Sofia Martinez
PEX pipe is a type of flexible plastic piping used in plumbing. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is made out of plastic and is a great alternative to copper or galvanized steel. It is used in more than 60% of new construction residential water supply systems. PEX tubing is a type of flexible plastic plumbing pipe used for hot and cold water lines as a substitute for copper. It is not suitable for outdoor use as it is vulnerable to UV radiation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Plastic | Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) |
| Other Names | PEX tubing, PEX pipe, PEX-AL-PEX/Pex-Al-PE/Pe-Al-PE (for multilayer pipes) |
| Composition | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene |
| Flexibility | High |
| Durability | High |
| Sustainability | More sustainable than copper, PVC, CPVC, ABS, and polyethylene pipes |
| Usage | Plumbing, water supply systems, radiant floor heating systems, snow/ice melting systems |
| Temperature Resistance | Suitable for hot and cold water distribution |
| Health and Safety | BPA-free, safe for drinking water |
| UV Resistance | Varies, some with a 6-month rating, some with a 1-month rating |
| Recyclability | Not currently recyclable |
| Susceptibility to Cracking | Varies by type, with some more susceptible to freezing temperatures |
| Diameter | Typically 3/8" to 2" in the US, but can range from 1/4" to 2" |
| Length | 10 to 1,000 feet in the US, up to 40 feet for PE pipes |
| Connection Methods | Compression fittings, push-fit connections |
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What You'll Learn
PEX is a flexible thermoset plastic pipe
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a type of flexible thermoset plastic pipe. It is a popular alternative to copper or galvanized steel pipes in plumbing applications. PEX was invented in 1968 by German scientist Thomas Engel, who discovered a way to cross-link common plastic (polyethylene) through radiation, resulting in a more supple form of the material. This flexibility is one of PEX's key advantages, allowing it to bend around corners without the need for additional connector pieces. This not only reduces material costs but also improves water flow and reduces pressure loss, enhancing the overall efficiency and performance of the plumbing system.
PEX pipes are made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or HDPE polymer, a specific type of thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. The molecular structure of polyethylene is chemically or physically modified to create PEX, resulting in permanently linked polymer chains that form a high-performing pipe. This cross-linking process gives PEX its unique characteristics, including improved flexibility, durability, and sustainability compared to traditional piping materials.
The flexibility of PEX pipes offers significant benefits over rigid pipes and other less flexible options. It allows for easier installation, especially when retrofitting existing plumbing systems. One end of a PEX pipe can be connected to a PEX manifold (the main water control system), and its flexibility enables it to wind through walls and floors uninterruptedly to reach individual fixtures. This feature simplifies plumbing layouts and reduces the need for additional fittings and connections, which are common leak sources.
While PEX pipes are predominantly known for their flexibility, it is important to note that they are also durable and robust. They are considered more sustainable than copper, PVC, CPVC, ABS, and polyethylene pipes. PEX pipes can withstand a wide range of temperatures and pressures, making them suitable for various applications, including distributing hot and cold water, municipal water service lines, hydronic radiant heating systems, and snow/ice melting systems. However, PEX pipes are not recommended for outdoor use due to their vulnerability to UV radiation, which can cause premature degradation and potential cracking.
PEX pipes have gained popularity in the plumbing industry due to their flexibility, durability, and sustainability. They are now used in more than 60% of new construction residential water supply systems, challenging the dominance of traditional piping materials such as copper, steel, and CPVC. PEX pipes offer a combination of performance, efficiency, and ease of installation, making them a preferred choice for plumbers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts alike.
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It's a great alternative to copper, steel, and CPVC
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a type of flexible plastic plumbing pipe that is a great alternative to copper, steel, and CPVC pipes. It is made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene or HDPE polymer. PEX pipes are generally more affordable than copper pipes because the material is cheaper and easier to install. They are also highly resistant to corrosion and scale buildup, which are common issues with copper pipes. PEX pipes are also quieter, rarely leak, and can tolerate extreme temperatures.
Another advantage of PEX pipes is their flexibility, which allows them to be snaked through floors and walls during retrofitting projects. This is especially useful for radiant floor heating systems, where flexibility and temperature resistance are key. PEX pipes are also preferred for their cost-effectiveness and ability to resist corrosion.
When comparing PEX to CPVC, it is important to note that CPVC pipes are a type of plastic pipe that includes chlorine, making them safe for potable water and more durable over time. While CPVC is a more inexpensive piping option with decent chemical resistance, PEX is preferred for its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. PEX pipes are also less susceptible to damage from UV rays compared to CPVC, which can crack during earthquakes.
