Honestly, the mouse thing is what keeps me on the fence about PEX. I like the idea of less corrosion and easier installs, but if you’ve ever dealt with a chewed line in the middle of the night, you know it’s not just a “maybe” risk. I’ve tried running conduit or using metal plates where I can, but you can’t protect every inch, especially in older houses.
When it comes to swapping out old pipes, I usually look for three things: water pressure drops, rusty or discolored water, and visible corrosion or leaks. But there’s always that gray area—like, if you’ve got old galvanized that’s not leaking yet, is it better to wait or just bite the bullet and replace before it becomes a mess? I get nervous about the waste, too. Pulling out a whole system feels rough if it’s not totally shot, but dealing with constant patch jobs isn’t exactly eco-friendly either.
Curious if anyone’s tried any of those rodent deterrent sleeves or wraps on PEX? Not sure if they’re just a gimmick or actually work...
Curious if anyone’s tried any of those rodent deterrent sleeves or wraps on PEX? Not sure if they’re just a gimmick or actually work...
I tried the deterrent sleeves from Amazon—honestly, mixed results. Mice chewed right through one spot, but left others alone. Not sure if it’s luck or what. I’m with you on not wanting to rip out pipes unless it’s really necessary. If you’re not seeing leaks or major pressure drops, I’d probably hold off and just keep patching for now. Full replacement is a wallet killer if it’s not urgent.
I’ve been down this road a couple times, and honestly, I’m not convinced those sleeves are a long-term fix either. Tried a few brands myself—some spots held up, but I still found chew marks in places I thought were protected. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to avoid a huge plumbing bill.
If you’re not seeing leaks or pressure issues, I’d keep an eye on things and patch as needed. No sense tearing out good pipe just because of a few nibbles. That said, if you start seeing repeated damage in the same areas, or if you notice water stains or drops in water pressure, that’s when I’d start thinking about more serious repairs.
One thing that helped me was sealing up any obvious entry points where rodents could get in. It’s not foolproof, but it cut down on the problem a lot. Sometimes it’s less about the pipes and more about keeping the critters out in the first place. Just my two cents...
That’s a really solid approach, especially the part about sealing up entry points. I’ve noticed the same thing—sometimes it’s less about the pipes and more about what’s getting to them. Like you said,
Couldn’t agree more there.“Sometimes it’s less about the pipes and more about keeping the critters out in the first place.”
I get what you mean about sleeves not being a perfect fix. I tried those foam ones once, but the mice just chewed right through. For now, I’m sticking with regular checks and patching as needed too. Makes sense not to jump into replacing everything if it’s just minor damage here and there.
I totally get the frustration with those foam sleeves—same thing happened to me, and honestly, I felt a bit ripped off. The mice in my place were basically treating them like a snack bar. I’ve started using steel wool and caulk for gaps, which seems to be working better (for now).
But here’s where I’m a little torn: I keep reading that old pipes can suddenly go from “just a few leaks” to “catastrophic burst” without much warning. Part of me thinks, why wait for disaster? But then again, replacing all the pipes is a huge expense and hassle, especially if it’s just minor stuff popping up here and there.
Maybe it’s about finding that line—like, if you’re seeing rust or corrosion, or the water pressure starts acting weird, maybe that’s when it’s time to bite the bullet and swap things out? Otherwise, patching and sealing feels way more reasonable. I just wish there was a clear sign before things get ugly...