[PexNovice12]

Hello,

First time homeowner, and very green with all things plumbing. We had some plumbing work done about a month ago to replace some pinhole patched copper piping and shoddy supply pipes as a proactive measure. AquaPex Pex-A was used for some of the supply piping along the basement ceiling. This was done about a month ago.

I've noticed a few things with the piping that are curious to me, and was hoping to get some additional opinions on them. These seem to be occurring on the hot water supply lines:

1) One stretch of the Pex has what I can best describe as a long, thin, raised bump on the exterior. It almost feels like a scratch. It runs half the length of one side, and then seems to run the length of the other half on the other side. See pics below. Is this likely to be a defect in the piping? As of yet, there is no leaking.

2) Much of the Pex is staining yellow, or flat-out turning yellow. I've heard mixed opinions on this. Is this likely to be damaging the piping? Caused by hard water? We had out water heater flushed last March and was going to do it again come Spring, should we even wait that long?

3) The hot water supply line sags and is quite wavy. I understand Pex will contract and expand, but the sagging is very noticeable. It's about three inches down from the ceiling. Plumber offered to add additional support if necessary. Is this much sagging normal from Pex?

Pics below... TIA for any insight for this newb!

 

[eholmes77]

Regarding the sagging, pex can bend and sag every which way without affecting how it does its job. If it's not secured enough it can move around and make noise or chafe when the water turns on and it moves a little. Pretty easy just to tack it up a few more places.

 

[ktownskier]

Frankly, (Or Shirley if you prefer) I don't see the bump or ridge or you describe in #1. Unless it is truly bulging, I wouldn't worry about it. The pressures needed to create an actual bulge in PEX are in the several hundreds of pounds and you really can't get that in household water without creating other problems first.

As for the yellow color, again, I can't see it, but that could be a monitor issue. But, again, I wouldn't worry about it. It could be an issue with that darn CFL lightbulb you have.

As for the rest of it, take up the PEX, using PEX approved hangers. They will allow it to expand and contract.

 

[PexNovice12]

Thank you both. The scratch like thing is my main concern. It's difficult for me to tell if that section of pipe is truly scratched up or what is happening. Its exterior is not at all smooth like the other Pex sections are.

It's only visible in the first pic posted..the darkened line is scratched up and runs the length of the pipe (you're correct, lighting situation not optimal there!!).

In general, is it possible for a section of Pex to develop a scratch like that after installation? It's not rubbing against anything in that stretch, and, unless I'm completely bonkers, it was not there when first installed. As mentioned, pressure concerns aren't the issue.

Might be a little paranoia...I'm a bit overwhelmed with all things homeownership and am especially leery with all things involving water.

Thanks again.

 

[Chris130]

You have Uponor PEX, which is very good stuff. It's an overall softer PEX (PEX-A) than the PEX at you can buy off the shelf at big-box stores (usually PEX-B), but many folks consider Uponor to be the best PEX out there - it's definitely quality stuff.

Being a bit softer than the more common PEX-B, I've noticed it can be more prone to surface scratches & dings, but unless it's a significantly deep gouge, no worries at all.

I don't have any white Uponor stuff, so I don't know about its yellowing tendencies, but I wouldn't worry about it - I'd be very surprised if it gets bad.

Since it's softer, it could probably use more support for a ceiling run versus the stiffer PEX-B (especially if hot water)... No big deal, as others have said, just pop up a couple/few more supports.

 

[PexNovice12]

You have Uponor PEX, which is very good stuff. It's an overall softer PEX (PEX-A) than the PEX at you can buy off the shelf at big-box stores (usually PEX-B), but many folks consider Uponor to be the best PEX out there - it's definitely quality stuff.

Being a bit softer than the more common PEX-B, I've noticed it can be more prone to surface scratches & dings, but unless it's a significantly deep gouge, no worries at all.

I don't have any white Uponor stuff, so I don't know about its yellowing tendencies, but I wouldn't worry about it - I'd be very surprised if it gets bad.

Since it's softer, it could probably use more support for a ceiling run versus the stiffer PEX-B (especially if hot water)... No big deal, as others have said, just pop up a couple/few more supports.

Thank you so much for the great info! I guess I'm just being a worry wart. I'll definitely toss a couple more supports up there as well.

 

[rjniles]

Need to say the terms PEX-A and PEX-B have nothing to with with quality. They are different manufacturing processes. Some people think the Uponor connection system is superior to the various crimp/cinch systems but it is a matter of preference.

 

[fireguy]

the first post was oblitered by the ad.