I’ve actually had a PEX crimp ring fail, but it was right at a poorly done connection—installer error for sure. Once I redid it, no issues since. Copper’s great, but honestly, dealing with old pipe corrosion is a pain. For showers, I lean PEX just for the flexibility, but I do worry about rodents... never had one chew through it, though.
I get the appeal of PEX, especially for tight spaces and retrofits, but I’m still a bit wary about long-term durability. I’ve seen a neighbor deal with a mouse chewing through their PEX in the basement—granted, it was an older house with some access points, but it was a mess to fix. Copper’s not perfect, but at least you don’t have to worry about critters quite as much. For showers, I’d probably stick with copper if the budget allows, just for peace of mind.
Copper’s not perfect, but at least you don’t have to worry about critters quite as much.
I hear you on the mouse issue—seen it myself more than once. But have you looked into the newer PEX with metal sleeves or running it through conduit? It’s not bulletproof, but it can really cut down on rodent problems. Plus, with copper prices these days, repairs can get pricey if you ever spring a leak from corrosion or a bad joint. Curious if anyone’s actually had copper chewed through by mice... I’ve seen them go after just about anything if they’re determined enough.
- Totally get the copper vs. PEX debate—both have their headaches.
- Mice are like tiny demolition crews, but I’ve never seen them chew copper. Insulation? Sure. PEX? Sometimes.
- PEX in conduit is a solid workaround, especially if you’re worried about future repairs or sneaky critters.
- Honestly, with copper prices, I’d rather risk a mouse than my wallet... but that’s just me.
Copper prices really are wild lately, huh? I get the PEX temptation, especially with how much easier it is to work with in tight spots. I’ve patched up more than a few mouse-chewed PEX lines though, so I’m always a little wary. That said, running PEX through conduit is a smart move—makes repairs way less of a headache and keeps the critters guessing. Honestly, both options have their trade-offs, but it sounds like you’re thinking it through the right way.