What is black PEX pipe used for? PEX pipe is approved for residential and commercial hot and cold water distribution systems, municipal water service lines, radiant panel heating systems, hydronic baseboard heating systems, snow and ice melting systems and building services pipe .
Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Why is PEX plumbing bad? Potential chemical leaching is another downside of PEX piping. Due to its chemical composition, the PEX pipe material may leach toxic chemicals including bisphenol (BPA), MTBE, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others.
Are there hidden dangers with PEX plumbing?
While PEX comes with convincing reasons for choosing it over copper, it also comes with a hidden downside—rodents seem to find the plastic-based tubing irresistible. Keep reading to find out why this is a problem and what you should do to prevent damage to a PEX water-supply system.
How good is PEX plumbing?
- The good: When connections are done properly this should be a quick way to install a PEX system. ...
- The bad: If cost drives your decision, steer clear of push-to-connect. ...
- The ugly: Some fittings require a stiffener sleeve and some don’t. ...
How PEX pipes can help you do your own plumbing?
- Warm the PEX Tube Though PEX tubing bends well, it can crimp if it is bent improperly. ...
- Push Into One Side of Bend Support Push the PEX tubing into one side of the bend support. ...
- Bend the PEX Tubing Very slowly bend the PEX tubing until it matches the curve of the bend support. ...
Can you use black PEX for hot water?
WaterPex black coloured piping system has more than 2% carbon black and is UV rated. 20mm X 100m Black Water Pex B Pipe is a single layer pipe suitable for potable, hot and cold general-purpose water systems.
What do PEX pipe colors mean?
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.
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.
Is black poly pipe same as PEX?
"Black polyethylene" seems to commonly refer to HDPE pipe, which is pretty comparable to PEX. "Just" PE pipe is cheaper and less durable than HDPE - I'd advise against that underground.
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.
What is are the most common colors of PEX pipe?
PEX comes in four colors. The different colors are used to help plumbers identify which pipes carry hot and cold water....PEX Pipe Colors and CodesRed 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.
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.
When should you not use PEX pipe?
PEX plumbing is fine inside the walls of a home, no matter the temperatures as it can be covered with insulation. However, one of the disadvantages of PEX plumbing is it cannot be used outdoors in cold climates as there is no way to cover them and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Is black poly pipe safe for drinking water?
PPRC found no evidence of any widespread health problems related to the use of HDPE in food and beverage or potable water applications. Independent studies have shown that organic contaminants leach from HDPE pipe into water.
Which is better PEX or polybutylene?
One advantage that PEX has over PB is its greater tolerance to high pressures. Different manufacturers may have different numbers, but PEX will always have greater pressure limits than PB. So if you will be pumping water, or the pipes will be exposed to the cold, PEX is a better option than PB.
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.
Can you use PEX for hot water heater?
Can I Connect PEX to My Water Heater? PEX can't be directly connected to a water heater. First extend a pipe 18 in. from your water heater and connect the PEX to the pipe.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Uses for PEX piping
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”).
What are the advantages of PEX piping?
The flexibility and versatility of PEX piping make it a great option for many plumbers.
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.
4 ways to join PEX piping
There are many ways to join PEX piping and fittings. All of them require special tools to facilitate the connection.
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.
What is non-oxygen barrier?
Non-oxygen barrier PEX is simply PEX without any kind of oxygen. This is used for potable (safe to drink) water. There are two grades of non-oxygen barrier PEX to choose from, each with slightly different qualities:
What is oxygen barrier PEX?
Oxygen Barrier PEX is used in your heating systems which can suffer from corrosion, and just like with Non-Oxygen PEX, there are two grades available. Oxygen Barrier Pex is typically ½ inch in diameter, but you can get some variation to fit different systems. 3. Aluminum Barrier Pex.
Does PEX rust?
PEX doesn’t corrode or rust when exposed to high-pressure water, making it perfect for sprinkler systems. The durability means you won’t need to replace the copper piping as often too.
Can you color code PEX piping?
Colour Coding. PEX piping is available in a range of colors, so you can color code your plumbing in a really user-friendly way. Sensitive to UV. PEX is sensitive to light, particularly sunlight, and prolonged exposure outdoors can damage the material.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 color is Kitec piping?
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. If you suspect defective PEX or fittings at your property, an experienced consultant should be retained ...
Why is zinc added to copper?
During the manufacture of brass pipe fittings used to connect separate sections of PEX piping, zinc is added to the copper alloy to increase the strength of the brass. Studies have shown that if the zinc levels of brass are too high (generally above 30%), dezincification can occur, during which zinc leaches from the brass ...
Does PEX piping affect water quality?
While PEX has passed many water quality tests, there have been studies showing that various brands of PEX piping affect water quality and that it may contain enough material contaminants to affect the smell and taste of water. In order to address concerns about PEX’s impact on water quality, the State of California requires contractors ...
