Middle Tennessee experiences 60 to 70 freeze nights annually, with temperatures dropping into the teens during polar vortex events every few years. These conditions create expansion stress in water-filled pipes. Copper's rigidity and high thermal conductivity mean it freezes quickly and has no give when ice forms. A frozen copper pipe often bursts at elbows or tees where stress concentrates. PEX has some expansion tolerance and freezes more slowly due to lower thermal conductivity. While PEX can still burst if water freezes solid, it survives marginal freeze conditions that would rupture copper. Nashville homes with crawl spaces or exterior wall runs benefit from this freeze tolerance, especially in older homes with limited insulation.
Nashville's plumbing code follows the International Plumbing Code with Metro amendments that address local conditions. Both copper and PEX are approved for residential potable water supply when installed by licensed plumbers. Ironwood Plumbing Nashville maintains current knowledge of code updates and inspection requirements specific to Davidson County and surrounding counties. Our installations pass inspection on the first visit because we follow the correct procedures for each material. This local expertise prevents costly callbacks and ensures your plumbing system meets all legal requirements for insurance and resale purposes.
