I am remodeling my bathroom which will include replacing the current tub/shower diverter valve. The current copper pipes are okay, but I made the mistake of reading up on some new technology (well, new to me anyway). That includes using PEX tubing with the shark bite fittings. Sure, I can simply use new copper pipes and fittings then sweat them in place. But, it might be kind of fun to learn something new by using the PEX. The PEX, and shark bite fittings, are guaranteed for decades. Much like the copper pipe. One concern I have is that, once the remodel is done, the water pipes will be behind the wall. If a leak developed then I wouldn't immediately notice it. Then again I wouldn't immediately notice a leak if I used flux/soldered copper fittings either. So, that's not necessarily a deal breaker. Anybody out there have any horror, or success, stories using PEX tubing with the shark bite fittings?

Hi there, Every winter it's the same old story! My pipes in the barn freeze and I have to lug water out from the house. I'm tired of it! We had a frost free installed at one point, but while my darling husband hired a plumber to fix a underground leak, they UN installed it and replaced it w/regular pipe to save money. grrrr.. ANYWAY. I'm not up on the up with the venacular, so bear with me as I explain this. This is just a plain old standing PVC pipe with dual brass spigots on top, coming up from the cement flooring. Cold water only. I have fears of using heat tape on this pVC pipe in the barn. Does anyone know how to keep the water flowing in the cold winter months? And if it DOES freeze despite my best efforts, what's the best way to defrost them so that I can have running water out there? Thanks for any advice ya'all can give!