How good is PEX plumbing?
Why use PEX?
- For one, PEX is flexible, so it can bend with each change in direction. ...
- The flexibility of PEX also means it can expand and contract to its original size, making it highly resistant to damage from frozen water in the pipes. ...
- PEX also resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup, so there’s never a concern about pinhole leaks or restricted water flow.
Is PEX good for plumbing?
We generally belive that Plumbing PEX Tubing is much better than Copper for most, if not all, plumbing systems. PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install. PEX Tubing is quickly becoming the industry standard.
How do you fix a leaking PEX fitting?
How to Patch a Leaking PEX Connector
- Remove the Broken PEX Connectors. Find the PEX tube that has a problem with the connectors. ...
- Place in the Copper Crimp Ring. Place the ring on one end of one tube and a crimp style adapter into one end of the other. ...
- Check the Connections. ...
- Create the Compression Connections. ...
- Finish the Push-Fit Connection. ...
- Expansion Connections. ...
How reliable is PEX?
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 is bad about PEX plumbing?
PEX plumbing lacks versatility because of its sensitivity to light. PEX cannot be taken anywhere outside the house where it is directly exposed to UV for a long period. The synthetic material of the pipes can slowly disintegrate due to the light of the sun.
What are the disadvantages of using 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.
Is PEX pipe bad for you?
These leakage products consist of residues of additives used during production to give plastic pipes their desired properties, as well as any subsequent breakdown products. The study showed: There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes.
Is PEX plumbing reliable?
Its resistance to freeze damage as well as corrosion, pitting and scaling makes PEX the most durable piping product on the market today. Its flexibility minimizes connections by up to half in certain applications, making it one of the fastest piping installation methods available.
Is PEX or PVC better?
PVC has a predicted lifespan of 50-70 years or more, compared with 40-50 years for PEX. - Lower cost. PVC is less expensive to purchase than PEX, although it usually will cost you more in labor.
What is the best water line to use?
CPVC is suitable for hot water and drinking water, unlike normal PVC. Compared with copper, CPVC pipes are smoother, and they produce less noise when water flows through. CPVC piping is also insulated to prevent energy loss, more flexible than metallic piping, and fire resistant.
What is the life expectancy of PEX tubing?
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
Do mice eat PEX pipe?
The Problem With Pex Tubing 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.
Which is better copper or PEX?
Copper lasts longer than PVC pipes. It's tough to beat copper pipes for longevity, which on average last 50 to 70 years, compared to PEX, which has an expected lifespan of 30 to 50 years.
Which pipe is best for house plumbing?
Copper. Copper pipes are probably the most traditional plumbing pipe used due to their extensive duration and reliability. They provide superior corrosion resistance, great material to be used for hot and cold water, and it can be managed easily.
Is PEX pipe OK for hot water?
Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply.
Should I convert copper to PEX?
If there is nothing wrong with your existing copper piping, there is no need to rip it out and replace it with PEX. However, if you are experiencing leaks or are remodeling a home with plumbing that is over 50 years old, then PEX could be a good option, especially if you are doing the work yourself.
How long does PEX plumbing last?
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
Which is better 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.
Which is better PEX clamp or crimp?
Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.
What type of pipe is not recommended for water line?
PVC. PVC is an acronym that stands for polyvinyl chloride. Of the different types of plastic pipe used for water supply, PVC pipe has a wide variety of plumbing uses but is mostly used for drainage PVC is rarely used in potable water applications, and in many jurisdictions it is not considered safe for drinking.
Why does PEX piping get damaged?
There have been instances of damaged PEX piping following the attempt to exterminate rodents. Rodent poison typically causes dehydration, and the sound of water moving through the piping has been known to cause rodents to chew through the PEX to access the water.
What is PEX pipe?
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) is a flexible plastic (polymer) tubing pipe primarily used in both hot and cold-water distribution plumbing systems. During the past two decades in the United States, PEX has also become a common alternative to copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) for use as potable (drinkable) cold and hot water system piping.
What is the color of PEX piping?
PEX-related lawsuits have involved both the piping itself and the fitting utilized between piping sections. The Kitec® plumbing system manufactured by PEX Inc. and IPEX USA, LLC have been subject to lawsuits. Kitec® piping is typically colored blue for cold water and orange for hot water. Brass pipe fittings used in PEX systems, including those by Uponor, Wirsbo, and Aquapex have been subject to lawsuits due to premature deterioration and leakage.
How long does it take for a PEX pipe to break down?
Most PEX manufacturers allow no more than 60 days of sunlight exposure for normal PEX piping and no more than six months for PEX piping with ultraviolet stabilizers added during manufacturing. Studies have shown a dramatic reduction of chlorine resistance after even one week of direct sun exposure. PEX should not be used in exterior settings or in locations exposed to sunlight.
What to do if you suspect defective PEX fittings?
If you suspect defective PEX or fittings at your property, an experienced consultant should be retained to determine the condition and extent of the deficiencies.
When was PEX piping invented?
PEX piping was invented in the 1950s and refined during the 1960s for use in for radiant floor heating systems. While PEX is generally considered a safe product and accepted by building codes, the materials and components that comprise the system have several vulnerabilities, and several defective fittings and systems produced by various ...
