Is PEX tubing reliable?
Myth: PEX Tubing is not reliable. Fact: PEX has been extensively used in Europe and USA, giving it a 50 year track record of strong performance and reliability. Rapid growth of PEX installations in the US over the past 2 decades serves as an indicator that the product is becoming widely accepted by home owners and contractors alike.
What are the advantages of PEX?
For one, PEX is flexible, so it can bend with each change in direction. This reduces the number of required connections, making installations faster and easier — and lessens the chance of potential leak points.
Is PEX more durable than copper?
In short, PEX is more durable and provides longer system longevity with less time and material invested in the installation. The bottom line: PEX is more durable than copper, and it lasts longer. What do I want to achieve with my installations?
How long has PEX been used?
Fact: PEX has been extensively used in Europe and USA, giving it a 50 year track record of strong performance and reliability. Rapid growth of PEX installations in the US over the past 2 decades serves as an indicator that the product is becoming widely accepted by home owners and contractors alike.
What are the disadvantages of PEX?
PEX Plumbing DisadvantagesPEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. ... PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. ... PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. ... PEX can't be installed in high heat areas. ... PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.
Are PEX connections reliable?
Most PEX pipes are reliable pipes. However, one brand in particular has routinely failed – Dura PEX piping, manufactured by CPI (bought out by NIBCO). Dura Pex (by CPI) is prone to cracking and probably has already caused you a lot of headaches (and bills for pipe fixes).
How long will PEX last?
30 to 50 yearsBenefits of Copper Pipes While you can expect PEX to last for 30 to 50 years, copper piping will outdo it by about two decades, with a typical lifespan of 50 to 70 years. Copper is a more durable option that isn't susceptible to rodents or sunlight. These pipes can easily handle water pressure of up to 1,000 psi.
What is the problem with PEX plumbing?
PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.
Do mice eat PEX tubing?
The Problem Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home's PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.
What causes PEX fittings to leak?
The leaching of zinc also makes the fittings weaker, resulting in dezincification. In PEX pipes, the zinc build-up can cause your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to clog. It also causes fittings to crack or break, leaking water within your walls or underneath your house.
Does PEX leak over time?
PEX PIPING IS NOT Leak Resistant It's lack of required fittings and flexible nature allow for quicker installs than traditional rigid pipe systems. This seemingly quick and flexible installation does have its downfalls.
Does PEX get brittle over time?
Like most other plastics, PEX will become brittle if exposed to sunlight for too long and may crack under pressure. Typical exposure limit is ~30 days.
Should I replace copper pipes with PEX?
Coupled with low production and shipping costs, the savings resulting from installing PEX instead of copper pipes can be significant. Better Energy Efficiency – PEX has a lower thermal conductivity rate than copper. As a result, PEX pipes can help keep hot water hotter for longer periods of time.
Will PEX last 100 years?
Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.
Should I use PEX or copper?
While PEX pipes are easier to install, cheaper, and more flexible, copper pipes are sturdier and tend to have a longer lifespan. PEX pipes are best used indoors since they degrade quickly under intense sunlight, but it's an excellent choice if you're looking to minimize leaks and energy consumption.
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes. A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time.
How long does PEX tubing last?
Fact: The life span of PEX tubing can vary based on frequency of use, water quality and water temperature and has an average life expectancy of 40-50 years.
When was PEX tubing invented?
Fact: PEX Tubing was developed and first used in Europe in the 1960’s. This product entered US market 30 years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since. During these years, tubing has been installed in millions of houses, commercial and industrial buildings, and has been sufficiently tested by many years of continuous use. ...
Is PEX tubing allowed in all 50 states?
Fact: In 2010, California became the last state to approve the use of PEX tubing. Today, PEX tubing is allowed to be installed within all 50 states. It is recommended to contact local municipality prior to installation, since installation guidelines and codes may vary.
Is PEX tubing reliable?
Myth: PEX Tubing is not reliable. Fact: PEX has been extensively used in Europe and USA, giving it a 50 year track record of strong performance and reliability. Rapid growth of PEX installations in the US over the past 2 decades serves as an indicator that the product is becoming widely accepted by home owners and contractors alike.
Is PEX tubing expensive?
Myth : PEX tubing is expensive. Fact: With today’s high copper prices, the cost of PEX tubing amounts to less than 10% of the cost of copper. Using PEX tubing comes out to be less expensive even after taking into consideration the fact that more tubing is needed when laying a radiant heating floor pattern.
Is PEX tubing hard to install?
Myth: PEX Tubing is hard to install. Fact: In comparison to installing other pipe materials, such as copper, installation of PEX does not require sweat connections and can often be installed without hiring a professional plumber or HVAC technician.
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.
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.
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 is PEX plastic so sensitive?
PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. Some pest control companies argue against installing PEX because it’s so susceptible to pest damage. Since PEX is plastic, it’s more sensitive than copper and other metal pipes. Mice can chew right through the pipe, causing major problems.
What is PEX pipe?
PEX plumbing is cross-linked polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. PEX tubing or piping is used for water supply lines as well as radiant floor heating. There’s been a lot of debate over PEX for the last several years because PEX has a few downsides that you might not expect. Here are some of the PEX pipe problems you’ll want ...
Does PEX leach BPA?
PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. There are 3 types of PEX (A, B, and C), but type B is the only one that doesn’ t appear to have the leaching problem. The research is still incomplete on this matter, but if you want to use PEX, you may want to choose type B.
Can you put PEX in high heat?
The thing to keep in mind though, is this is more of a rodent problem than a PEX problem. PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting.
Is PEX antibacterial?
PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe. When it comes to safety, PEX isn’t antibacterial. This is one reason people don’t choose PEX in the PEX vs. copper decision. The plastic material also allows water to enter the tube, which could cause contamination.
PEX Pipe Characteristics
If you’ve ever taken a look at your plumbing system and seen a jumble of colorful pipes, you’ve seen PEX pipes. They come in red, white, blue, and gray, and each color is used differently. Red PEX pipes carry hot water, blue pipes carry cold water, and white and gray can be used for either temperature.
The Pros and Cons of PEX Pipes
There are plenty of reasons why DIYers love working with PEX pipes, including their flexibility. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
How to Use PEX in Your Home
PEX is a unique and easy-to-work-with material that has multiple uses. DIYers should consider using it for all home plumbing projects as well as for radiant heat flooring.
Plumbing
Leaky pipe? With PEX, you may be able to fix that problem without calling in a pro. But if you’re new to DIY or plumbing, hire a local plumber to do the job. If they use PEX pipes to fix the leak, keep a sharp eye on how they work with it. Then, you’ll feel more comfortable DIYing it next time.
Radiant Heat Flooring
If you’re tired of freezing your bare feet on the bathroom tile every morning, consider DIYing your own radiant heated flooring with PEX. Hello, toasty toes.
How to Connect PEX Pipes
There are several ways to connect PEX pipes, with push-fit being the easiest.
Crimp
With this connection method, copper or brass rings enclose the end of two pipes to secure them together. Use a special PEX crimping tool to secure each one into place. This is one of the most common ways to connect PEX pipes.
Why is PEX C so hard to work with?
Because it’s the stiffest version , PEX-C is the most difficult to work with; this stiffness also makes it most prone to kinking, as well as susceptible to cracking when water freezes. These undesirable traits make PEX-C best suited for short repairs where bending around sharp corners isn’t necessary.
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.
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 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).
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 is PEX B?
The PEX-B process utilizes silane chemistry to create the X-links. Unlike peroxide and radiation X-linking processes, silane X-linking chemistry does not involve free radicals and therefore antioxidant stabilizers in the material are not consumed.
Why does PEX pipe fail?
However, PEX also occasionally fails. Because PEX is a highly ductile material and the piping is flexible, it can be installed with bends. However, bends can overstress the PEX and cause it to fail if the bends are too steep. Also, PEX is susceptible to oxidative degradation and embrittlement when exposed to hot chlorinated water, ...
What is the most common plastic used for water piping?
CPVC and PEX are the most common plastics used for potable water piping. These types of piping systems each have their pros and cons. Both occasionally fail, causing extensive water damage to homes.
What is the PEC-C process?
The PEC-C process exposes the PEX to intense electron beam radiation, which consumes a large portion of the antioxidant during the high intensity exposure to radiation . The radiation breaks C-H bonds on the PE backbone to form PE free radicals. PE radicals are highly reactive with each other and with oxygen in the air.
What is PEX water piping?
CPVC and PEX are the most common plastics used for potable water piping. These types of piping systems each have their pros and cons. Both occasionally fail, causing extensive water damage to homes. Some plumbers prefer PEX in new home construction over CPVC because of its flexibility, resistance to failure by freezing, ...
What does the digit 1 mean on PEX tubing?
A digit of “1” indicates the PEX tu bing has a UV resistance of 30 days; a digit of “2” has a UV resistance of 60 days.
What is cross linking in PEX?
There are three types of processes used to X-link HDPE. These three processes are: PEX- A uses a peroxide crosslinking process and consumes a small portion of the antioxidant stabilizer during pipe manufacture.
How much does PEX expand?
Certain types of PEX can even expand up to three times the pipe’s diameter.
How long does PEX pipe last?
ASTM International, a standards organization, requires that the life expectancy for PEX pipe be at least 50 years. (Some PEX manufacturers offer a pipe life expectancy of more than 100 years.) In short, PEX is more durable and provides longer system longevity with less time and material invested in the installation.
How to connect PEX pipe to PEX pipe?
The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows. Slide a crimp ring over the end of the PEX pipe. Insert a fitting, either metal or plastic, into the end of the pipe. Slide the ring into position over a point where the pipe and the fitting overlap.
Why switch to PEX?
For one, PEX is flexible, so it can bend with each change in direction. This reduces the number of required connections, making installations faster and easier — and lessens the chance of potential leak points.
How to make a PEX connection on a square cut pipe?
The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows. Slide the PEX-reinforcing ring over the end of the pipe. Most rings have a stop on the end of it. If not, leave a small space at the end of the ring before starting the connection.
Can you use push to connect with PEX?
Push-to-connect can be used interchangeable with most types of copper tube size pipe, including PEX, copper and CPVC. No special tools are needed to make these connections. Also, the fittings can be easily removed and reused. The bad: If cost drives your decision, steer clear of push-to-connect.
