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.
What size PEX should I run in my house?
What size PEX should I use? 3/8″ to 1″ is acceptable for residential use. Consider the demand, distance, and how much water pressure desired at each outlet. Larger PEX equals more pressure. For instance, the faucets generally use 1/2″ PEX.
What are the standard sizes for PEX tubing?
PEX Diameter PEX tubes range in diameter from 3/8-inch to 1-inch for residential applications. For adequate water flow, it's a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines. The standard when replacing old water supply lines with PEX is to use the same size.
What size PEX is used in RVs?
Typically, most RV's use 1/2 inch PEX lines for the water lines. However, some RVs use a 3/8 inch PEX. The size will depend on your RV in specific. PEX piping has many benefits; it can still burst at low temperatures meaning you will need to replace it. That's why in this article, we will discuss the standard PEX lines used in RVs.
What is the largest size PEX pipe?
Today, PEX pipe — specifically ASTM F1960 fittings — is being offered in the larger sizes of 2 1/2 in. and 3 in., allowing greater use and flow in commercial plumbing and hydronic piping applications. Are there different types of PEX pipe? There are three different types of PEX tubing: PEX-a, PEX-b and PEX-c.
What is 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. Kink-Resistance - PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest.
What is the difference between blue and red PEX pipe?
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.
Where should you not use PEX?
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. PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe. When it comes to safety, PEX isn't antibacterial.
Is white PEX OK for hot water?
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.
Is it OK to use blue PEX for hot water?
The color of PEX does not change any of the tubing's ratings. There would be no problem, for example, using blue PEX for hot water lines or red PEX for cold water lines. Other types of PEX include PEX-Aluminum-PEX, which is often orange, and PEX for reclaimed water, which is usually purple.
Can you use black PEX 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.
Do rats eat PEX pipe?
PEX Pipe Is Vulnerable Rodents Chewing Through PEX Pipe is a common problem in our area. It doesn't matter how old your home is, if you have an attic, you need to watch for rodent damage to PEX Pipe or PVC.
Do plumbers like PEX?
All this makes PEX an excellent piping material for hot and cold water systems, especially since it is flexible and well adapted for temperatures below freezing all the way up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. PEX is easy for plumbers to install and has fewer joints, bringing your costs down.
What are the disadvantages of PEX pipes?
Cons: Fittings must be wrapped in an impermeable material before direct burial in soil. Freeze tests and pull tests show these PEX connections are more susceptible to failure; because PEX is more malleable than metal, the fitting's teeth can slide off the pipe. Higher cost compared to clamp and crimp.
Are PEX clamps or crimp 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.
Does SharkBite work on PEX?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and HDPE pipe. They come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX and HDPE, and the stiffener doesn't need to be removed for copper or CPVC applications.
Will PEX freeze and burst?
The truth is, as with any piping, PEX is still vulnerable to freezing if the temperature drops low enough. But thanks to its flexible material, the plastic expands under the pressure of the freeze, significantly reducing the chance of bursting. That means your house is unlikely to flood due to a burst PEX pipe.
What is the best type of PEX to use?
PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.
Which is better PEX A or PEX C?
PEX-A is the most flexible of all PEX pipe types, it has little or no coil memory and gives installer the ability to repair kinks with a heat gun. It has been in use for over 50 years which is longer than other types and a lower bending radius in PEX-A (6 times the OD vs. 8 times the OD for PEX-B & C) is helpful.
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.
Are PEX clamps or crimp 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 many fixtures are on a 1/2 PEX water line?
1/2 inch PEX pipe usually has up to 4 fixtures. 3/4 pipes can have up to 14 fixtures and 1-inch pipe can have up to 30 fixture units.
How far apart should PEX hangers be?
Long runs of PEX pipe must be supported by proper hangers. It is usually recommended to fasten the tubing at every 32 inches when running it alongs...
Does PEX need expansion loops?
Always remember that PEX expands and contracts as a response to the surrounding temperature. For every 10 F of temperature change, the PEX pipe len...
What is the maximum distance between hangers for 1/2 PEX?
Maximum hanger spacing is 6' for ½" and ¾" pipe and 8' for 1" and larger full-length pipe segments with PEX-a Pipe Support.
