PEX pipe is a type of flexible polyethylene pipe with crossing connections. It’s a new replacement for conventional copper pipes.
But can PEX pipe be used outside? Yes, PEX pipes can be used outdoors, but some preventive measures need to be taken. Otherwise, it will damage quickly and will not last long. PEX pipes are usually used indoors because of their quality, but if you want to use them outdoors, you have to be careful with certain factors.
If you want to know how to use PEX pipes outside, you need to go deeper. Do you have a few minutes to spare? I’ll go through it with you in detail to make the most of your time. Therefore, I’m hoping you will stick around!
Can PEX Pipe be Used Outside?
Yes. Pex pipe can be used outside. But it might be challenging to decide whether to utilize exterior PEX pipe for your home since there are so many competing beliefs about its application. PEX pipe offers benefits and drawbacks when installed outside the home, just like any other pipe type.
As PEX pipes are flexible, strong, and resistant to corrosion and freezing, they are frequently used in indoor works. But choosing a PEX pipe type that is approved for use outdoors is crucial when it comes to outdoor applications.
There are UV-resistant PEX pipes that can tolerate exposure to sunshine without the material eventually becoming brittle. It’s crucial to shield PEX pipes from external factors like boulders, trees, and other factors while installing them outside.
And to do this, you need to bury them in a certain depth underground by also keeping the amount of freezing temperature in mind that they can handle.
However, the outside use of PEX pipe will mainly depend on the applications and outside environment.
Advantages of Using PEX Pipes for Outdoor
When utilized for outdoor applications, PEX pipes provide many benefits, including:
- Toughness: PEX pipes have good flexibility; they can bend without breaking. Which makes them suitable for outdoor applications. They have high resistance to impact and are less likely to leak.
- Durability: PEX pipes have a resistance to corrosion so they can last longer, which requires less maintenance. Also, they can withstand freezing temperatures, which lessens the risk of damage.
- Cost-Effectiveness: PEX pipes are less costly than conventional materials like copper. The installation cost of PEX pipes is also less as it cuts labor expenses.
- Low maintenance: When installed and maintained properly, PEX pipes need less monitoring and can last for many years. This can save time and money.
So, when used for outdoor installations, PEX pipes have several benefits. They are a good option for a variety of outdoor applications because of their flexibility, toughness, and resistance to freezing and corrosion.
Factors to Consider While Using PEX Pipe Outside
There are some considerations to weigh when deciding whether to utilize PEX pipes for outdoor plumbing applications. Consider the following important factors:
- Ultraviolet resistance: When exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, PEX pipes’ lifespan can deteriorate. When utilizing PEX pipes outside, it’s crucial to pick a kind that is certified for use in outdoor settings and has a sufficient level of UV protection.
- Weather: PEX pipes are vulnerable to harsh weather and temperatures. It is crucial to utilize PEX pipes with suitable freeze resistance in places with extremely low temperatures.
Utilizing PEX pipes that are resistant to brittleness or degradation from heat exposure is crucial in regions with extremely high temperatures.
- Proper installation: For PEX pipes to function and last a long time in outdoor applications, proper installation is essential. This means making sure that the pipes are positioned correctly and shielded from outside elements like rocks, roots, and other particles.
Protecting PEX pipes against damage from other outside causes is also crucial.
- Water quality: PEX pipes may be vulnerable to specific minerals and chemicals in the water supply, which might lead to deterioration or other issues.
Making sure that the water supply has been adequately treated and that the PEX pipes work with the particular water quality is crucial.
- Building rules: It’s crucial to make sure that all installations of PEX pipes adhere to local building rules. This may include specifications for the kind of pipes that must be used, how they must be installed, and other issues.
In general, PEX pipes may be a good option for outdoor applications if the right kind of pipe is chosen and installed properly.
Steps of Installing PEX Pipes Outdoor
To guarantee optimum performance and lifespan, there are a few essential installation steps to follow when installing PEX pipes for outdoor applications. When installing PEX pipes outside, you should follow these important steps:
Step 1: Selecting the Right PEX Pipe
It is crucial to choose a PEX pipe that is certified for usage in outdoor settings because not all PEX pipes are made equal. These pipes are frequently UV-resistant and made to endure exposed sunshine and other environmental factors.
Step 2: Proper Depth
To safeguard PEX pipes from outside elements like rocks, roots, and other substances, it is crucial to make sure they are buried at the right depth while putting them outside.
Step 3: Protect Pipes
External pressures like drilling and other things can harm PEX pipelines. Installing the pipes in protective channels, marking their locations with caution tape, and taking other essential precautions are all critical ways to safeguard the pipes from harm.
Step 4: Suitable Fittings
Using the proper fittings is crucial when attaching PEX pipes to other fixtures like valves, fixtures, or other pipes. Crimp fittings or push-to-connect fittings are frequently needed for PEX pipes, and the right one should be chosen depending on the application.
Step 5: Pressure Test
It is crucial to do a pressure test of the pipes to make sure there are no leaks or other issues before utilizing the PEX pipe system. This entails pressurizing the system for a predetermined amount of time while filling it with water and at the required pressure.
Step 6: Insulating the Pipes
To keep PEX pipes from freezing and splitting, it’s crucial to insulate them in cold climates. Foam insulation and other insulation materials are suitable for use in this case.
In general, using the right installation techniques is essential for the effectiveness and durability of PEX pipes in outdoor applications. It is feasible to install PEX pipes outside with confidence and guarantee optimum functioning for the duration of the system by following these steps.
FAQs
These are some frequently asked questions by people about whether PEX pipes be used outside.
Since PEX pipes are light-sensitive, they are not very versatile. PEX pipe cannot be transported outside the home to locations where it will be prolonged direct exposure to UV. As a result of exposure to sunlight, the synthetic material used to make the pipes may gradually deteriorate.
Yes. PEX performs better than PVC when a connection to copper or other metal pipes is necessary because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. In a material cost comparison between PEX and PVC, PEX is more costly.
Yes, it can. When pouring concrete, make sure to maintain pressure on the PEX system and watch it closely. If PEX tubing is broken, the test gauge will show a pressure drop and bubbles will develop or burst at the site of the leak, making it simple to locate. Following that, the concrete can be completed as usual.
Conclusion
In the end, the particular application and the installation circumstances will determine if PEX pipes are suitable for outdoor usage. To make sure the right supplies and installation techniques are utilized for your unique project, it is crucial to contact a licensed plumber or building specialist.
Due to the widespread use of zinc-plated steel and conventional copper pipes, PEX pipes had a difficult beginning. However, they have established themselves in the field. Overall, PEX pipe is currently a popular choice for many household water supply systems after decades of development. So keep yourself safe! Good Luck!