If not, everyone knows if the city plans to legalize soon. It is best to call your local jurisdiction. I`m in suburban Chicago and it was legal when I called the inspector, but he said they would make it illegal soon. That was 6 months ago and I`m not sure they have done it yet. He tried to push me away from Pex, even though I could have done it legally. It`s 2017 and I`m curious if PEX pipes are still legal for kitchens/bathrooms in Chicago. Codes change regularly, it would be best to call the Chicago Code Authority before each installation to check if pex is acceptable for your project. AFAIK, Chicago is still draconian: the utility lines are all copper. PVC is allowed above ground for drainage in single-family homes and small apartment buildings.
Call the city if you want to be safe. I have a friend who gets involved in city politics and says there are rumors about relaxing this area of code, but I wouldn`t hold my breath. The Department of Buildings (DOB) is pleased to announce that its successful alternative sanitation materials pilot program will be extended until September 1, 2021, while the DOB continues to work with stakeholders and the City Council to make the program permanent. The DOB launched the pilot program in October 2017 to collect information on the cost and performance of alternative sanitation materials. To date, the pilot program has saved builders and small developers tens of millions of dollars working on projects in Chicago. The pilot program applies to the construction of new residential buildings up to 4 storeys and existing residential and non-residential buildings up to 4 storeys in height. Applicants may request permission to use any material approved under the Illinois Plumbing Code for drainage, garbage and ventilation pipes inside buildings and within 5 feet of the building`s foundation. The construction of two apartments in Chicago is being renovated by me. It`s true? I don`t have a cold shower while my tenant downstairs washes dishes, but Chicago doesn`t allow PEX as a water supply line. It is not considered a code-approved facility. Yes, I`ve heard of a suburb trying to make nothing but copper out of it, which sounds ridiculous.
It seems to me that someone who is dragging portfolios is trying to obfuscate other technologies. PEX is so easy to use and less labor demanding and they are probably afraid of losing sales. This has been listed in the category of acceptable materials. I`ll call as suggested to find out. I read the city code that says distribution lines can be polyethylene pipe as well as CPVC, copper or copper alloy. More information on the Alternative Sanitation Materials pilot program, including eligible projects and specific requirements, as well as application forms, is available on the Alternative Code Approval Date of Birth website.