What happens when zinc leaches from a fitting?
This results in blockage within the fitting, reduced water flow, and leaks. When the zinc leaches from the fitting, the resulting copper becomes porous and weak, which leads to fitting leaks and damage.
What is PEX piping?
Permeability. PEX is permeable to oxygen elements and petroleum. If the plumbing is near or inside an acidic soil that contains the permeable elements, the piping gets cracked or corroded faster than expected. Expectedly, crack or corrosion will result in contamination of the water.
Why is my PEX pipe not working?
One of the main problems for a PEX plumbing pipe is condensation from the water vapors. Many people use PEX indoors for the kitchen or bathroom. In such cases, it is unavoidable that the cold-water line remains close to the hot water line.
How does chlorine affect PEX pipes?
Chlorine directly affects the reliability and lifespan of PEX pipes as it erodes the surface and causes leakages. Leakage can cause loss of water pressure as well as contamination of the water sources.
How long does a PEX pipe last?
A PEX pipe lasts approximately 50 years, but only in favorable situations. And it is quite obvious that a whopping 50 years long journey won’t be a smooth one. As a result, PEX doesn’t last that long. The pipe will need cold water to run through it for stability.
Why can bacteria grow in PEX?
Bacteria can grow in PEX plumbing because of the waterproof membrane. Bacterial growth is avoided by the installation of oxygen barriers. It is a compulsory item for the PEX plumbing and is costly. Although the installation is easier, the bending curve is longer, which can lead to a wrong installation. Critics also claim that PEX plumbing material ...
When was PEX last updated?
Last Updated on March 19, 2021. PEX pipes rose to prominence in Europe and then in the United States. In the US, it took the industry by storm. However, have you ever wondered why is it that people are still unsure regarding the utilization of PEX plumbing in their houses?
Why do rodents damage piping?
The rodents or other underground animals can easily damage the piping because of the softness of the material. The cracks or breakage can lead to pollution of the water reserve and the household water.
What is PEX?
PEX plumbing was invented in the late 1950s and has been improved a lot over time. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. This is a type of plastic pipe that is used to deliver hot or cold water. It has been popular in Europe and Asia since the 1990s, but it has only recently become a common fixture in North America.
The Advantages of Using PEX Plumbing
PEX plumbing has some advantages over copper piping, including being less corrosive, cheaper, and easier to install. It is also more flexible as you are working with a central point (manifold) that distributes the water over the house. Copper or steel uses a loop and this can make it harder to expand a plumbing system over time.
The Disadvantages of Using PEX Plumbing: what is wrong with it?
PEX plumbing has some disadvantages that make it not always the best option for your home.
What is PEX plumbing?
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.
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.
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.
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 Plumbing Right for You?
There isn’t a perfect material for water pipes—copper pipes have their own problems, such as installation cost. And while PEX still has a few kinks to work out, millions of U.S. homes rely on it every day.
How much does PEX plumbing cost?
To replumb small areas, it will typically cost $300-1500. To re-plumb your entire home, it may cost over $5000. This is still significantly cheaper than using other piping, though.
What is PEX piping made of?
Traditional piping would be made from copper or a galvanized metal. PEX offers a modern alternative with a material that’s more affordable and much easier to handle.
What is PEX plumbing?
PEX is a practical alternative to traditional plumbing that offers a range of benefits. If you’re a DIY plumber, this is the material you want to be using, and hopefully, this article has given you everything you need to know about PEX.
How to fit PEX pipe?
Once you’ve cut the PEX to the appropriate length and removed the old pipe, you can fit your PEX plumbing. Slide a crimp ring over the end of your PEX pipe, and then use the cinch clamp to tighten the connection. Make sure this is completely sealed before you switch the water back on.
How to attach PEX to PEX tube?
For this method, you need to fit a brass nut over the end of the tube along with a compression ring. You then need to insert a brass pipe into the PEX tube before you attach the PEX to the connection. You then need to tighten the nut over the fitting.
How to bend PEX?
You simply need to attach a copper ring to the end of the PEX, connect it to the attachment, and use a crimping tool (or cinch) to bend the PEX around the metal. You will need a crimping tool to do this effectively.
Why is it important to do plumbing yourself?
Doing it yourself lets you save money and time, and prevents any reliance on busy professional plumbers. DIY plumbing has become more accessible because modern materials are now readily available. Traditional piping was made from copper or galvanized metal.
What if I have PEX piping under my house?
If there is a failing pipe under the house that can’t be accessed because it is under a concrete slab, Plumbing Express will repipe a home and bypass the pipes that are under the slab.
How to repair a PEX pipe?
To repair a PEX pipe leak, the best thing to do is cut out the section of failed pipe and re-crimp a new piece of pipe into the line. If the PEX pipe in the system is failing, then it is likely that another leak will develop on the adjacent pipe.
What should PEX pipe be replaced with?
There are trade-offs with all replacement options. Ultimately, our customers want their PEX or poly pipes replaced with a material that’s going to last and not empty their bank account.
What is the difference between CPVC and PEX?
