Alexei Volkov
PEX, short for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible plastic used for plumbing. It has become a popular alternative to copper and galvanized steel water supply lines. PEX piping is cost-effective, flexible, and easy to install, making it a convenient option for both professional plumbers and DIY enthusiasts. PEX tubing can be purchased at local hardware stores or online, and its installation does not require soldering, glue, or pipe wrenches. However, specific connectors and tools are needed for PEX plumbing. This guide will explore the benefits, considerations, and methods for indoor plumbing using PEX plastic pipe.
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What You'll Learn
- PEX piping is cheaper, easier to install, and more flexible than copper
- PEX is a flexible plastic, and plastic melts, so keep PEX pipes away from heat sources
- PEX expands and contracts more than copper, so don't stretch it tight
- PEX is safe and easy to install, with no soldering required
- PEX is less likely to burst if it freezes, unlike CPVC
PEX piping is cheaper, easier to install, and more flexible than copper
PEX piping (cross-linked polyethylene) has several advantages over copper piping when it comes to indoor plumbing. Firstly, PEX piping is significantly cheaper than copper. Half-inch PEX tubing costs about one-third the price of copper piping, resulting in substantial savings for homeowners.
Secondly, PEX is much easier to install. Unlike copper pipes, which are manufactured in straight tubes and require cutting and welding to fit specific lengths and connections, PEX is a flexible, ready-to-go option. This flexibility allows PEX pipes to be snaked through walls, making it faster and more convenient to install, especially in remodelling jobs or when working with existing homes. The ease of installation also means that PEX installations can be completed by homeowners themselves, whereas copper pipe installation often requires professional plumbers due to the complexity of the work.
Additionally, PEX fittings are faster to install than copper. PEX can be installed using a manifold and 'home-run' system, which is a quick and easy process similar to running a garden hose to each fixture. Even when using a conventional mainline and branch system, PEX connections are quicker to make than soldering copper. PEX also does not require glue, unlike other pipe options, making the installation process cleaner and more comfortable for the installer.
Finally, PEX piping is more flexible than copper in terms of durability and resistance to freezing conditions. Copper pipes have a longer lifespan than PEX and are less susceptible to stress, temperature fluctuations, rodent damage, and general wear and tear. However, PEX piping is more resistant to freezing temperatures. Copper pipes can freeze and burst in winter, leading to extensive flooding. PEX, on the other hand, can expand up to eight times its size before freezing, reducing the risk of bursting. Therefore, PEX is often the preferred choice in new home construction due to its superior performance in freezing conditions.
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PEX is a flexible plastic, and plastic melts, so keep PEX pipes away from heat sources
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is a flexible plastic piping used for plumbing that is cheaper and faster to install than copper. It is also less likely to burst if it freezes and is not susceptible to corrosion. However, PEX is a plastic, and plastic melts, so it is important to keep PEX pipes away from heat sources.
Manufacturers of PEX piping require that their pipes are not installed in close proximity to sources of heat. Exposure to high heat over time can cause PEX to become brittle and degrade. PEX manufacturers recommend a clearance of 6 inches from any source of heat, while the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association's PEX Installation Handbook recommends a clearance of 6 inches horizontally and 12 inches vertically. This requirement is not always enforced by inspectors, but it is important to follow to avoid potential issues.
There are several sources of heat that should be considered when installing PEX piping. Direct sunlight is one such source, and PEX manufacturers may recommend that their pipes are not exposed to direct sunlight for more than six months. In addition, pipes installed near windows may be exposed to UV radiation, even if the glass has a solar coating. Other sources of heat to consider include can lights, furnace and water heater flues, fireplace vents, and wall vents.
When connecting PEX to a water heater, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. For example, Zurn PEX requires a minimum distance of 6 inches from the exhaust vent of a gas-fired water heater. However, it is important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the brand and type of PEX piping.
By following the manufacturer's recommendations and maintaining the appropriate clearances from heat sources, you can help ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your PEX piping in indoor plumbing applications.
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PEX expands and contracts more than copper, so don't stretch it tight
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is a popular choice for plumbing due to its flexibility, ease of installation, and low cost. It is more affordable and quicker to install than copper piping, making it a preferred option for remodelling and plumbing projects.
