PEX tubing instead of copper???

[Redwood]

I'd say in Chicago the biggest factor is a strong union presence and the Chicago Political Machine...

But hey it is what it is and if you install plumbing not to code at some point you will probably pay to redo it and in some cases much more...

[pushkins]

Just curious, why wouldn't PEX be approved in Chicago or anywhere else for that matter? I's it real or memorex as the ad used to say. Is it some local phenomenon or just ignorance / politics?????

My belief in this is that it's a combination of a few things, part "this is the way we have always done it", part lack of an enforceable "national" code and part "Inspectors always right" so you have him/her as the final say.

I guess you could argue for days the pros and cons of copper over PEX, copper is a naturally occurring material, not produced from petroleum, gives off trace amounts of good minerals, not trace amounts petrochemicals, PEX however handles freezing better, is cheaper to install, has much more flexibility in installation. Yes PEX is DIY easier, but I've seen some disastrous PEX installations that defies even poor logic.
I work across 4 different counties and numerous city jurisdictions as a GC and I see interpretations of national codes vary greatly, the national code says PEX is approved, Chicago code says it's not, one county around me insists that the stub outs are to be copper not elbowed PEX, no reason, just that's the way "they" want it, even know a plumber that says he likes it that way because it makes the job "look" like it's all copper.

[driz]

Just curious, why wouldn't PEX be approved in Chicago or anywhere else for that matter? I's it real or memorex as the ad used to say. Is it some local phenomenon or just ignorance / politics?????

[Redwood]

I'm not so sure that I'd install an unapproved material in my home...

If there is a failure which happens and already has...(Kitec Class Action, Zurn Class Action, Rehau Class Action, Wirsbo/Uphonor Class Action, Dura-Pex Failures)
You'll be playing left out...

Then of course that other pesky matter of a home inspection when you go to sell your home...

Of course the illegal pipes will have to be replaced at your expense before the sale can go through...

[jamesborn]

PEX is so easy DIY install!!!!

[thurst]

Pex is my vote

[Redwood]

Yes, that is correct. Short pieces with 2 - 7" between the metal connectors are prone to failure as an ice plug forms at the connectors then the freezing moves inward. The short piece does not have enough expansion to absorb the expansion of the water freezing.

There is also a type of PEX that has a layer of aluminum in it and this type does not fair well when frozen either.

[rmw]

Pex is prone to fail due to freezing when used in shot pieces because they just can't expand enough before it hits a fitting. That said pex is all I use in Western Alaska because it will take so much abuse with freezing, but remember we arn't supose to freeze our pipes. Pex just helps when you do.

[jamesborn]

of course any materials have own limits .... pex have too

[Redwood]

look at attachment ) copyright pexpipe.org

Are you thinking PEX is immune to bursting from freezing?
It's resistant but not immune...

[jamesborn]

PEX has a lot of positive attributes. Be careful using it in Chicago; it is not approved in the plumbing codes.

thanks for information!

[jamesborn]

look at attachment ) copyright pexpipe.org

[Redwood]

The Orange & Blue Big Box Stores will stock plumbing items regardless of whether they are code approved in an area or, not.

If there is a problem IE a leak, your homeowners insurance will note the unapproved illegally installed material and deny any claim for damages.

[Stayouttadabunker]

PEX has a lot of positive attributes. Be careful using it in Chicago; it is not approved in the plumbing codes.

Are the plumbing shops in the Chicago area stocking PEX tubing?

[tommyrad]

PEX in Chicago

PEX has a lot of positive attributes. Be careful using it in Chicago; it is not approved in the plumbing codes.