Pex Piping Information

A popular water supply piping system is PEX or cross-linked polyethylene.

It provides those who use it with a number of advantages over conventional metal piping systems such as copper. In many situations, it has even performed better that rigid types of plastic piping systems such as ABS, PVC, and CPVC. Many professional plumbers find its flexibility as well as being chlorine and scale resistant attractive. PEX also does not develop pinholes or corrode as easy as other piping. It can be installed quicker than rigid plastic or metal piping.

PEX Material And History

PEX tubing is manufactured from a cross-linked high-density polyethylene polymer (HDPE). PEX plumbing was commonly installed in Europe starting in the early 1970s. It started being used in the United States in the 1980s. Since that time, the use of PEX plumbing in the United States has steadily increased. In many situations, copper piping is being replaced with PEX. It is common for PEX to be used in a variety of different applications including radiant heating systems under a slab floor or walkway. The desire to use PEX in situations covering hot and cold water plumbing is increasing.

Polybutylene Problems

There are instances of Polybutylene piping deteriorating when it comes into contact with the oxidants in public water supplies. In this situation, the piping will deteriorate from the inside. When Polybutylene pipe leaks occur, it can undetected for a while. It can be slow leaks or severe breaks causing major water damage. Polybutylene was installed in over six million homes during the 1970's to early 1990's, mostly in southern states such as in Georgia. PEX can be effective when it comes to certain replacing faulty Polybutylene piping.

PEX Plumbing Advantages

PEX piping has lower shipping and handling costs. It is a light material that is shipped and stored on spools. This provides a number of storage options. Metal or plastic piping has to be cut into specified lengths for shipping and storage. Installations using PEX plumbing need less fittings than conventional rigid piping. It can also be placed around 90-degree corners without using elbow fittings. The installation does not need to have soldering. This does away with any of the health risks associated with lead-based soldering and acid fluxes. It is better able to resist freeze-breakage than conventional metal or plastic piping. PEX plumbing costs less because it requires fewer fittings, is cheaper than metal or plastic piping and requires less time to install.

Two Connection Points

When PEX in installed, only two connection points are usually required. These connection points are normally visible. It can work like installing electric cables hidden inside the walls of a home. Installation in some situations can be done by drilling the necessary holes in joists or wall studs. The PEX tubing is then fed into the hole as one single long piece of piping. This makes it easy to take PEX piping from one point to any plumbing fixture that needs water.

PEX Installation Tools

When PEX tubing is going to be installed with the standard crimping method, there are three basic tools that will be used. A pipe cutter, main crimping tool and de-crimping tool. The pipe cutter is able to make clean square cuts that are required before the PEX tubing is placed into fittings. A de-crimping tool is able to remove a copper crimp ring from the PEX tubing and fitting. There are a number of designs that require the copper ring to be cut. It's common for fittings to be reused.

PEX Approval

PEX piping has been approved for use with commercial as well as residential hot and cold water distribution systems. It can also be installed with municipal water service lines, hydronic baseboard heating systems, radiant panel heating systems. PEX is also approved to be used with building service piping as well as ice melting systems.

Concrete Slabs

PEX is able to be installed beneath a concrete slab. This type of piping is installed from coils. This means it can be put beneath a concrete slab in one continuous length. No extra fittings will be needed. It is also possible for PEX piping to be completely encased within the concrete slab. This will require it to be protected with a nonmetallic sleeve at all of the penetration points.

Heat Sources

A professional plumber will know to install PEX piping at least 12" vertically and 6" horizontally from any source of high heat. This could include things such as light fixtures, heating appliances, electric motors, gas flue vents and more. It is best for areas being considered for installation of PEX to have their construction and mechanical systems carefully checked by a plumbing professional.

Licensed Plumber

When anyone is considering having PEX installed, they should contact a professional licensed plumber. A licensed plumber will know the best methods and materials to have a successful installation. Their plumbing knowledge and experience can help you decide the best materials for your home's plumbing. Copper or PEX installation or other materials, a trusted licensed plumber will be able to give you the best solution.