PEX piping question for plumbers

So, regarding the UV stability, if we have PEX low point drains or any under carriage lines, should they be protected somehow?

Chris Bryant wrote:
..I have found PEX is not at all good with UV...

PEX is big up here in the frozen Tundra. Easy to work with, cheaper then copper, and takes one heck of a freeze. PEX comes out and says it is not UV stable. If you have to have it outside then at least cover it with paint.

Yeah- never say never. I have found PEX is not at all good with UV- had a bunch of stubs sticking out underneath trailer get brittle and snap off.

Just goes to show, never say "never."

Chris Bryant wrote:
PEX pipe will not crack, fittings will.

Until today, I agreed. I have a 2 inch piece of Pex on a customers motorhome that burst from freezing just like copper tubing. Split right in the middle about 3/4 inch long. Doug

RJsfishin wrote:
Your story is sure different than plummers I've talked to
In fact there are those that will guarantee pex to never split from freezing.

nomad297 wrote:
I am a plumber. PEX pipe does split from freezing. The fittings also split. As with copper, just because it freezes, it won't necessarily split, but sometimes it will. It all depends on the circumstances.

Bruce

As they say never say never.

Pex is rated to -60f is what I've been told. As others have stated the fittings are not.

Your story is sure different than plummers I've talked to
In fact there are those that will guarantee pex to never split from freezing.

nomad297 wrote:
I am a plumber. PEX pipe does split from freezing. The fittings also split. As with copper, just because it freezes, it won't necessarily split, but sometimes it will. It all depends on the circumstances.

Bruce

I am a plumber. PEX pipe does split from freezing. The fittings also split. As with copper, just because it freezes, it won't necessarily split, but sometimes it will. It all depends on the circumstances.

Bruce

Chris Bryant wrote:
PEX pipe will not crack, fittings will.

I always thought PEX was more resistant than immune.
Sounds like keeping fittings away from low points would be a priority.

ScottG wrote:

Chris Bryant wrote:
PEX pipe will not crack, fittings will.

That says it all!

FWIW, there is one method of connecting PEX that doesn't even use clamps. They have a tool that stretches it enough to slide over a fitting and uses the "PEX memory" to shrink it back down for a water tight connection.