City Approves New Plumbing Rules For Homebuilders
El Paso City Council approved new requirements for builders in an effort to avoid thousands of home pipes from bursting, as happened during February’s freeze.
The amendments to the building code require that builders use cross linked polyethylene, also known as PEX, for pipes that connect the water line into houses.
Builders can use PEX or an “approved equal” material.
The amendment also requires that the entrance pipe be within an approved, heated valve protective enclosure, also known as a “hot box.” In other words, pipes will have to be protected from the cold within an enclosed, insulated box.
