what is pex type c

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What's the difference between CPVC and Pex?

PVC, CPVC and PEX Explained

• PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride. ...
• CPVC - Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) CPVC (chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) is a strong and rigid thermoplastic material that is used for hot and cold potable water applications in residential ...
• PEX - Cross-linked Polyethylene. ...

What does PEX stand for?

They are actually types of manufacturing processes to achieve a finished product. Anyone buying or working with PEX should know the differences so as to know how to select the proper tubing. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, (and is sometimes referred to as XLPE.)

What is PEX pipe primarily used for?

Red PEX pipes carry hot water, blue pipes carry cold water, and white and gray can be used for either temperature. PEX can stand up to both hot and cold temperatures, which is why plumbers now use it in water systems for both residential and business properties. But while it’s temperature-resistant, PEX can be damaged in sunlight.

What is the best PEX connection method?

• Calibrate the crimp tool.
• Slide a clamp 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. ...
• Using a crimp tool, compress the crimp ring until the tool stops. ...

What is the difference between PEX A and PEX C?

PEX A is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method. PEX B is formed using Silane, or Moisture Cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there. PEX C is created using the Electronic Irradiation, or Cold, method of cross-linking.

What are the three types of PEX?

If you've ever shopped for PEX tube you probably know there are three main types. These are PEX A, PEX B and PEX C....All tubing is formed via extrusion, a process which subjects the HDPE to heat and pressure through a die.PEX A. This is cross-linked using the “Engel” process. ... PEX B. ... PEX C.

How do I know what type of PEX I have?

PEX Pipe MarkingsAll PEX pipe is manufactured with its design specifications listed directly on the pipe. ... Starting from left to right, most PEX pipe commonly lists their manufacturer's name.This name is followed by the manufacturing lot, and the date the pipe was manufactured.More items...•

Is PEX C expandable?

0:353:45What is PEX C? + Notes on the PEX C LAWSUIT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHaving a less uniform cross length than a or B. And this means that it's more susceptible to kinksMoreHaving a less uniform cross length than a or B. And this means that it's more susceptible to kinks which really ruin your pecks because the only way to fix that is with a coupling.

Which PEX is best for drinking water?

PEX-B also features an increased resistance to chlorine, making it a good choice in areas where water is highly chlorinated.

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.

Can I 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.

Can I use blue PEX 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.

Which is better PEX or SharkBite?

One of the key differences between pex crimp and SharkBite is longevity. Though they both work efficiently, SharkBites are more prone to leak earlier in the long term. But for some situations, the SharkBite is a better solution.

Is PEX crimp or clamp better?

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.

How long does PEX tubing 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. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.

What causes PEX pipe to leak?

Extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe making the pipe susceptible oxidative degradation. This is especially true in southern climates where the chlorine levels run high. This PEX pipe was bent beyond its limit and developed a leak at the stress point.

What is better PEX A or PEX B?

PEX A vs PEX B: Burst Pressure 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.

What are the different types of PEX fittings?

PEX fittings are most commonly made up of one of three different types of materials: Plastics, Brasses, or Stainless Steel. Alternatively, a push fit fitting uses a combination of these materials.

Are PEX A and PEX B fittings the same?

Likewise, people ask, what's the difference between PEX A and PEX B? Flexibility - PEX-A is the most flexible, allowing for it to be fastened by cold expansion, which allows the end to be fluted prior to inserting the fitting. PEX B is not expandable and you should never expand the end of a PEX-B pipe.

What type of PEX is SharkBite?

PEX-BSharkBite non oxygen barrier pipe is manufacture as PEX-B and SharkBite oxygen barrier pipe is manufactured as PEX-C.

How is PEX C created?

PEX C is created using the Electronic Irradiation, or Cold, method of cross-linking.

What does PEX stand for?

As many of you know, PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. The letter that follows simply signifies the type of manufacturing method used to cross link the polyethylene, not the grade of PEX.

What is the pressure rating of PEX tubing?

This will be “06,” indicating a 630 HDB, or a pressure rating of 160 psi at 73 F.

When was PEX pipe invented?

Developed in 1968 in Europe, PEX pipe came to the U.S. in the mid ‘80s, and for the past 15 years, it has become one of the most common materials used in residential plumbing systems.

Does PEX change size?

They’re dimensionally the same. PEX size doesn’t change between PEX-A, -B and –C, as defined in ASTM F876. They’re all Copper Tube Size, or CTS.

Is there a hard and fast rule for PEX pipe?

