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Yes, you can technically use a utility knife or straight blade to cut through PEX pipe. However, this isn't an ideal method simply because you won't get the same clean cut that you'll get with a pipe cutter. A utility knife will likely create angles that weaken your push connections. If you use a utility knife, score the pipe with the knife along your marked line several times before making your final cut.

The cost to unclog a drain varies based on the location and severity of the clog. For simple clogs within your home, such as in a sink, toilet, or shower, hiring a plumber typically costs between $110 and $350, with an average of around $200. Snaking a toilet or sink usually costs between $110 and $275, while a bathtub or shower clog costs about $225.

For a more serious clog in the main sewer line, the cost is higher. Clearing a main line clog generally costs between $200 and $600, with an average of about $380. However, prices can range from as low as $100 for snaking a minor clog to over $1,600, particularly if advanced methods like video inspection and hydrojetting are needed for a large or hard-to-reach blockage. Some severe main line clogs can cost upwards of $1,000 to clear depending on factors like the cause of the clog, its distance from an accessible cleanout, and whether the pipe is located beneath an occupied space (e.g., in an apartment building). You may be able to save money on minor clogs by using a drain snake or bladder yourself.

Showers frequently experience leaks, most commonly originating from either the faucet or a malfunctioning shower drain. Detecting a leaky faucet is straightforward—listen for the constant sound of dripping water, even after you believe you've fully closed the faucet. In the case of a shower drain issue, it is often characterized by water seeping from the base, usually caused by a deteriorated seal between the shower wall and the shower tray.

The lifespan of bathroom pipes is between 20 and 100 years. This is a wide range, so to narrow it down, it helps to know which type of material your pipes are made from. Copper and cast iron have the longest lifespan—between 50 and 100 years—while other materials, such as galvanized steel and brass, last for 50 years or less.