PEX tubing is a common plumbing material found in many homes, but did you know it can also be dangerous? PEX has been banned from certain areas due to its failure rate and potential for causing issues with your water supply. This article will explore why exactly PEX has been banned and the risks associated with using this once popular plumbing material.
PEX tubing has been banned in some areas due to its propensity for oxidation and corrosion. Studies have shown that using PEX plumbing increases the risk of lead leaching into drinking water by up to 27 times compared to copper piping, which can cause serious health risks. Additionally, studies have also found that PEX is more likely to fail than other materials such as copper or CPVC after only 10-15 years of usage, leading many municipalities and governmental organizations to issue a ban on its use in new construction.
Is Pex Banned In United States?
Pex, or Polyethylene Cross-linked, is a type of plastic tubing used in plumbing and heating systems. It has become increasingly popular due to its flexibility, durability and cost savings when compared with traditional copper pipes. However, in the United States it is currently not allowed in some states because of safety concerns associated with its use.
The main concern revolves around potential health risks if Pex becomes compromised by chemicals present in water supplies or extreme temperatures. If exposed to these elements for extended periods of time, Pex can break down into hazardous compounds that could be inhaled or ingested by humans and pets. As such, some state governments have taken steps to limit the use of this material within their jurisdictions as an added precaution against any potential harm it could cause.
In addition to health issues surrounding Pex’s materials composition, there are also regulatory concerns about installation practices that do not meet industry standards when installing this material properly so as to ensure optimal performance over the life span of a building’s system . Properly installed Pex piping should last at least 50 years without serious degradation but substandard installations may only last 10 years or less before they fail prematurely due to improper fitting methods being employed during construction.
At present there is no uniform ban on using pex across all US states but several have implemented restrictions either regarding installation practices or outright bans on certain types being used for residential applications – including California where both rigid polybutylene (PB) pex pipe and flexible polyethylene (PE) pex piping are prohibited from being sold for residential purposes within the state’s borders..
Health and Safety Concerns with PEX
PEX is a type of plastic tubing that is used in plumbing, but it has a few health and safety risks.
1. Contamination Risk – PEX can be contaminated with chemicals from manufacturing or degrading plasticizers, leading to potential toxicity when water passes through them.
2. Bacterial Growth – PEX pipes are susceptible to bacterial growth due to their porous nature, which can cause issues such as odor and taste problems and even illness if ingested.
3. Leaching of Chemicals – PEX tubes may leach chemicals into drinking water, especially over long periods of time or when exposed to high temperatures (such as hot showers). These chemicals may act as endocrine disruptors that affect hormone levels in humans and animals alike.
4. Fire Hazards – The polyethylene material used in PEX piping is highly combustible, posing a fire hazard risk when used as part of a home’s plumbing system