Another big difference between CPVC and PEX pipes is the way they connect to other pipes. CPVC, like many plumbing pipes, needs to have the connection and joints sealed. PEX, however, uses a crimping method, which has its own host of problems.
Why is PEX easy to install?
One of the reasons, PEX is easy to install is because it’s basically a flexible hose that doesn’t have the traditional joints of other pipes. So, most people that don’t like CPVC complain about the need for properly creating those joints. Creating the pipe joints for CPVC takes more time & skill.
What happens if you don't crimp PEX?
For example, if PEX is not crimped with the proper tools or methods, then you will have leaks. CPVC basically uses a solvent to create a chemical weld between the pipe and the fitting. Like any type of plumbing pipe, it’s important that CPVC be installed with the proper tools & methods.
When was PEX pipe used?
In the past, PE X pipe was commonly used to replace failing polybutylene. Polybutylene was installed in more than 10 Million homes between the 1970’s and mid-1990’s! ( 1) Unfortunately, PEX piping was popular with new home construction for a long time. As polybutylene began to fail – which ultimately led to a massive class action lawsuit ( 2) ...
Why Is PEX Plumbing Bad?
While it is not illegal to use PEX plumbing, it certainly comes with a lot of pitfalls. Let’s dive deeper.
Why is PEX pipe installation so complicated?
The installation can get complicated due to the nature of the materials used. PEX pipes are not compatible with most plumbing materials and hence need constant checks before the installation is complete.
How much chlorine can PEX pipes hold?
Currently, PEX piping cannot withstand more than 4.3 ppm of chlorine in the water.
What is PEX used for?
Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly known as PEX is a plastic material used for plumbing systems that transport water. It was preferred due to its flexibility, ease of installation, higher resistance to heat and durability.
How long do copper pipes last?
In comparison, copper pipes can last anywhere between 50 to 70 years. Copper is also a lot more expensive than PEX, however, it is not vulnerable to sunlight or other elements. Copper pipes are affected by acidic water, so you will need to get your water supply tested.
What are the chemicals in PEX?
There are two chemicals left behind during the manufacturing of PEX, tert-butyl alcohol and methyl tertiary butyl ether. These chemicals can be hazardous to human health.
Can rats chew through PEX pipes?
A lot of PEX users have reported that rodents damage their plumbing systems. Since PEX tubes are lighter and more flexible, pests like rats chew through the pipes. This leads to leakages and contamination of the water.
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.
The Impact of The Sun
Bacterial Growth
- Bacteria can grow in PEX plumbing because of the waterproof membrane. Bacterial growth is avoided by the installation of oxygen barriers. It is a compulsory item for the PEX plumbing and is costly. Although the installation is easier, the bending curve is longer, which can lead to a wrong installation. Critics also claim that PEX plumbing material does not correspond to sustainable pr…
The Impact of Chlorine
- Chlorine directly affects the reliability and lifespan of PEX pipes as it erodes the surface and causes leakages. Leakage can cause loss of water pressure as well as contamination of the water sources. Although PEX can withstand chlorine up to 4.3 ppm in water, still there is a risk of degradation.
Impact of Zinc
- Zinc is present in the brass tools that are used in the joints or other places of connection. The zinc reacts with the water and causes contamination. This zinc leaching causes the brass connectors to get weak and thus results in the joint’s weakening. Eventually, water gets leaked, and external elements pollute the water.
Permeability
- PEX is permeable to oxygen elements and petroleum. If the plumbing is near or inside an acidic soil that contains the permeable elements, the piping gets cracked or corroded faster than expected. Expectedly, crack or corrosion will result in contamination of the water.
Sustainability
- A PEX pipe lasts approximately 50 years, but only in favorable situations. And it is quite obvious that a whopping 50 years long journey won’t be a smooth one. As a result, PEX doesn’t last that long. The pipe will need cold water to run through it for stability. It should not be placed even near the hot water line so that the water vapors never condense, and it should also be reinforced if it i…
The Fitting Tools
- PEX tubing tools come at a high price, which is generally essential whenever PEX plumbing pipes need to be replaced or repaired. Mainly because those replacements can be often critical, you must purchase the tools. No matter you are using PEX for gas lineor for hot water. Brass fittings are used to connect PEX pipes. Such materials are susceptible to corrosion, so you need to pay …
Condensation
- One of the main problems for a PEX plumbing pipe is condensation from the water vapors. Many people use PEX indoors for the kitchen or bathroom. In such cases, it is unavoidable that the cold-water line remains close to the hot water line. Due to this fact, the water will surely leak to the floor not from a PEX plumbing pipe but in the vapors that form between the two pipe joints.
Installation
- The installation of PEX plumbing is technical and requires careful consideration. The plumbers are wary of the crimping, clamping, and other toolsthat are associated with the plumbing. PEX requires a lot of tools, connectors, and special joints. The joints are always checked before the installation. Slight error or mistake in the installation can result in devastation. As mentioned ab…
Cost
- In contrast to the cost of metal-plastic and ordinary polyethylene, the price of such pipes is quite high because of the tools that are used for establishing connections. You might want to consider buying an economical and reliable pipe than a costly and non-durable one.