Is Pex the New Poly(beutylene)? 🫣

PEX Plumbing & Insurance: What Realtors and Homeowners Need to Know!

One of the New Changes on the Citizens 4 Point Report, effective March, 2025 is the “date of install” if “PEX piping” is present in your home. While popular and widely used, not all PEX is viewed equally—especially by insurance companies in Florida.

Let’s break down what to watch for, who insures it, and how to identify the problematic types.

⚠️ What Is PEX and Why Does It Raise Concerns?

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is flexible plastic piping used in water supply systems. It’s generally considered safe when installed properly—but some older systems and fittings were linked to premature failure and class action lawsuits.

🚨 Problematic PEX Types (and How to Spot Them)

Problem Type	Manufacturer	Years of Concern	Issues
Zurn PEX with F1807 Brass Fittings	Zurn	1996–2010	Dezincification (fittings corrode, leak)
NIBCO PEX Tubing & Clamps	NIBCO	2005–2012	Cracking, leaking due to material defects
PEX-AL-PEX (Aluminum core)	Various	1990s–early 2000s	Not code-approved in many areas; prone to failure
Yellow Brass Fittings (various brands)	Multiple	Before 2011	Dezincification & stress cracking

🔍 How to Identify These in the Field

• Look at the tubing itself – Most PEX is color-coded:
  • Red = Hot, Blue = Cold, White = Either
  • PEX-A, PEX-B, or PEX-C should be printed along the pipe
• Check for manufacturer stamps – Look for names like:
  • Zurn, NIBCO, Uponor, Viega
• Inspect the fittings:
  • Yellowish brass = red flag (likely older, high-zinc alloy)
  • Polymer or red brass = better
• Look for manifold systems – Clean, centralized PEX manifolds often indicate newer, professional installs

🛡️ Insurance Company Positions on PEX (Florida) –

Note: Always check with said insurers for most current underwriting guidelines.

✅ Commonly Accept PEX

• State Farm
• Universal P&C
• Florida Peninsula
• TypTap (Progressive)
• SafePoint

📌 Most of these insurers accept PEX if it’s modern, installed post-2011, and shows no signs of defect.

⚠️ Accept PEX With Conditions

• Citizens
• Heritage
• Slide
• Kin
• Security First
• American Integrity

These carriers may require:

• Proof of Date of Install
• Proof it’s not polybutylene
• Confirmation of installation date (preferably after 2010)
• No yellow brass fittings
• A clean 4-point inspection or a licensed plumber’s sign-off

❌ May Decline Homes with PEX of a Certain Age or Set-Up

• Tower Hill
• People’s Trust
• United Property & Casualty (UPC)

🧰 How HomeStar Inspections Helps You Close with Confidence

We do more than identify the plumbing type—we provide context that helps underwriters say yes:

• PEX labeled clearly with photos
• Notes on piping material, fittings, and condition
• Installation year (when available)
• Inspector’s assessment of system integrity

💡 Final Thoughts

PEX isn’t a deal killer—unless it’s undocumented, defective, or otherwise misunderstood. With the right inspection and reporting, most homes with modern PEX are fully insurable. But when you’re dealing with older systems or questionable fittings, knowledge is your best tool.