I totally get where you’re coming from with the rodent issue. I just swapped out my tub for a walk-in last fall and went back and forth on this exact thing. Ended up using PEX because our crawlspace is sealed and I figured it’d be easier if I ever needed to make changes down the line. Here’s what I did: ran PEX through conduit in the crawlspace, then used copper stub-outs at the shower. Not saying it’s perfect, but so far, no chew marks and it was way less hassle to install. If you’ve got critters, though, copper everywhere probably makes more sense… just depends on your setup.
I hear you on the rodent thing—seen too many chewed PEX lines in older homes, especially if there’s any sign of mice or squirrels. Running PEX through conduit is a solid workaround, but I’d still keep an eye out for any gaps or spots where critters could sneak in. Did you insulate the PEX at all? Sometimes condensation can attract pests too. Personally, I lean copper if there’s even a hint of rodent activity, just for peace of mind. But yeah, every setup’s different... sometimes it comes down to what you find when you open up the crawlspace.
- Had a similar situation in one of my duplexes—PEX got chewed up in the crawlspace, cost me a weekend and a plumber’s bill.
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“Personally, I lean copper if there’s even a hint of rodent activity, just for peace of mind.”
I get that logic, but copper’s gotten pricey lately. Sometimes it feels like overkill unless you’re sure there’s an active rodent problem.
- Tried running PEX through PVC conduit last time. It helped, but the mice still found their way in through a gap behind the water heater. Sealed it up with steel wool and foam—no issues since (knock on wood).
- Haven’t bothered insulating PEX unless it’s exposed to cold air. Never noticed condensation attracting pests, but maybe I’ve just been lucky?
- For walk-in showers, I usually go PEX for speed and flexibility, unless the crawlspace looks like a wildlife preserve. Then yeah, copper all day.
- Every house is its own adventure... sometimes you don’t know what you’re dealing with until you start pulling up floorboards.
Funny you mention sealing up with steel wool and foam—I did the same behind my laundry room, and it’s held up so far.
Couldn’t agree more. I usually go PEX for showers too, unless I spot droppings or chewed wires. Copper’s nice, but man, the price tag hurts lately. Anyone ever try that rodent-proof mesh wrap on PEX? Wondering if it’s worth the hassle.“Every house is its own adventure...”
I’ve actually used that mesh wrap on a couple jobs where mice were a real issue—mostly in old farmhouses. It’s a bit of a pain to get it snug around bends, but once it’s on, it does seem to keep the critters off the PEX. Not sure I’d bother in a newer home unless you’ve got clear evidence of chewing. Honestly, if you’re already seeing droppings or nibbled wires, I’d say it’s worth the extra hassle for peace of mind. Otherwise, just making sure everything’s sealed up tight usually does the trick.