"Seems like quality varies a ton, and some plastics hold up way better than others."
Yeah, I've noticed the same. Had a rental with plastic fittings that lasted years without issues, but another place had leaks within months. Brass is usually my go-to, but you're right—water chemistry matters big time.
Had a rental with plastic fittings that lasted years without issues, but another place had leaks within months. Brass is usually my go-to, but you're right—water chemistry matters big time.
Totally agree about brass fittings—they're solid and reliable. But even with plastics, there are safer, eco-friendly options like PEX that's chlorine-resistant and less likely to degrade. Personally, I'd still test water quality periodically...better safe than flooded, right?
"Personally, I'd still test water quality periodically...better safe than flooded, right?"
Yeah, periodic testing makes sense, especially if you're dealing with well water or older municipal systems. I've had decent luck with PEX myself—easy to work with and seems pretty durable—but I've heard mixed things about its long-term performance in areas with really aggressive water chemistry. A buddy of mine installed PEX throughout his cabin, and after a few years he noticed some brittleness in spots where sunlight hit the pipes. UV exposure can definitely be an issue if you're not careful.
Has anyone else noticed similar issues with PEX and UV exposure, or found a good workaround for outdoor or exposed installations?
Yeah, periodic water checks are definitely worth it. A few thoughts from my own DIY plumbing adventures:
- PEX is great indoors, but UV exposure is a known weak spot. I've seen similar brittleness issues on outdoor runs at my brother's place.
- Wrapping exposed sections with insulation or UV-resistant tape can help a lot—cheap fix and easy to replace if needed.
- Another option is running the PEX inside PVC conduit outdoors. Adds protection without breaking the bank.
Curious if anyone's tried other budget-friendly solutions...
I've had decent luck using leftover aluminum flashing from roofing projects to shield outdoor PEX runs. Had a rental property where the previous owner ran PEX along an exterior wall—predictably, it got brittle after a few years. Wrapped it loosely with aluminum flashing I had lying around, and it's held up surprisingly well. Not the prettiest fix, but cheap and effective. Wonder if anyone's tried something similar or had issues with metal causing condensation buildup...?
