Replacing burst copper pipe

Marlay

Hi, its been suggested to me that I should look at replacing a copper pipe that burst over the winter with Qualpex (?). The pipe runs down behind the plasterboard in the kitchen against the exterior wall. The only insulation was between the pipe and the plasterboard, so the copper pipe was uninsulated against the exterior wall. Would replacing the copper add much protection? I've read some of the previous posts and opinion seems divided on the best type of pipe to use. The house is about 13 years old, so the copper should be OK. I'm guessing correct insulation would be best, regardless of the type of pipe?

Thanks.

Stratus

The reason that would have been suggested is that the plastic pipe will expand when the ice forms in it as appose to the copper that will more often split , on the order hand the copper pipe should be insulated saying that I have had to replace pipes this winter that where properly insulated and where covered with attic insulation as well so the normal pipe insulation sold just wasn’t up the task this winter cuz of the exceptionally low temps

Buford T Justice

Like above, even insulated pipes will still freeze.

Anyway, there would be a certain extra amount of give in a pex pipe than copper, so its unlikely it would burst at the same time as copper.

However, pex pipes have a tendency to push the pipe out of the fittings instead, when the water freezes so that's something to bear in mind.

Billy Bunting

Pex is great in a frost enviroment but i would use compression fittings rather than pex fittings, they don't seem to like frost quite as well as the pipe and i've changed bundles of them that crack along there seem.

Glynn1972

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