Anyone ever tried painting PEX for extra protection, or is that just asking for trouble?
I’ve wondered about painting PEX too, but I’m not convinced it’s worth the risk. Paint might not stick well, and if it starts to flake, you could end up with more problems than you started with. I’d rather spend a few extra bucks on better insulation or just make sure the runs are out of direct sunlight. Sometimes “budget fixes” just aren’t worth the headache down the line. That said, I totally agree—metal plates are cheap insurance. Seen too many folks skip them and regret it.
I get the temptation to try a quick fix, but I’ve seen paint peel off PEX after a year or two, especially in damp spots. If you’re worried about UV or physical damage, have you looked into those snap-on covers or conduit? Curious if anyone’s had luck with those for shower installs.
If you’re worried about UV or physical damage, have you looked into those snap-on covers or conduit? Curious if anyone’s had luck with those for shower installs.
Honestly, I’ve tried those snap-on covers in a couple of tight bathroom renos. They’re decent for protecting PEX from dings, but in a shower setup, moisture always finds a way in. I’ve seen condensation build up inside the conduit, which can actually trap water against the pipe. Ever notice any long-term issues with that? I’m still leaning copper for exposed runs, just for peace of mind, but maybe I’m being too old-school.
Yeah, I’ve seen that same condensation issue crop up inside conduit—especially in humid bathrooms. It’s kind of ironic, since you’re trying to protect the PEX but end up with water sitting right against it anyway. In my experience, copper just feels more bulletproof for exposed runs, even if it’s a bit more work upfront. That said, I’ve seen PEX hold up fine behind walls as long as it’s not getting knocked around or exposed to sunlight. Maybe it’s just habit, but I still trust copper more where you can see it.
I get what you mean about copper feeling sturdier, especially where it’s visible. I went with PEX behind the walls for my shower swap, but stuck with copper for the exposed bits. Less worry about dings or UV, and honestly, it just looks cleaner to me. The condensation thing with PEX in conduit is a pain—never thought about it until I saw a puddle under my vanity one morning.