There's no hard-and-fast rule for which PEX pipe — A, B or C — you should use. Given all the similarities and easily identifiable differences, your selection will be based more on your relationship and experience with a particular PEX tubing, your budget and the pipe’s availability in your area.

Do all PEX pipes meet the same performance standards?

They must all meet the same performance standards. There are some requirements that apply to all PEX pipe used for commercial and residential plumbing applications. Others apply to PEX used in specific systems or applications. A few examples include:

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 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 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.

What is the most flexible type of piping?

Type A PEX piping is the most flexible type of PEX piping, making it adaptable for all home water needs, including potable water piping. Type A PEX piping expands most out of the three types, so is most resistant to freezing and cracking, which is important in cold weather climates. While type A PEX is more expensive than the other two types of PEX piping , it is cheaper than copper pipes.

What is copper crimping?

Copper crimping: Copper crimping is one of the most common ways to connect PEX piping. In this method, a copper crimping ring slips over the end of a PEX tube and a fitting is inserted inside. A special crimping tool is used to crimp the copper ring on the outside and keep the tube inside in place.

What is an expander tool?

Expansion connections: A special expander tool is used to stretch the PEX tubing before inserting a fitting. The PEX tube then shrinks back to its original size, creating a watertight seal around the fitting.

What are the different types of PEX?

There are three common types of PEX: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. There is a widespread misperception that the letters refer to grades of quality and that PEX-A is better than PEX-B which is superior to PEX-C. Not true.

How is PEX A made?

PEX-A is created by introducing peroxide into the HDPE before it’s extruded. Per the ASTM Standard F876, PEX-A must be crosslinked to 70% in order to meet the standard for burst pressure.

Is PEX the same as polyethylene?

Of course, that doesn’t mean all types of PEX are identical. Each has its own characteristics. All PEX is a polyethylene material which has undergone a change in molecular structure using a chemical or physical process to chemically link the polymer chains. Crosslinking of polyethylene improves PEX properties such as temperature, strength, flexibility etc.

Is Viega PureFlow PEX-B tubing a good choice?

In addition, PureFlow has the highest chlorine and oxidative resistance of the PEX types, making it the more reliable choice for potable water, radiant heating and other applications, especially when recirculation of domestic hot water is required. Viega PureFlow PEX is also extremely durable, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic construction areas.

What is a Viega PEX press?

Viega PEX Press fittings are installed using a PEX press tool and have press sleeves already pre-installed onto the fitting for ease of installation. They work with all Viega PEX tubing (including FostaPEX), as well as all other brands and types (A, B, C).

What type of tubing is used for Watts?

Watts and Uponor press fittings are designed for use only with PEX-AL-PEX tubing (any brand).

Can expansion style fittings be used with PEX tubing?

Expansion style fittings can be used only with PEX-A tubing and are not compatible with other PEX tubing types.

What is PEX A?

PEX A: These materials are cross-linked using the Engel process, which involves the introduction of peroxides to the HDPE before it is formed. The addition of the compounds allows for more bonding at the atomic level, resulting in the highest degree of cross-linking. The processed material offers the greatest flexibility and kink resistance of all PEX materials.

What is a PEX valve?

PEX valves refer to valves designed to connect with tubing and piping made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). The main difference between them and regular valves is how the connections are made; PEX valves connect to PEX tubing and piping without the use of transition adapters. Other than this distinction, the two are highly similar, making them suitable for many of the same applications. Typical uses for PEX valves include shut-off, maintenance, and repair operations.

What are the different types of PEX tubing?

PEX tubing and piping components are available in three main varieties: PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C. While this naming convention may seem like the products are graded from best to worst, it actually refers to how their materials are made.

What type of polyethylene is used for PEX valves?

The type of polyethylene used for PEX valve tubing and piping is cross linked polyethylene. It has tightly packed polymers, which results in some characteristics that are very good for plumbing and hyfronic applications. The cross-linking process enhances or adds certain properties that make the material better suited for plumbing components. It can be performed in three ways: A, B, and C. Each involves distinct techniques and/or technologies, which results in different material characteristics. Below, we highlight the differences between the three types of PEX production methods.

How is PEX B crosslinked?

PEX B: These materials are cross-linked using the silane process, which is also commonly referred to as steam or moisture cross-linking. This process is performed on the HDPE material after it has been formed. By passing the formed component through steam in the presence of a silane-based catalyst, the polymers are encouraged to form cross-links. The processed material is not expandable and the least resistant to kinks.

How is PEX expanded?

The PEX tubing/piping and ring are expanded using an expander tool.

Do plumbing pipes have flexibility?

They exhibit enough flexibility for use in plumbing components.

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 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 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 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 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.