You can use red, white, or grey PEX pipe for connection as red carries the hot water, so the white tube can be used for hot or cold water. Most people prefer white over grey though both have the same use. If you are DIY, then white PEX pipes are preferable to connect with a water heater than the red one.
Can you use red PEX pipe for hot water?
Red PEX pipe carries hot water. Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray).
Can you use blue PEX for cold water?
Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray). Click to see full answer. In this regard, does it matter what color PEX I use?
What do the different colors of PEX pipe mean?
Although there are three types of PEX (see Label Lingo, below), the different colors don’t connote the distinctions; they simply make it easy for the installer to identify which lines carry hot water and which carry cold. Red PEX pipe carries hot water. Blue PEX pipe carries cold water.
Do PEX pipes need insulation?
It just makes sense to spend a few dollars to ensure your hot and cold water PEX pipes are well insulated for energy consumption if no other reason, but with the winters we have been experiencing here in the northeast during the last few years, it pays to do what you can so the pipes don't freeze.
Can white PEX be used for hot water?
Red PEX pipe carries hot water. Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray).
Does PEX pipe color matter?
There are no performance differences between red, white, blue and white PEX and all are intended for use in potable water systems. The colors can be used to easily distinguish between hot and cold distribution lines.
Can you use black PEX for hot water?
20mm X 100m Black Water Pex B Pipe is a single layer pipe suitable for potable, hot and cold general-purpose water systems.
Can you use orange PEX for hot water?
Designed for use on hot and cold potable water lines, Orange PEX tubing is commonly used for radiant floor and hydronic heating applications.
What PEX should I use?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.
Can PEX be used for main water line?
It is important to ensure the PEX pipe you're using for the main pipeline is listed and approved for water service. Be sure to check local code and the markings on the pipe to ensure this approval. Some manufacturers also offer direct connections to the water meter.
What kind of pipe do you use for hot water heater?
CPVC pipes are an ideal choice for hot water plumbing. They are made after adding material that goes through extra chlorination process which gives CPVC higher quality.
Why are PEX pipes different colors?
0:160:53Colors of PEX Tubing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSystems it is available in red blue. And white the colors can help classify water lines such as redMoreSystems it is available in red blue. And white the colors can help classify water lines such as red for hot and blue for cold. However the color of PEX tubing does not change the rating of the tubing.
Do hot water pipes have to be copper?
1:043:18What Pipes Are Suitable For Hot Water Plumbing? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd these can be laid inside walls and brickwork. But because copper is a soft metal it should notMoreAnd these can be laid inside walls and brickwork. But because copper is a soft metal it should not be used underground or anywhere where damage could occur.
What type of PEX is used for radiant heat?
oxygen barrier PEXThe most common type of tubing used for radiant heat applications is the oxygen barrier PEX. The oxygen diffusion barrier coating of this radiant heat PEX prevents the oxygen in the atmosphere from permeating the pipe walls into the water to avoid over-saturation of the water with oxygen.
What is the difference between PEX A and B?
Bottom line, PEX A is more resistant to burst pressure than PEX B. PEX A's expansive material can handle up to 500 PSI, which makes it reliable in extremely cold temperatures. Since PEX B is a more rigid material, it will not hold up as well in similar situations.
Which is better PEX crimp or clamp?
0:171:20Differences Between PEX Crimp Connections and PEX Clamp ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resistMoreAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resist corrosion more effectively than crimp rings.
What type of PEX pipe is used for hot water?
Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray).
What is PEX pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel as water supply lines in both new construction and remodeling projects. You’ve probably seen rolls of blue and red PEX pipe in the plumbing aisle of your local home improvement store, but might not know that this colorful tubing now makes it possible for enthusiastic DIYers to replace their own leaky water lines instead of calling a pro. Read on to learn more about PEX—what it is, where it can be used, and all the pros and cons of this popular plumbing material.
What type of fittings are used for PEX?
Hundreds of types of fittings, usually brass, are available for connecting PEX to existing copper or steel pipes, and for making connections to fixtures. Fittings are also available for connecting pipes of different sizes. The following five methods are used for making the connections watertight. Photo: amazon.com.
What is PEX tubing?
Choose the tubing best suited to your needs: PEX-A is manufactured using peroxide. This type of PEX is the most flexible of the three types and is suitable for use in all home water-supply plumbing needs.
What color is PEX?
Water flows silently through PEX, eliminating the “water hammer” noise associated with metal piping. Color-coding (red and blue) make it simple to distinguish hot and cold supply lines. PEX can be connected to existing metal supply lines with the correct fittings.
