Pretty recently, the town we're considering building in has "relaxed" their local codes to allow PEX for water (instead of copper) and Romex (instead of conduit).

Curious if anyone has gone from Copper and/or conduit over to Pex and/or Romex? There is a significant cost savings, but I rather not run into issues down the line.

Any thoughts?

 

I bought my house in 2000 and it uses PEX throughout. I've never had any problems.

 

Ive installed PEX in 2 houses now (that friends have gutted and remodeled) and the stuff is great. Very easy to use. I dont foresee any issues for it.

As far as Romex. Its the only thing i have ever used. Our code doesnt require conduit and every thing is Romex. There is no reason romex should give you any issues down the road.

 

I have pex also with no real issues. When we first moved in i had issues b/c of hard water. It was b/c i was turning of the supply to the outside hose so it wouldn't freeze over the winter.
You use a key to turn off the location. The little diamond tit was small and b/c of hard water deposits, it made it difficult to turn and i broke off the tit.

It had a 10 year warranty so they sent me a newer updated unit that i replaced myself.

If you ever plan on adding any water lines up yourself, you will need to invest in a pex crimping tool that goes for about $100 @ lowes/hd.

It is nice if you don't have skills like me to solder the brass connections.

It saves a lot of money on materials since they are 97% plastic and labor for the install.



Most plumbers use pex or romex.


Check out manibloc, that is the brand i have at the house.



It is very nice when you can turn off the hot or cold water supply to any one fixture in the house.

 

""relaxed" their local codes "

If it were my money, I would go with the copper.

 

most construction is pex/romex up here these days

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about those codes up there from when you had a thread about your current house a long time ago.

Anyways, I've wired hundreds of houses strictly Romex and have done enough with the other stuff to know that it's a giant PITA

Especially when you're trying to add something later on...there's no comparison.

 

The house we just bought was converted from copper to PEX about 6-8 years ago (from our estimate). Everyone we've had come look at the house has said it was one of the best upgrades the previous owners did.