I get the paranoia—every time I walk past my utility room, I glance at those joints just to make sure nothing’s dripping. I went back and forth on copper vs. PEX too. Ended up doing almost exactly what you did: copper close to the boiler, then switched to PEX for the runs. Honestly, I think as long as you’re not running PEX right up against the hottest parts, it should be fine. Still, can’t help but check it every now and then... guess that’s just part of being a homeowner.
Still, can’t help but check it every now and then... guess that’s just part of being a homeowner.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I did the same copper-to-PEX transition, mostly for cost and ease of running lines through tight spots. I still double-check those connections, especially after the first few heating cycles—paranoia or not, it’s saved me from a slow drip once. If you used proper PEX supports and kept it away from direct boiler heat, you’re probably in good shape. That peace of mind is worth the extra five minutes every now and then.
I hear you on the double-checking, but I’ll be honest—I’ve seen a few PEX-to-copper transitions go sideways even with all the right supports and distance from heat. Some fittings just don’t like the expansion and contraction cycles as much as copper does. Ever notice a bit of “creep” in your crimps after a season or two? I tend to recommend a short run of copper right off the boiler before switching to PEX, just to play it safe. Maybe I’m old-school, but it’s saved me a headache or two over the years.
Yeah, I’ve run into that “creep” with crimps more than once—usually right when I think everything’s perfect. I still trust copper for those first few feet off the boiler, even if it feels a bit old-fashioned. PEX is great, but it’s not magic. Had a tenant call me about a slow drip last winter… turns out the fitting had just barely shifted enough to start leaking. That little bit of extra copper saved me from tearing out half a ceiling. Sometimes the old tricks really do work.
Sticking with copper near the boiler is just smart. I’ve been burned by PEX shifting, too—especially when it’s close to a heat source. Like you said,
That’s the kind of headache you only want to deal with once. I’ve learned to always double-check my crimps and leave a bit of slack, but sometimes the classics just make life easier. Old tricks, less stress.“That little bit of extra copper saved me from tearing out half a ceiling.”