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
PEX pipes are 100% safe to be used for drinking water. A few types of PEX-pipes may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor if the water remains...
Does PEX piping affect the water pressure?
No. The PEX piping doesn't slow or affect the water pressure anyway.
Why should PEX be secured?
Since PEX expands and contracts with temperature changes, it should be secured so as to provide sufficient space for expansion to occur.
What is PEX overbending?
Over-bending the PEX pipe, deforms its’ round shape, restricts flow and over-stresses the pipe.
What is the SDR 9 for PEX?
PEX made to US standards must comply with a SDR-9 (Standard Dimension Ratio), which is the ratio of OD (Outside Diameter) to pipe wall thickness (9:1). Exceptions are nominal sizes 1/2" and below.
Why is air pressure tested over water?
Air pressure testing is recommended over water for practical reasons and due to difficulties arising from water freezing during winter months. Since PEX is a flexible pipe, it will expand somewhat (especially PEX-a) during the initial pressurizing of the system, causing a drop in pressure reading.
Is PEX tubing universal?
Since all PEX tubing used in the US is manufactured to the same ASTM and dimensional (SDR) standards, these specifications are universal. Manufacturing tolerances and other details can be found in manufacturers’ manuals.
How much pressure is needed to pour concrete?
For concrete slabs, pressure is maintained at 30 psi during the pour and is monitored to assure integrity of the system.
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.
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 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.
How far can you run PEX tubing?
In general, the greater the distance from the manifold to the fixture, the wider the PEX tubing should be. A 3/8-inch line is sufficient for lengths up to 250 feet; 1/2-inch line will deliver adequate water pressure up to 350 feet; and 3/4-inch tubing is necessary to run a 500-foot line.
What is the diameter of PEX tubing?
The flexible tubing comes in rolls of 50 feet up to 1,000 feet. PEX tubes range in diameter from 3/8-inch to 1-inch for residential applications. For adequate water flow, it's a good idea ...
How big is a PEX pipe?
PEX tubes range in diameter from 3/8-inch to 1-inch for residential applications. For adequate water flow, it's a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines. The standard when replacing old water supply lines with PEX is to use the same size.
What fixtures use 1/2 inch lines?
Other fixtures that benefit from 1/2-inch lines are washing machines and dishwashers. Sinks and showers are water guzzlers, and you can conserve by running 3/8-inch lines to them. Because the rate at which a commode tank refills is usually not important, it’s okay to run 3/8-inch line there as well.
Can you use PEX tubing for 3/4 inch manifold?
For example, if the manifold has 3/4-inch valves, you can install 3/4-inch, or smaller, PEX tubing. Reducer fittings are necessary when you need to install tubing narrower than a manifold valve.
Can you run PEX tubing from a water supply manifold?
Because it’s flexible and continuous, plumbers can run PEX tubing from a water-supply manifold directly to each fixture. Whole-house residential manifolds typically have blue valves on one side and red valves on the other, indicating hot and cold water lines, respectively.
Who is Glenda Taylor?
Glenda Taylor is a contractor and a full-time writer specializing in construction writing. She also enjoys writing business and finance, food and drink and pet-related articles. Her education includes marketing and a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.
How long do PEX pipes last?
As corrosion can lead to leaks down the road, that means PEX pipes are a durable plumbing solution. They will last an average of 50 years.
What is PEX flooring?
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.
Why use PEX pipe?
Plumbers and DIYers alike prefer using PEX over traditional copper and galvanized steel pipes because it’s reliable, lightweight, and relatively easy to work with. All of this means PEX pipe allows even the inexperienced DIYer to retrofit their plumbing system; no pro needed.
What color are PEX pipes?
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.
How to connect PEX?
Use the tool to heat and stretch the diameter of the tube, then insert the end of a fitting. As it cools, the tube will contract and shrink down to its original size to create a seal around the fitting.
Can you use PEX for radiant floor?
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.
Can you splice PEX pipes?
If your home already has metal pipes, you can slowly splice in PEX whenever a pipe needs to be fixed. And if you’re building your plumbing system from scratch, use PEX pipes throughout it to make the system simpler.