What is the advantage of PEX pipe?
PEX has a distinct advantage over these materials because of its flexibility, which allows one end of PEX pipe to connect to a PEX manifold (the main water control system) and then wind through walls and floors—uninterrupted—all the way to an individual fixture.
How long is a PEX pipe?
PEX is available in a variety of lengths, from short 10-foot pieces (for small repairs) to rolls over 500 feet long, which are used to install a home’s entire water supply system. PEX pipe ranges from 3/8- to 1-inch in diameter and its color-coding makes it a snap to identify what a specific pipe is used for. Although there are three types of PEX (see Label Lingo, below), the different colors don’t connote the distinctions; they simply make it easy for the installer to identify which lines carry hot water and which carry cold.
What color PEX pipe is used for hot water?
Red PEX pipe carries hot water. Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray). Click to see full answer. Correspondingly, does it matter what color PEX I use?
When was PEX pipe introduced?
Church, executive director of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association. Uponor Wirsbo said its PEX pipe was introduced in California in 1990 and that the product helps solve problems in areas with aggressive soil conditions that copper pipe cannot solve.
Does the color of PEX change the rating of a tubing?
Click to see full answer. Correspondingly, does it matter what color PEX I use? The color of PEX does not change any of the tubing's ratings. There would be no problem, for example, using blue PEX for hot water lines or red PEX for cold water lines.
What is PEX piping?
PEX piping (shorthand for cross-linked polyethylene) costs less than half the price of copper and installs much faster. And since it’s flexible, PEX makes remodeling jobs easier. PEX has a strong “memory;” it always wants to spring back to its original shape. So working with a coil of PEX is like wrestling with a giant Slinky.
What are the grades of PEX?
For water lines there are three PEX supply grades: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. They’re manufactured differently, PEX-A being slightly more flexible. If you’re ordering online, go ahead and spend a few cents extra for PEX-A. But don’t go running around town looking for it; the difference isn’t that big.
How to eliminate joint in PEX?
In areas that are concealed, like under a kitchen sink or vanity cabinet, you can eliminate a joint by running PEX supply directly to the shutoff valve. Use a drop-ear bend support to hold the tubing in a tight bend (right). There are several types of shutoff valves that connect directly to PEX.
Can you use a stab in tee on PEX fittings?
Some areas don’t allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). You can also use a stab-in tee to connect PEX fittings supply to CPVC.
Is PEX better than CPVC?
First, a PEX doesn’t require glue, which means you don’t have to work in well-ventilated spaces or wear a respirator. PEX is less likely than CPVC to burst if it freezes.
Does PEX corrode copper?
A PEX supply won’t corrode like copper. If you live in an area with acidic water, copper can corrode over time. A PEX supply is unaffected by acidic water and is therefore a better choice in these areas.
Is PEX cheaper than copper?
PEX has several advantages over copper pipes: PEX is cheaper than copper. Half-inch PEX tubing costs about one-third the price of copper. Some of the savings will go towards purchasing a special tool to install the fittings. But if you’re doing a medium-to-large plumbing job, you’ll usually save on PEX over copper.
Why does Pex insulate?
He insulated the cold-water pex wherever he could, probably because it sits in a pressure tank and he was hoping it would stay cold. When you touch the cold and hot copper, you can feel cold and hot which means the heat transfer for copper tubing is efficient. (should insulate) Grab your pex and see what you can feel.
What temperature is good for freezing water pipes?
So if you can get (like this year in Europe) a long term cold spell of -10°c to -20°c - pipe covering insulation (the grey foam type) is well worth it with regards to stopping freezing. Any insulation will prevent heat from transferring out of hot water pipes or into cold water pipes.
How long does cold water stay hot?
The water stays warm in the winter for about an hour. It stays hot for fifteen minutes. Without the insulation the water cooled in five minutes. Yes it is good to insulate the lines, as mentioned before, if the Cold water runs in unconditioned space or your condition space is kept at a higher humidity level.
Does a circuit setter have a hot water return line?
You may want to consider a circuit setter (like Circuit Solver) with a hot water return line so that hot water circulates (does not run to drain). The result will be that hot water is more quickly available. However, the circulation speeds up heat transfer out of the pipe, so insulating is still desirable. Share.
Is it worth it to run new pipes?
It's definitely worth it if you are running new pipes or the existing pipes are easily accessible, but if you have to lift boards etc. to gain access probably not.