“What is the best way to keep the pipes from freezing?” – Don’t run them through cold space.

6 Answers

  1. Run the lines under the floor in the basement (not unheated crawl space) where freezing will be much less likely.
  2. Run the lines under the insulation in your ceiling next to the heated drywall.

How do you keep PEX from freezing in your attic?

Foam Insulation





It is important to insulate PEX pipe in an attic, particularly in cold-weather areas. Covering the pipe with lengths of foam insulation with adhesive seams will provide protection from the cold and heat while allowing the tubing to expand and contract.

How do you keep PEX from freezing?

Ways to Keep PEX Pipe from Freezing

  1. Keep the room temperature above 55 F.
  2. Add insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, garages and basements.
  3. Drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes.
  4. Shut off the water to outside hose bibbs (spigots) & drain the pipes.
  5. Install frost-free sillcocks.

How do you keep pipes from freezing in the attic?

Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control.

Does PEX resist freezing?

A: No, PEX pipe is freeze-damage resistant, meaning the pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. PEX pipe is not freeze-proof, however, meaning that the water in the pipe can still freeze and block the flow.

Will PEX freeze in attic?





If you are using PEX, you can run it through your attic. PEX will NOT burst unless you live in a place that gets like 50 below. And it does not freeze as readily as metal pipe.

What temperature will PEX freeze and burst?

How To Keep Pex Pipes From Freezing. Generally, if the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit ice will form in water lines and pipes will freeze.

How do you insulate PEX tubing?

Insulating PEX Pipes

  1. Clean the pipes’ surface to remove any dirt, moisture, and oil that has accumulated over the surfaces. …
  2. Place the foam pipe insulation over the PEX pipes. …
  3. Rotate the foam sleeve so that the slit side is facing you. …
  4. Push the seams together to seal the insulation.

What temperature can PEX withstand?

2) 180°F is the maximum fluid temperature for PEX tubing.



As the temperature increases the max operating pressure drops. Most PEX tubing will be rated for: 160 psi at 73°F.

Can I put heat tape on PEX pipe?

No. You should not use any type of adhesive material on PEX pipe as over time the adhesive material can interact with the PEX and leech into your water. You can use a heating strip wrapped around the pipe so long as it has no adhesive material.

Will PEX water pipe freeze and bust?

Due to its flexibility, PEX can expand under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.

Should you insulate PEX piping?



You should insulate PEX pipes because they can freeze and potentially burst when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly important in cold regions, crawl spaces, attics, or other cold places. Doing so can also improve energy efficiency and reduce moisture and condensation.

Is PEX better than PVC for freezing?

PEX is a non-rigid plastic material that can withstand freezing temperatures longer than copper, PVC/CPVC pipes. The material is able to stretch further as the water inside of it freezes and expands. But even PEX has its limits.

What freezes faster PEX or copper?

Fact: copper pipes are more likely to freeze than other types of pipes, such as PEX. This is because copper is a conductor of energy, meaning heat that travels through the pipes is quickly lost.

How much water should drip to keep pipes from freezing?

one gallon per hour



A dripping faucet wastes some water, so only pipes vulnerable to freezing (ones that run through an unheated or unprotected space) should be left with the water flowing. The drip can be very slight. A flow of one gallon per hour is enough to prevent freezing.

How long does PEX tubing last?

Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.

Do mice eat PEX?

The Problem. Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.

What are the disadvantages of PEX?

PEX Plumbing Disadvantages

  • PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. …
  • PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. …
  • PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. …
  • PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. …
  • PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.


What is wrong with PEX plumbing?

PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.

What causes pinhole leaks in PEX pipe?

Over time the bonds start to shake apart, this separation is what causes the pinhole leaks to start. Once the polybutylene gets its first leak it is right to assume that the entire system is becoming compromised.

Which is better plastic or brass PEX fittings?

Brass its typically the best choice when the application demands a stronger fitting. In addition, plastic PEX fittings have a thicker wall requirement under ASTM2159 Standard, resulting in a reduced ID which restricts flow, while brass PEX fittings are manufactured to ASTM F1807 allowing for a larger flow passage.