I've been down this road myself, and I agree—PEX is super convenient, but rodents can be a real headache. Your steel wool trick is spot-on; rodents really can't stand chewing through that stuff. I did something similar, but I took it a step further because...well, I'm a bit paranoid about leaks and water damage.
After sealing entry points like you did, I also installed metal flashing around some of the more exposed pipe runs. Yeah, it was probably overkill, but it gave me peace of mind. Protective sleeves are great too—especially if you pick ones specifically rated for rodent resistance. Not all sleeves are created equal, so it's worth checking the specs before buying.
Funny story (well, funny now...not so much at the time): Before I knew better, I just wrapped my PEX in basic foam insulation thinking it'd deter chewing. Nope. Came home one day to find little bits of foam scattered everywhere and tiny teeth marks all over my pipes. Lesson learned the hard way.
Anyway, since upgrading to metal flashing and rodent-resistant sleeves, I've had zero issues—knock on wood indeed. It's definitely worth the extra effort upfront to avoid bigger headaches down the line. Glad you found something that works too!
Great tips here—steel wool is definitely a lifesaver. A couple more things I've learned from emergency calls over the years:
- Rodents are stubborn little critters. Steel wool works great, but copper mesh is another solid option. It's easier to stuff into tight spots and doesn't rust out as quickly.
- Metal flashing is smart, but if you're tight on space or budget, aluminum tape can be a decent quick fix. Not as robust, but rodents hate chewing through metal surfaces in general.
- Foam insulation alone...yeah, that's basically rodent candy. Had a client once who wrapped pipes in foam thinking it'd help—ended up with a flooded basement and some very happy mice.
Honestly, your paranoia about leaks isn't misplaced. I've seen enough water damage nightmares to know that extra precautions upfront save you big headaches later. Glad you found something that works—sounds like you're set for the long haul now.
Copper mesh is a great suggestion—wish I'd known about it sooner. I've always defaulted to steel wool, but rust has definitely been an issue after a while. Aluminum tape sounds handy too, especially in tight spots.
Speaking of rodents, anyone ever tried peppermint oil or those ultrasonic repellent gadgets? I've heard mixed things...some swear by them, others say they're useless. Had a tenant once who insisted peppermint oil kept mice away, but honestly, I couldn't tell if it actually worked or if she just got lucky. Curious if anyone here has personal experience with either of these?
Copper mesh is definitely a step up from steel wool—good call on that. About peppermint oil, I've had a few clients swear by it, but honestly, results seem pretty hit-or-miss. Maybe it depends on how determined the mice are? As for ultrasonic gadgets, I've seen them in action at a couple houses, and I couldn't really tell if they made any difference. Might be worth trying as part of a broader strategy, but probably not reliable on their own.
"About peppermint oil, I've had a few clients swear by it, but honestly, results seem pretty hit-or-miss."
Peppermint oil never really worked for me either. But you know what did? Sealing up even the tiniest gaps around pipes and vents with silicone caulk. Takes a bit of patience, but it's eco-friendly and keeps them out long-term without relying on gadgets or scents. Worth a shot if you're still having trouble...
