With winter here, some homeowners are experiencing one of the most hazardous dangers to their home: a frozen or burst pipe.

This is an expensive headache no one wants to endure. While there are several tips you can give to your customers on winter pipe preparedness, why not get to the root of the problem by recommending pipe materials that are better equipped for colder temperatures?

PEX pipe, such as SharkBite PEX-B pipe, has been proven to perform better in freezing conditions than rigid piping like copper, PVC or CPVC. Here’s a look at what makes PEX well suited for winter months, ways to prevent PEX pipe from freezing and how you can benefit from using PEX year-round.

Advantages of PEX Pipe in the Winter

As users of the material know, PEX is short for cross-linked polyethylene, the synthetic material the pipe is made from. The chemical composition of this material allows the structure of the pipe to have more freeze resistance and elasticity under pressure.

PEX will expand if water within the pipe freezes, and it’ll contract to its original shape when it thaws. However, putting frequent stress on the system will weaken it. Next time you’re called out for a repair, recommend transitioning to PEX pipe if it’s not already the pipe in your customer’s plumbing system. This can help them avoid other plumbing issues in the winter.

How to Prevent PEX Pipe from Freezing

Although PEX piping’s freeze resistance may help relieve some of your customers’ stress when cold temperatures arrive, you might also want to share some winterizing tips with them to give them even more peace of mind. Here are a few things you can recommend your customers do to keep pipes in tip-top shape this winter.

• Set indoor heat temperature to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Turn off water to all outside spigots and drain the pipes to prevent freezing.
• For more protection, use a hose bibb cover too.
• If they own a cabin or their residence is unoccupied for a long time, they’ll want to turn off the main water line and drain all faucets to help prevent pipe damage.
• If your customer’s home tends to be colder, they may want to consider a water monitor that tells them when the room temperature gets to a point where the pipes could freeze.

More Benefits of Plumbing with PEX

PEX isn’t a new pipe material. In fact, many plumbers have already chosen it as their preferred pipe type, and not just for its ability to resist freezing.

Here are other reasons to consider choosing PEX for your plumbing installations:

• Based on data seen on PEX pipes, they can last up to 50 years because of their durability and flexibility.
• PEX can often maneuver around corners without the use of elbows or other additional fittings, reducing the number of connection points, lowering material cost and minimizing potential leaks.
• You can install PEX pipe in longer runs with the use of coils that come in lengths up to 1,000 feet.
• It resists scale buildup, which is common in copper pipe.
• It’s corrosion and chlorine resistant and can withstand extreme high and low temperatures.
• It’s compatible with quick-installing plumbing solutions like SharkBite push-to-connect fittings.

Remember the advantages PEX pipe can provide you and your customers. And if you come across a burst pipe, consider transitioning to PEX pipe. It will benefit your customers in the long run and help prevent future pipe damage.

Editor's Note: While PEX pipe can be beneficial, it is not a foolproof winter solution. Take into account how you are going to thaw the line out in the event it does freeze, which could be a considerable expense.

About the Author

Jeff Long is the senior product category manager for rough plumbing at RWC — a manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.