One of the biggest challenges facing winter is making sure their pipes don't freeze and burst, causing headaches and unnecessary damage at a particularly busy time of year. This is because flexible pipes are more likely to perform better in freezing conditions than rigid pipes. Therefore, copper, PVC, and CPVC are more likely to burst than PEX if water freezes in them. IFAN is studying how PEX performs in cold weather and how it can reduce the stress on ductwork throughout the season.
Why PEX Has an Advantage in Winter
Its chemical structure allows for greater flexibility and pressure capacity. Except for extreme temperatures, the strength of plastic pipes does not change in cold weather. As a result, PEX expands when the pressure is greater, which means it can withstand high-pressure situations, such as water freezing, longer than rigid pipe.
All types of PEX - a, b, and c - also share almost the same functionality. PEX-b produced by IFAN is not only frost resistant but also one of the strongest types of PEX on the market.
Antifreeze does not mean antifreeze
Just because it's more cold-resistant than rigid pipe doesn't mean it won't freeze or crack.
So at what temperature does it freeze? it depends. While the pipe itself does not freeze, when the area around the pipe reaches freezing point, the water inside the pipe will freeze. So even if the outside temperature is 32 degrees, underground pipes etc. may not reach the same temperature unless the outside temperature is lower than 32 degrees.
Ways to Prevent Freezing of PEX Pipe
PEX tubing expands when frozen and shrinks to its original shape when thawed. But constantly stressing the system can weaken it, increasing the chances of failure and leaks. Therefore, to maintain the strength of the pipe, you should use the same standard insulation precautions as with PEX to keep it from freezing.
A few tips to prevent PEX pipe from freezing:
1. Keep room temperature above 55 F.
2. Add insulation to particularly cold places like attics, garages, and basements.
3. Drip faucets to keep water flowing in the pipes.
4. Shut off the water to the external hose spigot (tap) and drain the pipe.
5. Install frost-free sluice gates.
6. Install a water monitor that will alert you when the temperature in the room reaches temperatures where pipes may freeze.