At Our Plumbing Company, we specialize in manufacturing and distributing quality PEX pipe and fittings for residential and commercial projects. We frequently receive questions from customers about maintaining PEX plumbing systems to maximize performance and longevity. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share our expert advice on best practice PEX pipe maintenance based on decades of experience. We’ll provide tips on inspection schedules, leak prevention, freeze protection, sediment flushing, disinfection, and repiping. Our goal is to equip PEX owners with insider knowledge for proactive maintenance ensuring their plumbing thrives for generations.
The Benefits of Proactive PEX Maintenance
While PEX pipe is highly durable, periodic preventative maintenance helps avoid issues like:
- Leaks from worn parts or loose fittings
- Flow problems from sediment accumulation
- Corrosion and contamination from stale water
- Freeze damage from inadequate insulation
- Premature aging from excessive temperatures
Proper PEX maintenance improves safety and utility by:
- Extending system lifespan beyond long-term durability according to standards
- Preventing water damage from leaks
- Maintaining optimal water flow
- Keeping water fresh, preventing corrosion
- Avoiding major repairs from freezing
- Protecting your plumbing investment
So don’t just install it and forget it. A little proactive maintenance goes a long way.
Recommended PEX Maintenance Schedule
Follow this schedule to keep PEX systems operating optimally:
- Annual Inspections – Check visible pipes and fittings for damage or leaks during routine fixture testing. Confirm supports are intact.
- 3-Year Sediment Flushing – Drain the sediment from a low point. Softened water requires more frequent flushing.
- 5-Year Disinfection – Chlorinate pipes to kill bacteria. More often if water quality degrades noticeably.
- 10-Year Pipe Inspection – When renovating, inspect buried pipe condition and fitting security.
- 20-50 Year Repiping – Plan for routine PEX repiping or relining for maximum longevity.
Don’t wait for issues. Preventative action maintains efficiency and avoids major repairs down the road.
Annual Inspections and Leak Checks
At least annually, thoroughly inspect the visible portions of your PEX plumbing:
- Check for wet spots, mineral deposits, or corrosion around joints indicating slow leaks.
- Confirm fittings are straight and properly seated into the tubing. Look for gaps indicating loose connections.
- Test water temperature and pressure to ensure heaters and regulators aren’t allowing unsafe conditions which accelerate wear.
- Inspect support hangers. Are they intact? Is tubing sagging from broken braces?
- Scope pipes entering unconditioned areas. Is insulation adequate? Are penetrations properly sealed?
During sink and fixture function checks, examine nearby visible piping again while pressurized. Catching minor leaks early prevents major damage.
Sediment Flushing
Over years of use, mineral sediments from hard water accumulate inside pipes, restricting flow. Every 3 years, rout sediment from PEX:
1. Shut off the main water supply and depressurize the plumbing.
2. Open downstream fixtures to vent lines.
3. Remove aerator screens from faucets.
4. Flush piping from a low point like a sink or hose bib until water runs clear.
5. Replace aerators. Turn the water supply on and inspect for leaks.
Sediment flushing restores full pressure and flow. Softened water may require more frequent flushing as minerals are exchanged vs deposited.
Disinfecting Stale PEX Water Lines
For maintained water quality, periodically sanitize PEX supply lines:
1. Shut off the main valve and depressurize plumbing through fixtures.
2. Remove faucet aerators to access lines.
3. Prepare chlorine disinfecting solution according to manufacturer recommendations. Bleach solutions are common.
4. Pour the solution into lines at a high point until smelling strongly from all outlets.
5. Allow the solution to stand for 30+ minutes to disinfect thoroughly.
6. Flush disinfectant from the system with clean water until the chlorine smell is completely gone.
7. Replace aerators. Turn the water on and check for leaks.
Proper disinfection kills bacteria and maintains water freshness and safety, especially if taste/odor issues emerge.
Inspecting Buried PEX During Renovations
When renovating or finishing basements with buried PEX lines, take the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the piping condition and fitting security while exposed:
- Carefully examine tubing for cracking or deformation which may signal impending failure. Replace suspect sections.
- Scrutinize fittings, valves, and connections for corrosion or looseness compromising integrity. Tighten or replace components showing deterioration.
- Confirm tubing remains sufficiently anchored. Add supports if spans exceed maximums or pipes are sagging.
- Ensure protective pipe insulation remains intact on cold water lines. Patch any voids exposing PEX.
- Look for areas contacting sharp surfaces causing abrasion damage. Add protective barriers.
Periodic buried pipe inspection prevents avoidable leaks or restrictions.
Knowing When To Repipe
While PEX lasts over long-term durability according to standards, periodic repiping maintains optimal performance. Plan proactive piping renewal around:
- Fixture Upgrades – Routine faucet or appliance replacement provides an opportunity to repipe impacted sections.
- Remodels – If walls open, repipe accessible sections for refreshed plumbing.
- Leak History – Repetitive joint failures signal a need for comprehensive renewal.
Ideally repiping should occur before acute issues arise. Coordinate with other renovations for the economy. Seek professional consultation on repiping feasibility and approach.
Like any system, PEX plumbing requires periodic inspection, maintenance, and renewal to deliver enduring performance. Follow these tips to maximize your return on investment while avoiding costly reactive repairs. Remember – an ounce of PEX prevention is worth pounds of replacement! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any other questions.
