I get the appeal of PEX, especially for tight spots, but have you ever run into issues with rodents chewing through it? I’ve seen a couple crawlspaces where mice made quick work of PEX lines, and that’s a whole different headache at 2 AM. Copper’s not perfect, but at least critters tend to leave it alone.
And about flex lines—totally agree they’re not a permanent solution. I always wonder if folks are checking the pressure ratings before installing them, though. Some of those cheap ones from the big box stores just aren’t built for the long haul.
Wet vacs are great in a pinch, but do you ever worry about electrical safety when you’re using one around standing water? I’ve seen some close calls when people plug in without thinking it through.
Denim insulation... yeah, it’s comfy for sound, but once it gets wet, it’s basically a sponge. Ever tried pulling that stuff out after a leak? Not fun. Sometimes I wonder if old-school fiberglass is still the safer bet for water-prone areas, even if it’s itchier to work with.
Rodents and PEX…yep, that’s a real thing. I’ve seen some gnawed lines in crawlspaces that looked like someone let loose a teething puppy down there. I usually wrap exposed PEX in those cheap split foam sleeves—doesn’t stop every mouse, but it seems to help. On the wet vac front, I always use a GFCI extension cord if there’s any doubt. Not worth risking crispy toes at 2 AM just to chase water. And denim insulation? Total nightmare once it’s soaked. Fiberglass sucks to handle, but at least it dries out faster if you catch the leak quick.
- Totally get where you’re coming from—rodents seem to love PEX way more than copper.
- I’ve tried the foam sleeves too, and honestly, they’re better than nothing. Still, I’ve had a determined mouse chew right through once.
- GFCI on wet vacs is a non-negotiable for me. Water + electricity at 2 AM? Not worth the risk.
- Denim insulation...yep, it’s a soggy mess if you don’t catch leaks fast. I’ll take itchy fiberglass over that any day, even if it’s a pain to work with.
- Midnight plumbing disasters are no joke, but sounds like you handled it smart.
Denim insulation...yep, it’s a soggy mess if you don’t catch leaks fast. I’ll take itchy fiberglass over that any day, even if it’s a pain to work with.
- Couldn’t agree more on denim insulation. It sounds great until you’re wringing it out at 3 AM and realizing it’s basically a sponge. Fiberglass is a pain, but at least you can dry it out or swap it fast.
- GFCI on wet vacs—yeah, that’s just common sense. I’ve seen too many folks skip it and end up with a nasty shock (literally).
- Rodents and PEX...that’s the bane of my existence. I’ve started using metal mesh sleeves in problem spots. Not perfect, but better than foam alone.
- Midnight plumbing disasters seem to find everyone eventually. Last winter, I had a main line freeze and split right above my breaker box. That was a fun night—water pouring onto live wires. Managed to kill the power before anything sparked, but it was close.
Curious—has anyone tried those rodent deterrent sprays on PEX? I’m skeptical, but desperate times...
I get the frustration with denim insulation, but I’ve actually had better luck with it than fiberglass in a couple of my older rentals. It does soak up water, no doubt, but I found it dries out faster with fans and doesn’t seem to hold that musty smell the way fiberglass can. As for rodent deterrent sprays on PEX—tried them once, didn’t notice much difference. The metal mesh sleeves are a smarter move long-term, though they’re a pain to install in tight spots. Midnight plumbing chaos just comes with the territory, I guess...