Overall, PEX pipes are a great alternative to copper, steel, and CPVC pipes due to their affordability, ease of installation, flexibility, durability, and resistance to corrosion and UV damage. However, it is important to consider the limitations of PEX pipes, such as their vulnerability to UV radiation, which makes them unsuitable for outdoor use.
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PEX is not suitable for outdoor use
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a type of flexible plumbing pipe made out of plastic that is widely known as an alternative to copper or galvanized steel. It is used for hot and cold water lines and is popular among DIYers due to its flexibility and ease of installation.
However, PEX is not suitable for outdoor use due to its vulnerability to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When exposed to UV rays, PEX pipes can break down quickly, with exposed pipelines hardening and potentially cracking within a few months. Therefore, PEX pipes must be stored and installed indoors, away from direct sunlight, to prevent premature degradation.
While PEX pipes can be insulated for outdoor use, they are still susceptible to freezing temperatures if they have standing water in them. Additionally, PEX piping is vulnerable to rodent and pest damage, which can further compromise its integrity when used outdoors.
To summarize, while PEX pipes offer advantages in flexibility and ease of installation, they are not recommended for outdoor use due to their sensitivity to UV radiation, potential for cracking in freezing temperatures, and susceptibility to pest damage. For outdoor applications, other materials that are more resistant to UV light, temperature extremes, and pests may be more suitable.
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It's made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene
PEX pipes are made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE. This plastic piping is designed as an alternative to traditional copper, PVC, and PE pipe. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a type of flexible plumbing pipe that makes for a great alternative to copper or galvanized steel. The flexibility of PEX pipes allows them to bend around corners without the aid of connector pieces, improving water flow and reducing pressure loss for better system efficiency and performance.
PEX pipes are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer, a specific type of thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. The molecular structure of polyethylene material is chemically or physically modified so that its polymer chains are permanently linked, forming a high-performing pipe suitable for various potable and non-potable plumbing applications. PEX pipes are used for distributing hot and cold water, municipal water service lines, hydronic radiant heating systems, and snow/ice melting systems.
PEX tubing is a type of flexible plastic plumbing pipe used for hot and cold water lines as a substitute for copper. It is available in various sizes, from 1/4 inch to 2 inches, to accommodate different applications. PEX pipes are also colour-coded to indicate the type of water they are meant to carry. For example, purple pipes are used for distributing reclaimed water from a water treatment facility, while green pipes are used for wastewater-related applications.
While PEX pipes offer several advantages, they are not suitable for outdoor use due to their vulnerability to UV radiation. They must be stored and installed indoors and away from direct sunlight to prevent premature degradation and cracking. Additionally, PEX pipes are not recyclable as they cannot melt like other types of plastic. However, with the increasing demand for PEX, efforts are being made to find ways to recycle this material.
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PEX pipes are incredibly flexible and can bend around corners
PEX pipes are made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene or HDPE polymer. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a type of flexible plumbing pipe made out of plastic that makes for a great alternative to copper or galvanized steel. PEX pipes are incredibly flexible and can bend around corners without the aid of connector pieces. Devin Abellon, business development manager for engineering services at Uponor North America, a leading provider of PEX piping products, writes that this flexibility "reduces materials inside a building while also improving water flow and reducing pressure loss for better system efficiency and performance".
The flexibility of PEX pipes also makes them an appealing option for retrofitting existing plumbing systems. One end of a PEX pipe can 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. PEX pipes are available in a range of sizes, from 1/4 inch to 2 inches, to accommodate a range of applications.
While PEX pipes are flexible and can bend around corners, they are not suitable for outdoor use. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause PEX pipes to break down, harden, and crack within a few months. PEX pipes are also vulnerable to UV radiation indoors and must be stored and installed away from sunny windows to prevent premature degradation.
Despite being made of plastic, PEX pipes have a lower lifetime impact than ABS, PVC, CPVC, polyethylene, and copper pipes, according to a 2008 life cycle inventory research project by the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association. PEX pipes are also considered more sustainable than copper, PVC, CPVC, ABS, and polyethylene pipes.
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Frequently asked questions
PEX pipe, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a type of flexible plastic piping used in plumbing.
PEX pipe is made from cross-linked high-density polyethylene or HDPE polymer.
PEX pipe is used for distributing hot and cold water, as municipal water service lines, in hydronic radiant heating systems, and in snow/ice melting systems.
PEX pipe is more flexible than copper pipe, which allows for improved water flow and reduced pressure loss. PEX is also less susceptible to leaks compared to copper.
PEX pipe is not suitable for outdoor use as it is vulnerable to UV radiation and can break down over time.
