Fast Plumbing Answers: Can You Bury PEX?

Wondering if those PEX water lines can go underground? The short answer: almost always yes. PEX is a highly durable and flexible material, making it suitable for burial almost anywhere.

So where can and can’t you use PEX? What are the advantages of using PEX? Do you need to call a plumber? And do temperature changes create issues for PEX use in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex?

We’ll answer all your questions about PEX line installation in 2 minutes or less.

We’re Mother, a Dallas-Fort Worth plumbing company that provides dependable, hassle-free modern plumbing for homeowners who value quality. If you need proper gas line installation and sizing advice, we’re here to provide you long-term plumbing solutions that last. 

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Here’s Why DFW Homeowners Worry About Burying PEX

Many Dallas-Fort Worth homeowners have questions about the longevity and safety of buried water and sewer lines. These questions are driven by extreme changes in temperature — from 100°F summer months to increased freezing events.

PEX is used extensively indoors. This creates concerns about its performance underground. Will it withstand the soil? What happens during a Texas freeze? These are valid questions driving the need for clarity on burying PEX. 

Our Marketing Manager Matthew Silkwood frequently gets PEX-related questions from DFW residents.

"They see examples of PEX lines being buried,” Matthew says. “And they ask, ‘is that allowed? I just see PEX in my house.’”

PEX Is a Great Solution for Most Underground Water Lines

Good news: Burying PEX lines isn’t just allowed, it’s a practical and reliable solution in DFW. We spoke to our Responsible Master Plumber, Steven Smith, about the benefits of outdoor PEX line installation.

“PEX is the most durable piping material that we know of at present,” Steven states. “So you can put it anywhere, in the walls, in the attic, underground."

This durability makes PEX an excellent choice for lots of underground applications:

• Home irrigation systems
• Outdoor water supplies
• Main water lines 

Why PEX isn’t ideal for your residential sewer line

However, we do not recommend PEX for sewer lines.

PEX is designed for pressurized water distribution. Sewer lines are gravity-fed systems that carry waste and require different characteristics in their piping. 

Also, PEX fittings and connections aren’t right-sized for the larger diameters and stress levels of sewer pipes. 

Our expert plumbers recommend PVC as a better material for your residential sewer system.

Flexibility: The Best Benefit of PEX Water Line Replacement

The main benefit of using PEX offers for underground water line use in North Texas is its flexibility. Rigid copper pipes tend to burst during freezing events, when ice expands inside your water line.

“The good thing about PEX is it's actually a little pliable,” Steven explains. “So if it does freeze, it'll expand and then go back down to size after it thaws out. It won't explode and bust like copper does,"

PEX’s pliable nature creates a buffer against freeze damage — a great attribute to have as we see more and more winter freezes in DFW.

Proper PEX installation is crucial to avoid water line repairs

While PEX is durable, proper installation is key when burying it. Expansive clay soil, invasive tree roots and existing irrigation lines can all damage your new underground pipes.

Professional expertise is crucial to PEX installation — even for short runs to your garden or lawn irrigation system. Incorrect burial depth and inadequate protection from punctures are frequent causes of residential water line repairs. 

Call Mother for expert PEX line installation — we’ve installed thousands of water lines in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We’ll do the job right the first time, and you won’t worry about water line damage.

Actionable Steps: Here’s What to Do Next

Here’s what to expect when you call Mother Modern Plumbing for your underground PEX needs:

• Expert Assessment: Our experienced plumbers will evaluate your specific site conditions, soil type, and project requirements to determine the best approach.
• Local Expertise: We adhere to all local plumbing codes and manufacturer recommendations. Our plumbers know how to safely install PEX in your backyard’s shifting clay soil.
• Proper Installation: We ensure correct burial depth to prevent freezing, use appropriate backfill materials and protection methods to ensure safe and reliable PEX installation.
• Quality Materials: We use high-quality PEX tubing and fittings designed for long-term underground use.
• Peace of Mind: Rest assured that your buried PEX lines are installed correctly and will provide years of reliable service.

Ready to bury your worries about PEX water line replacement? Whether you have questions about burying PEX or need professional installation services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call Mother Modern Plumbing today for fast and reliable answers.

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