Running a water pipe through your attic is possible and actually much more common than you might expect. Depending on where you live and the climate that your home is exposed to, indoor attic piping may be the best and safest option for a property owner.
Can PEX be run through the 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. We used PEX once and ended up replumbing our entire house with it.
Will pipes in attic freeze?
Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to flow across the pipes.
Why do homes in Texas have water pipes in the attic?
Attics – Many Texas homes have water heaters in their attics. Most attic insulation protects the living space below but doesn’t help cover the water heater and plumbing. Not only does this arrangement make the home less energy efficient but it also runs the risk of serious water damage if their pipes burst.
How do I insulate water lines in my attic?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You can purchase an insulating jacket for an electric water heater. Following the directions that come with it wrap the jacket around the water heater and secure it in place with the tape supplied.
How do you keep pipes from freezing in the attic?
Tips to help prevent pipes from freezing
- Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic helps even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. …
- Use heat tape or heat cables. …
- Seal leaks. …
- Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. …
- Let water drip. …
- Adjust the thermostat. …
- Open cabinet doors.
Can you put plumbing in the ceiling?
While homeowners may fret over running plumbing lines through the ceiling, it is a common practice used to minimize damage during the re-plumb and to keep labor costs lower.
How do I keep my water lines from freezing?
When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
How do I keep my attic pipes warm?
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. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home.
Do water lines in the attic need to be insulated?
Opening up the wall and installing additional insulation can help prevent future freezes as well as make your home more energy efficient overall, reducing your heating and cooling costs. For exposed pipes, like those in attics or crawl spaces, inexpensive foam pipe insulation is usually sufficient.
Do you have to wrap pipes in the attic?
Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or heat. Pipe insulation is available in fiberglass or foam sleeves. Home centers and hardware stores have sleeves providing 1/8 to 5/8 inches of insulation; specialty dealers have products that provide up to 2 inches of insulation.
Does PEX piping need to be insulated?
Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated? Yes, although PEX pipes can withstand freezing temperatures better than other pipe materials – but they are not freeze proof!
Will PEX freeze and burst?
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. However – manufacturers won’t provide a guarantee against rupture due to freezing.
At what temperature will PEX burst?
Don’t place the blow dryer directly on the pipe, hold it a few inches away and test the pipe with your hands to feel if it’s thawed enough. But be aware that the general rule of thumb is that pex tubing can withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will PEX pipe freeze and bust?
PEX pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. But putting frequent stress on the system weakens it, increasing chances of failure and leaks. So, to preserve the strength of your pipes, you should use the same standard insulation precautions with PEX to keep it from freezing.
How long will PEX last?
30 to 50 years
Benefits of Copper Pipes
While you can expect PEX to last for 30 to 50 years, copper piping will outdo it by about two decades, with a typical lifespan of 50 to 70 years. Copper is a more durable option that isn’t susceptible to rodents or sunlight. These pipes can easily handle water pressure of up to 1,000 psi.
Are copper pipes better than PEX?
PEX pipes and copper pipes are both viable options for your water supply line. While PEX pipes are easier to install, cheaper, and more flexible, copper pipes are sturdier and tend to have a longer lifespan.
Is PEX better than PVC?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. – Price. When you compare the material costs of PEX vs PVC, PEX comes out more expensive. (However, balance this factor against the lower labor cost to install PEX.)
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.
Is PEX OK for drinking water?
These leakage products consist of residues of additives used during production to give plastic pipes their desired properties, as well as any subsequent breakdown products. The study showed: There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes.
