How PEX Pipe Performs in the Winter

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2 min read

One of the biggest winter challenges for homeowners is preventing pipe bursts, which could mean costly damages for their home. Most pipe types, if they freeze, will often burst in freezing conditions, but SharkBite PEX pipe is more forgiving.  

PEX is flexible and performs better in freezing conditions than rigid pipes like copper, PVC and CPVC. These other pipes are more at risk of the water freezing in them, making them susceptible to weakening and bursting. Explore how PEX performs in cold weather and how to prevent future pipe bursts. 

What makes PEX different  

PEX pipe’s chemical structure makes it flexible, allowing it to expand in high-pressure situations like freezing temperatures. This sets it apart from rigid pipes since it survives longer in cold conditions. Except for in extreme temperatures, PEX keeps its strength in cold weather.  

All types of PEX — a, b and c — share nearly the same capabilities. SharkBite makes PEX-b pipe that not only holds up to freezing but is also one of the most durable PEX tubing on the market.

Read More: 10 Facts About PEX Pipe You Need to Know 

Pex a pipe install for new construction

Can PEX pipes freeze? 

Just because PEX can tolerate the cold better than a rigid pipe, that doesn’t mean it can’t freeze or break. So, at what temperature will it freeze? It depends.  

While pipes themselves don’t freeze, the water inside of them does when the area around the plumbing reaches the freezing point. Even if the temperature outside is 32 degrees, pipes underground, for instance, may not be unless it’s lower than 32 outside.

Each case varies, but the Building Research Council at the University of Illinois defines the “temperature alert threshold” as 20 degrees for uninsulated pipes, particularly for Southern states that would experience sudden dips in temperatures throughout the winter.

Read More: Winterizing Tips: 6 Ways to Help Your Customers Prevent Frozen Pipes

PEX pipe will expand and contract to its original shape, but frequent stress on the system will still weaken it, which increases the chances of failure and leaks. To preserve the strength of your pipes, you should use the same standard pipe insulation precautions with PEX to keep it from freezing.

A few tips for preventing frozen PEX pipes: 

  • Keep the room temperature above 55 degrees.
  • Add insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, garages and basements.
  • Drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes.
  • Shut off the water to outside hose bibbs (spigots) and drain the pipes.
  • Install frost-free sillcocks. 

Key Takeaways

  1. All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions.
  2. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.
  3. To ensure your PEX lasts through extreme weather, insulate your pipes or use our other tips to keep your pipes at an appropriate temperature.   

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