I’ve actually wondered why rodents seem to go after PEX so much—maybe it’s the texture or something? I’ve seen some folks use metal conduit around PEX in crawl spaces, but that’s not always practical, especially if you’re dealing with a slab. Copper does seem to hold up better, but it’s not immune either. Had a buddy who found mouse nests tucked right behind copper lines... they just didn’t chew through it. If you’re weighing options, maybe think about how easy it’ll be to access things later on, not just the upfront cost. Sometimes a little extra hassle now saves a lot of headache down the road.
Funny you mention the nests—I’ve seen the same thing during emergency calls. The rodents seem to love cozy spots, regardless of the pipe material. Have you ever tried using that rodent deterrent tape? I’m not convinced it works long-term, but some folks swear by it. Access is key, though. Ever had to tear out drywall just to patch a tiny leak? Not fun...
I’ve actually wondered about that rodent deterrent tape too. I read a bunch of mixed reviews before moving in, and ended up skipping it because it seemed like more of a temporary fix than a real solution. I did try those ultrasonic plug-ins in the basement, but honestly, I’m not sure if they did anything or if the mice just decided to move on their own.
Tearing out drywall for a tiny leak is the worst. The last time I had to do it, I found an old wasp nest tucked behind the insulation—talk about surprises you don’t want. It made me rethink how much access I actually have to my pipes. When you’re picking new fixtures, do you think it’s better to go with exposed piping in certain spots, or does that just look weird in a regular house? I keep seeing those industrial style bathrooms online, but I’m not sure if it’s practical or just trendy.
I get the appeal of exposed pipes—some of those industrial bathrooms look awesome online. But in a regular house, I kinda feel like it can come off as unfinished unless you really commit to the whole look. Plus, dusting those pipes is a pain. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather keep things behind the wall and avoid cleaning headaches down the road.
Plus, dusting those pipes is a pain.
Honestly, I totally get that. We did a project in class last month where we left the pipes exposed for that “loft” vibe, and even in a staged setting, the dust was wild after a week. I think unless you’re really into the industrial thing, it’s just extra work. Hidden pipes might not be as trendy, but they’re definitely easier to live with day-to-day.