How do you handle leaky pipes and clogged drains at home?

PEX has been a game changer in a lot of my projects. Costs less labor-wise, and you don’t have to worry about corrosion like with galvanized. Only thing - watch out for rodents, they’ll chew through it if you’ve got that problem. Otherwise, it’s held up well for me.

Only thing - watch out for rodents, they’ll chew through it if you’ve got that problem.

- PEX is a lifesaver for me too, but yeah, the rodent thing is real. Had a squirrel in the attic once who thought my water lines were a snack bar. Ended up with a surprise indoor waterfall.
- Labor savings are huge, and I love not having to deal with rusty water or those weird mineral chunks you get from old galvanized.
- One thing I’m curious about - anyone tried the “eco” versions of PEX or alternative piping? I keep hearing about recycled-content pipes, but not sure if they’re as durable.
- For clogs, I’m all about the enzyme drain cleaners. Less harsh than the chemical stuff, and my pipes seem happier (plus, less guilt about dumping toxins down the drain).
- Anyone else run into issues with PEX and hot water lines getting a little too flexible? I’ve had a couple spots where it sagged more than I’d like.

What’s everyone’s go-to for keeping pipes rodent-proof? I’ve tried steel wool and spray foam, but those little guys are persistent...

I get the appeal of enzyme cleaners, but honestly, I’ve had mixed results with them. Maybe my old pipes are just stubborn, but sometimes they don’t cut through the gunk as well as the classic chemical stuff (even if it’s not as eco-friendly). As for rodents, I tried steel wool too, but it rusted out after a year. Ended up using hardware cloth - way tougher, and they haven’t chewed through it yet. On the PEX sagging, I started adding a few more hangers on the hot lines, especially in the attic where it gets toasty. Seems to help with the droopiness.

I’ve had similar luck with enzyme cleaners, honestly. They sound great in theory, but my 1920s drains just laugh at them most days. I still keep a bottle under the sink for minor stuff, but when things get really clogged, it’s back to the old-school snake for me. Haven’t found anything that works better on ancient cast iron.

On the rodent front, I hear you about steel wool.

“I tried steel wool too, but it rusted out after a year. Ended up using hardware cloth - way tougher, and they haven’t chewed through it yet.”

PEX sagging is an issue in my attic too. Added extra supports last winter after noticing the lines drooping near the eaves. Not perfect, but better than before. Sometimes I wonder if these “modern” fixes are really any easier than just sweating copper...

Yeah, the old drains don’t mess around. I keep coming back to the snake too - nothing else really gets through the gunk in these ancient pipes. Copper mesh has been my go-to for mice after steel wool failed. The little guys just don’t quit. PEX is convenient but honestly, I miss the reliability of copper sometimes... at least you know what you’re dealing with.