Good tip about the mesh sleeves, hadn't thought of rodents being an issue. I'm leaning toward PEX myself for ease of install, but now I'll definitely check around for signs of mice first... better safe than sorry.
- PEX is def easier on the wallet and install, but rodents chewing through it isn't just a myth—my neighbor had to redo half his basement plumbing thanks to mice. Mesh sleeves sound smart, but I'd still keep an eye out... rodents are sneaky little jerks.
Yeah, rodents and PEX can be a nightmare combo if you're not careful. I've seen a few homes during inspections where mice had a field day chewing through the tubing, especially in areas with colder climates—those little critters seem drawn to the warmth or something. Mesh sleeves help, sure, but they're not foolproof. Another thing to consider is sealing up entry points into your house. Even tiny gaps around pipes or foundation cracks can let them in. Copper might be pricier and trickier to install, but rodents generally leave it alone, so that's a big plus. Still, copper isn't immune to issues either—I've dealt with pinhole leaks and corrosion more than once. Bottom line, each has its pros and cons, just gotta weigh what's most important for your particular situation.
I've been leaning towards PEX myself, mostly because my wallet cries every time I price copper...but now you've got me worried about a mouse invasion, haha. Has anyone tried those ultrasonic rodent repellents—do they actually work or just annoy the family dog?
I've been down the ultrasonic repellent route myself, and honestly, results were...mixed at best. Seemed to bother my dog a bit at first, but he got used to it pretty quickly. As for the mice, well, let's just say they didn't exactly pack their bags overnight. Still, don't let the mouse concern steer you completely away from PEX—proper sealing and smart installation go a long way toward keeping critters out.
