Q: I'm building a new home and have the option of using PEX piping for my hot and cold water in the house, as opposed to traditional copper. Do you have an opinion about both materials? Have you used ...

· Hard water coats pipes, appliances, and fixtures in a white mineral scale. Over time, this makes your home’s water system less efficient. · A modern water softener stops the damage at the source. · ...

Learn about PEX pipe and fittings and their uses in your home in this first part of the Plumbing for Homeowners series.

Q: I need to install some new water-supply lines in my home. I currently have copper. I’m intrigued by the plastic PEX material, but it seems too good to be true. Using PEX, I would only have a joint ...

The hands-on homesteaders at Mason Dixon Acres streamline their plumbing system by installing a PEX manifold for efficient water distribution.

Q. I have to install new water supply lines in my home. My current home has copper water supply lines. I’m intrigued by the plastic PEX material, but it seems too good to be true. Using PEX, I’d only ...

Ashlyn is one of Forbes Home's in-house writers and a former civil engineer-turned content writer with over six years experience. Until recently, Ashlyn focused on creating content for Forbes Home as ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The typical cost to install a water softener ranges from $200 to $6,000, with a national average of $1,500. The water softener ...