Modern PEX
Modern PEX | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Sewanee
When vintage Sewanee charm collides with aging copper or galvanized lines, HEP steps in with modern PEX plumbing that restores confidence in every turn of the tap. Flexible PEX pipes snake through tight crawlspaces without joints that can corrode, resist freeze-thaw cycles, and deliver consistent pressure, all while cutting installation time in half. The result? Less drywall demolition, fewer callbacks, and water that tastes as fresh as the mountain air.
Our licensed technicians treat pipe upgrades as a chance to future-proof your home, arriving on time with shoe covers and a plan that’s as tidy as it is transparent. From the first pressure test to the final walkthrough, you’ll enjoy clear pricing, a workmanship guarantee, and friendly pros who clean up so thoroughly you’ll hardly know we were there—except for the silent, leak-free confidence running behind the walls. Call today and feel the difference every time you shower, cook, or water the garden.
FAQs
What advantages does upgrading to PEX plumbing offer for homes in Sewanee?
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is flexible, resistant to corrosion, and less likely to burst in cold mountain temperatures. Because it comes in long rolls, it needs fewer fittings, which lowers the chance of hidden leaks. Installation is faster than with rigid copper or galvanized pipe, so labor costs drop and walls, floors, and historic finishes common in Sewanee homes are preserved. PEX also dampens water-hammer noise and is rated for 25-plus years of service, giving you a modern, worry-free supply system.
How does PEX compare with copper or CPVC in durability and cost?
PEX is immune to the pinhole corrosion and scale buildup that can plague copper in areas with varying water chemistry. It expands rather than cracks if water freezes, a benefit in Sewanee’s winter lows. CPVC is rigid and prone to becoming brittle over time; PEX remains flexible and impact-resistant. Material costs for PEX are usually 30–40 % lower than copper, and quicker installation typically saves an additional 20–30 % on labor, making the total project price significantly more affordable without sacrificing longevity.
Will a PEX repipe require tearing out all of my walls and ceilings?
No. Because PEX can bend around corners and snake through existing cavities, we can often fish the tubing through small access holes, minimizing demolition. In most Sewanee homes, only a few 6-inch drywall patches are needed at fixture tie-ins or where manifolds are mounted. We protect floors, furniture, and finishes, and all access holes are professionally repaired, textured, and painted after pressure-testing the new lines, leaving your home looking untouched.
Is PEX approved for drinking water and does it meet Tennessee building codes?
Yes. All PEX we install carries NSF/ANSI 61 certification for potable water and is stamped with ASTM F876/F877 compliance. The 2018 International Residential Code, adopted by the State of Tennessee and Franklin County, expressly permits PEX for water distribution. We secure the required permits from the county building department, and every project is inspected by a local official before completion, ensuring full code compliance and peace of mind.
How long does a whole-house PEX upgrade take and what does it typically cost in Sewanee?
A 2-bathroom, 1,800-square-foot home usually takes 2–3 days of on-site work: one day to run the new PEX lines, a half-day for pressure testing and inspection, and another half-day for drywall repair and cleanup. Larger or multi-story homes may require up to a week. Costs in Sewanee generally run $4,000–$9,000 depending on square footage, number of fixtures, and accessibility. After a free in-home assessment, we provide a fixed written estimate so there are no surprises.
Can PEX handle Sewanee’s cold winters without freezing or bursting?
Yes. PEX can safely expand up to three times its diameter, so if water inside freezes it is far less likely to burst than copper or PVC. During installation we still follow best practices—running lines through conditioned spaces when possible, using insulation sleeves in unheated crawlspaces, and maintaining proper slope and support—to reduce the chance of freeze events altogether. Many Sewanee homeowners find that replacing copper with PEX virtually eliminates wintertime pipe failures.