Most homeowners never think about what’s running under their slab until it’s too late. PEX water lines are often buried directly in concrete. That sounds fine at first until one of those lines springs a leak. At that point, your plumber’s only option is to bring in a jackhammer, tear up your foundation, and make an expensive, messy repair.
Luckily, there’s a smarter way to do it.
The Problem With PEX
PEX has become the standard in new homes because it’s flexible, affordable, and easy to work with. But when it’s buried directly in the concrete, it has no protection. A kink, a weak spot, or a failure years down the road can lead to a nightmare repair scenario.
Imagine having to break up your kitchen floor just to replace a water line. That’s not something you want to deal with as a homeowner.
Fix It With PEX Conduit
Instead of pouring concrete directly over the PEX, ask your builder to install grey electrical conduit in the slab. The PEX is then run through the conduit and if there’s ever a problem, your plumber can simply pull the damaged line out and thread a new one through the conduit. No jackhammers, no busted floors, and no massive repair bills.
Grey electrical conduit is not the same as regular PVC. It’s designed to make pulls easier, and it allows you to use large sweep 90s on corners. These gentle curves keep the PEX from snagging or getting stuck, which means future replacements are smooth and hassle-free.
Save Yourself Thousands
The cost to add conduit before the foundation is poured is minimal. But the value? It’s enormous. You’re protecting your water lines, saving yourself thousands in potential repairs, and making your plumber’s life a whole lot easier. In fact, they might just thank you in a big way.
Ask for PEX conduit before the pour. It’s one of those simple upgrades that most homeowners don’t know to request, but it can make a world of difference down the road. Protect your investment, make replacements easy, and avoid the jackhammer nightmare. Your plumber will think you’re brilliant for bringing it up.
Plan Ahead With This Checklist
This is one of those small details that makes a huge difference. And it is exactly why I created the Ultimate Home Building Checklist. It helps you plan ahead, avoid costly oversights, and catch things like this before construction starts. The checklist will save you time, money, and stress so your home turns out the way you actually imagined it.
