"Copper might be pricier and trickier, but at least mice aren't snacking on it..."
Had a similar issue myself—PEX was a breeze to install, but after a year, squirrels got into my attic and chewed right through a line. Ended up switching back to copper in exposed areas...lesson learned the hard way.
Ended up switching back to copper in exposed areas...lesson learned the hard way.
Interesting point about squirrels—I haven't personally encountered rodents chewing through PEX yet, but I've heard similar stories. Makes me wonder if there's something about the material itself that's attracting them, or is it just a matter of convenience because it's softer? Might be worth looking into protective sleeves or conduit for vulnerable areas, even if it's just as a precaution...
Makes me wonder if there's something about the material itself that's attracting them, or is it just a matter of convenience because it's softer? Might be worth looking into protective sleeves or c...
I've actually seen squirrels chew through copper too, believe it or not. Had a neighbor whose copper lines got gnawed pretty bad—maybe it's less about the material and more about location or just plain bad luck? Protective sleeves might help, but honestly, if rodents are determined enough, they'll chew through almost anything eventually. I'd focus more on sealing entry points and keeping them away altogether...
Definitely agree rodents can chew through almost anything if they're determined enough. A plumber friend once told me it's often less about the material itself and more about things like warmth, moisture, or even vibrations attracting them. Copper might be tougher, but if it's in a spot rodents like hanging around, they'll still give it a go. Protective wraps can help slow them down, but sealing gaps and blocking entry points usually makes a bigger difference in the long run.
I've sealed most gaps around my place, but still had some issues last winter... Wondering if anyone's tried ultrasonic repellents—do they actually help keep rodents away from plumbing areas or is it just hype?
