Properly installed water supply pipes in a home can allow for the enjoyment of water with the turn of a valve. Be it hot water or cold water, being able to have a reliable water supply is something that is a modern convenience, that some of us may take for granted.
Since damage from water leaks can lead to expensive repairs, it is worth it to pay qualified professionals to install water pipes in your home. This way you can have the peace of mind that you won’t be surprised with unexpected leaking or bursting pipes, which can lead to catastrophic damage to a home and other personal belongings.
PEX piping is made from cross linked polyethylene, which is a durable plastic that is relatively easy to install, and inexpensive compared to other water supply pipe options such as copper. Since PEX is so easy to install, many DIY homeowners take on the project of pipe replacement or installation themselves. Other home owners may opt to pay a low bidding contractor to install PEX piping when needed, rather than hiring a licensed plumbing contractor who may charge more for the same job.
One of the common defects observed during a general home inspection is improperly supported PEX pipe. Some people decide to not be bothered to support PEX piping properly, or to educate themselves on proper installation practices for that matter. Since it’s so easy to make PEX pipe connections, many people just make the connections, and then leave the pipes hanging free. This type of installation relies on the connections themselves to support the weight of the pipes, and the water inside of them. This puts stain on the pipe fittings, and ultimately could lead to pipe disconnections and water leaks. When water is turned on and off at a faucet, water pressure in the pipes could actually make the pipes move. Even if the system is in good working order after the installation, over time, pipe connections can become loose and cause the pipes to become disconnected.
There’s a simple requirement that horizontally-oriented PEX distribution pipes should be supported at least every 32 inches. It is also important to use support brackets and clamps meant for the specific purpose and size of PEX pipe that is being supported. Failure to follow these simple guidelines is unfortunately a common issue in home, and often leads to water leaks and moisture damage.
Check out the video below to learn more about common installation PEX pipe installation errors.