as well as due to the chemical composition of the pipe material.
Other than that, PEX does not require soldering, but rather mechanical fittings to connect the pipe. Therefore, this decreases the possibility of fire or any dangerous problems during installation.
Can I use PEX for all my piping needs?
While we have suggested that PEX is the best option for colder regions, keep in mind that this is not always the case for every situation. Therefore, you need to evaluate the application of the pipes as well as other important sections such as environment, cost and longevity.
Remember that there are certain pipes for a certain area. And if you’re unsure about the options at hand, don’t hesitate to seek help from the professionals. They can give you expert information on the best material based on what you really need.
Conclusion
Water damage can be very upsetting as it affects your household. Moreover, the devastation caused by leaking pipes can cost you a lot of money. That’s why selecting the right pipe material is crucial to avoid these unfortunate events.
And based on various factors such as physical stability and resistance to certain elements during cold temperatures, many have recognized that PEX is undoubtedly the best pipe material if you live in regions with freezing climates.
