I hear you on SharkBites—tempting for a quick fix, but I always wonder if they’re really meant for stuff you’re gonna close up behind tile or drywall. I’ve been leaning toward PEX too, mostly because it’s cheaper and seems easier for a DIYer like me. But does anyone worry about rodents chewing through PEX? I’ve read a few horror stories, but not sure how common that actually is...
But does anyone worry about rodents chewing through PEX? I’ve read a few horror stories, but not sure how common that actually is...
Here’s how I look at it: PEX is definitely easier to work with and less expensive, but yeah, rodent damage is a legit concern—especially if you’ve had mice or squirrels in the walls before. If you go with PEX, I’d suggest running it through conduit or using metal plates where it passes through studs. That way, you get the flexibility of PEX but add a layer of protection. Copper’s more durable but not as forgiving for DIY, and it’s pricier. For me, I went PEX but made sure to seal up any gaps where critters could get in. Haven’t had an issue yet, but I’m always checking...
I totally get the rodent worry. I’ve heard those stories too, and as someone who’s always trying to keep things green and low-impact, I went back and forth on this a lot. PEX just makes sense from an installation and resource standpoint—less energy to produce, fewer joints, less waste. But yeah, if you’ve got critters already making themselves at home, it’s a risk.
I ended up doing PEX for my last bathroom reno, but I was kind of obsessive about sealing every possible entry point (steel wool, caulk, the works). I also ran it through some leftover metal conduit in spots where it seemed more vulnerable. It’s been a few years now—no leaks or chew marks so far. Maybe luck? Or maybe the extra steps helped.
The thing is, copper’s not immune either. I actually had a friend whose attic rats chewed right through a copper line—apparently they’ll gnaw on anything if they’re determined enough. Plus, copper mining isn’t exactly eco-friendly, which bugs me a bit.
Does anyone have experience with those rodent-deterrent PEX sleeves? I saw them mentioned on another forum but haven’t tried them yet. Wondering if that’s overkill or actually useful... Also curious if anyone here has found one type of pipe to be noticeably quieter than the other? The water hammer with copper used to drive me nuts in my old place.
Anyway, for me the balance tipped toward PEX with some extra protection and a lot of vigilance. Curious how others are weighing the environmental side of things along with durability and cost?
Honestly, I still lean toward copper, even with the environmental baggage. PEX is great for flexibility and ease, but I’ve seen too many cases where rodents found a way in, even with careful sealing. Copper’s not perfect, but when it comes to longevity, it just seems to last longer—less risk of hidden micro-leaks over time. I get the water hammer issue, but there are ways to dampen that with arrestors or insulation. Maybe not the greenest, but for long-term durability, copper still wins out for me.
- Totally get where you’re coming from on copper.
- I’ve had PEX chewed through in a crawlspace, even after stuffing every gap with steel wool… rodents are relentless.
- Copper does have a longer track record, and I’ve seen 50+ year-old lines still going strong.
- That said, I do wish there was a more eco-friendly option that held up as well—maybe someday.
- For now, if you’re after peace of mind and don’t want to mess with repairs down the line, copper’s hard to beat.