However, one important consideration when working with PEX is its tendency to expand and contract more than copper. This characteristic means that special care must be taken during installation to avoid issues. It is recommended to not stretch the PEX supply tightly but instead, allow it to droop slightly between fasteners. This accommodation for expansion and contraction ensures that the PEX pipe has room to move without putting excessive stress on the connections.
On long runs of PEX piping, it is advisable to install a loop, which provides an additional allowance for contraction. This loop can also serve as an extra tubing reserve if needed. Furthermore, due to the movement of PEX during expansion and contraction, it is crucial to drill oversized holes through studs or joists to facilitate easy sliding. Plastic straps are the recommended choice for attaching the pipe, as metal straps may restrict movement.
The flexibility of PEX is both an advantage and a challenge during installation. Its strong "memory" means it always wants to return to its original shape, which can make working with coils tricky. Therefore, it is often recommended to purchase 10-foot "sticks" instead of coils to avoid frustration and the formation of kinks.
In summary, when working with PEX piping, it is essential to consider its expansion and contraction characteristics. By allowing for this movement, providing adequate droop, and avoiding tight stretches, you can ensure a successful and secure installation.
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PEX is safe and easy to install, with no soldering required
PEX, short for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible plastic used for plumbing. It is a popular alternative to copper and galvanised steel water supply lines. PEX is safe and easy to install, with no soldering required.
One of the benefits of PEX is that it is flexible and can be bent around sharp corners without the need for an elbow fitting. However, it is important to note that if you try to bend it too much, it will kink. Installing a bend support will prevent this and also protect the pipe from abrasion. PEX is also less likely to burst if it freezes.
Another advantage of PEX is that it does not corrode, avoiding water contamination and leaks. It is also quieter than metal plumbing, as water travels noiselessly through PEX. PEX is easy to service and replace, especially if you install a maintenance loop, which includes extra tubing that allows for cuts and quick fixes.
When installing PEX, it is important to let it droop a little between fasteners and to install a loop on long runs to allow for contraction. PEX expands and contracts more than copper, so it is important not to stretch it tight. It is also important to keep PEX pipes away from hot items, as plastic has a low melting point.
There are several methods for connecting PEX to fittings. One common method is to use a barbed fitting/crimping ring combination. This involves positioning the crimping ring over the end of the PEX pipe, sliding the pipe over the barbed fitting, and using a special crimping tool to compress the ring. Another method is to use stab-in fittings, which are simply pushed into the openings and do not require any special tools.
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PEX is less likely to burst if it freezes, unlike CPVC
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a highly flexible type of plumbing tube used in many home water systems. It is a popular option due to its lower costs and malleability, which makes installations and redesigns easier. PEX is also cheaper than copper—half-inch PEX tubing costs about one-third the price of copper.
While PEX pipes are not immune to bursting, they are less likely to burst than CPVC and copper pipes due to their flexibility. When water freezes, it expands, and rigid pipes like copper or CPVC are more susceptible to bursting. PEX pipes, on the other hand, can withstand expansion better due to their flexibility. This makes PEX a safer option in freezing temperatures.
However, it is important to note that PEX pipes can still burst if the weather gets cold enough. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause PEX pipes to lose their flexibility over time. Additionally, the ability of PEX to expand can decrease as the material ages and is exposed to chlorine, which is often used in water treatment.
To prevent PEX pipes from freezing and bursting, it is recommended to insulate the pipes, especially in uninsulated rooms or outdoor areas. Regular inspection of the pipes is also important, as frozen PEX pipes may exhibit a thin layer of frost on the outside. If a pipe does burst, it is recommended to treat it as a plumbing emergency and contact a professional to resolve the issue.
Overall, while PEX pipes are less likely to burst than CPVC pipes when frozen, they are not completely immune to bursting. Proper installation, insulation, and regular maintenance are key to preventing pipe bursts in cold weather conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, a type of flexible plastic used for plumbing.
PEX is cheaper than copper, easier to install, and does not corrode. It is also less likely to burst if it freezes.
There are three types of PEX: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. PEX-A is the most flexible and resistant to cracking due to freezing, while PEX-C is the stiffest and most prone to kinking.
There are several ways to connect PEX pipes, including barbed fitting/crimping ring combinations, stab-in fittings, and push-fit connections.
PEX is sensitive to temperature and UV light, so it should be kept away from hot surfaces and direct sunlight. It also has a tendency to spring out when uncoiled, so use bungee cords to keep it in check.
