PEX Particulars
- 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).
Why does PEX pipe come in different colors?
What are the disadvantages of PEX?
- PEX 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.
What do the different colors of PEX pipe mean?
PEX comes in four colors. The different colors are used to help plumbers identify which pipes carry hot and cold water. The colors and what they mean: Red PEX is for hot water. Blue PEX is for cold water. White PEX is for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX is for hot or cold water. PEX tubing of different colors works the same.
What is the difference between different colors of PEX?
- PEX A. This is cross-linked using the “Engel” process. It involves introducing peroxides, (a form of oxygen,) to the HDPE prior to forming it. ...
- PEX B. Technically referred to as a silane process, but is more often called steam or moisture cross-linking. ...
- PEX C. Cross-linking here is initiated by subjecting HDPE tube to an electron beam or gamma radiation. ...
Why are PEX pipes better than copper pipes?
PEX is better than copper piping for several reasons. PEX is a type of polymer tubing that costs much less than copper and is quicker to install. PEX tubing is also more flexible, requires fewer joints, and does not corrode like copper pipe.
Does it matter what color PEX I use?
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. Orange PEX pipe is an oxygen barrier PEX pipe used only for hydronic heating applications.
Why does PEX pipe come in 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.
Can I use white PEX for hot and cold?
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 the difference between red and orange PEX?
The first thing to know is that the color of the tubing does not specify what type it is, but is rather there for color coding purposes. Blue meaning cold, red meaning hot, white for neutral, and orange is typically used for PEX-Al-PEX tubing.
Which PEX is best for drinking water?
Most plumbing applications, especially those involving potable water, call for the use of non-oxygen barrier PEX, offered in several grades. PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures.
Which is better PEX A or PEX 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.
Where should you not use PEX?
PEX can't be installed in high heat areas. You can't install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can't connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.
Can you use SharkBite on PEX?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
What is wrong 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.
Is Blue PEX 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.
Is it OK to bend PEX pipe?
PEX tubing is also very easy to bend. To help PEX tubing make turns, you have a choice of three methods: 90-degree elbows, bend supports, and clamps.
How long will PEX last?
50 yearsPEX: 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.
Can you use black PEX pipe 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.
Is white PEX safe for drinking water?
The study showed: There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes.
Is Blue PEX A or B?
Blue PEX-B Pipe (Coils)
What is yellow PEX used for?
Corrugated yellow stainless-steel piping is most commonly used for gas lines inside of homes. This material, also called CSST, is more resistant to impacts that could create holes and leaks in other materials.
What is PEX piping?
PEX pipe or PEX tubing is made of a cross-linked polyethylene plastic, which is a flexible plastic. Because of the versatility of PEX piping, and the fact that it’s flexible and cheap, it’s used for plumbing in both residential and commercial buildings. There are three types of PEX piping: A, B, and C. PEX piping comes in four colors: red, blue, white, and gray. Red is traditionally used for hot water. Blue for cold water. White and gray can be used for both hot and cold water.
What is type C PEX?
Type C PEX piping is the stiffest of the three and is more prone to kinking and cracking than the other two. It’s often used for short repairs that don’t require any bends. Type C PEX is also usually cheaper than the other two types of PEX piping.
What are the disadvantages of PEX piping?
There are a couple of disadvantages to keep in mind before committing to PEX pipes on your project.
What is a push fit PEX pipe?
Push-fit connections: Push-fit connections are the quickest way to connect PEX piping. You simply purchase special fittings that grab the end of the pipe when it’s inserted, similar to a paper finger tube trap. A special removal ring is required to help you remove the pipe once it’s been connected.
When was PEX piping invented?
In 1968 , German scientist Thomas Engel discovered the process of creating the plastic for PEX piping, cross-linked polyethylene. PEX piping caught on quickly in Europe in the 1980s. In the US, however, PEX did not catch on as quickly because PEX did not initially meet US standards for drinking water. It was mostly used at first in the US only for radiant floor heating systems. Once PEX manufacturers made the plastic less susceptible to corrosion from chlorine in drinking water, PEX piping became much more prevalent in the US.
Is PEX piping good for plumbers?
The flexibility and versatility of PEX piping make it a great option for many plumbers.
Can you use PEX piping for hot water?
Plumbers use PEX pipings for both hot and cold potable water. Because PEX piping is flexible, it doesn’t need to be installed using traditional branch piping techniques that require more connections; rather, it can be installed to a central manifold with pipes going directly to the fixtures (called “home runs”). These runs go from the central manifold directly to the fixture, with no fittings or connections. This reduces the number of possible leaks and shortens the installation process. PEX can also be used with traditional branch piping techniques that require more connections.
