Rodents and PEX—that’s a legit worry. I had a flip a couple years back where mice chewed right through a run behind the kitchen. Ended up patching with copper just for peace of mind in that stretch. Compression fittings saved me on a Sunday night leak once, but I always wonder about long-term reliability, especially in spots you can’t easily access later. Ever tried those push-fit connectors? I’ve heard mixed things but never used them myself…
Push-fit connectors are a bit of a gamble, honestly. I’ve used them in tight spots where soldering wasn’t an option, but I still don’t totally trust them for long-term stuff behind walls. Copper’s more work upfront, but at least you know what you’re getting. PEX is great until the critters show up…
- Gotta say, I’ve had surprisingly good luck with push-fit connectors, even behind walls. Maybe I’m just lucky, but after pressure testing and checking for leaks a few days later, I’ve never had one fail yet.
- For me, the biggest headache with copper is those old joints that just refuse to sweat properly… I’ve wasted more time redoing those than I’d like to admit.
- PEX is awesome for flexibility, but yeah, mice are the worst. I started running it through conduit in crawlspaces—extra work, but seems to help.
- If it’s a leaky pipe in an easy spot, push-fit all day. Anything hidden or high-pressure, I’ll stick with copper or PEX with crimp rings.
I’m with you on the push-fit connectors for quick fixes, especially if it’s somewhere you can keep an eye on. I’ve had a couple behind drywall for years now—no issues, but I still get a little nervous about it long-term. Those copper sweat joints can be a nightmare if there’s any water left in the pipe, even a drop. I keep a mini shop vac handy just for that. PEX is my go-to in basements, but yeah, mice chewed through a line once and I had a surprise shower in the crawlspace... learned my lesson and started using conduit too. For drains, I keep it simple—zip-it for hair clogs, and if it’s deeper, a small auger. Chemical stuff is my last resort.
I totally get the nerves about push-fit connectors behind drywall—out of sight, out of mind… until it isn’t, right? I’ve started using those little access panels just in case. Curious if you’ve found any eco-friendly alternatives to the chemical drain stuff? I’ve tried baking soda and vinegar with mixed results, but always feel better about not dumping harsh things down the drain. Also, have you ever had any luck deterring mice from PEX without conduit? I’ve heard peppermint oil works, but never tried it myself.
