Various types of PEX fittings and connection systems
| PEX Fitting | PEX Fitting Type | Material* | ASTM Standard | Connection method (s) |
| PEX-A | PEX-B | PEX-C | PEX-AL-PEX | |
| Crimp | Brass | F1807 | Crimp (Crimp Tool + Crimp Rings) or Clam ... | |
| Crimp | Poly | F2159 | Crimp (Crimp Tool + Crimp Rings) or Clam ... | |
| Push (Push-fit, Push-to-connect) | Brass | None | No tools required |
Which PEX pipe is the best?
- Quiet
- Inexpensive
- Color-coded
- No soldering needed
- Resistant to corrosion
Which brand of PEX is best?
- The tubes are color-coded with blue for cold and red for hot for easy reading. ...
- The patented MANABLOC distribution system helps you see less water waste, which means more money in your pocket.
- With 15 cold ports and nine hot ports, this one has the most ports out of all the manifolds.
- Poly Alloy adapters allow for a much better fit as well.
What is the average life expectancy of PEX pipe?
The average life span of PEX for plumbing purposes goes well over 50 years. For this reason, PEX plumbing has been used to replace copper plumbing. One of the main features of PEX is that it is light weight. It is able to withstand temperatures as high as 200 degrees F.
What is the difference between each type of PEX?
- 1000 feet of length
- Oxygen Barrier
- Suitable for heating
- Flexible and hard
- Kinks are removed with a heat gun
- easy to use
Which type of PEX is best?
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.
How many different types of PEX are there?
three kindsWhen you see PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C, you may wonder what the differences are between them and which one you should choose. Below, we break down why there are three kinds of PEX, which traits they share and how they're different.
Is PEX A or B better?
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 is the difference between PEX types?
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What is the difference between blue and red PEX pipe?
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. Red PEX pipe carries hot water. Blue PEX pipe carries cold water.
Are all PEX fittings the same?
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.
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 crimp or clamp?
0:171:20Differences Between PEX Crimp Connections and PEX Clamp ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resistMoreAlthough there are a few pros. And cons to keep in mind for each stainless steel clamp rings resist corrosion more effectively than crimp rings.
Does SharkBite work on PEX-A and B?
SharkBite push-to-connect fittings listed to ASSE 1061 approved for PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C pipe.
Is SharkBite PEX type A or B?
Cross-linking is defined as polyethylene material that has undergone a change in molecular structure using a chemical or a physical process whereby the polymer chains are chemically linked. SharkBite non oxygen barrier pipe is manufacture as PEX-B and SharkBite oxygen barrier pipe is manufactured as PEX-C.
Are PEX-A and PEX B fittings the same?
0:499:23PEX-A vs PEX-B - What's the Difference? Which Should You Use?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd they're about the same. Here's the problem pex b uses a reduced size fitting. What i mean isMoreAnd they're about the same. Here's the problem pex b uses a reduced size fitting. What i mean is that fitting is designed to go inside the pipe you put a clamp ring on the outside. And squeeze it to
What is orange PEX pipe used for?
Designed for use on hot and cold potable water lines, Orange PEX tubing is commonly used for radiant floor and hydronic heating applications.
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.
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).
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.
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 tubing?
PEX, short for cross-linked polyethylene, is a flexible plastic used for plumbing. The tubing has become quite popular over the years, replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel water supply lines. Homeowners can easily pick up PEX tubing from their local hardware store (or order it online) and complete DIY project upgrades or replace leaking pipes without having a plumber come out. PEX is utilized in over 60 percent of new construction residential water systems—a notable jump in use since its arrival in the US during the 1980s.
What is the most flexible PEX?
Types of PEX: PEX-A is the most flexible and is suitable for use in all home water-supply plumbing needs. It is the most resistant to cracking due to freezing, as it can expand the most. PEX-A is more expensive than B or C, and has no major benefit over PEX-B besides its greater flexibility. PEX-A is manufactured using peroxide.
How to make PEX watertight?
Methods used to make watertight PEX connections: Copper crimping is one of the most popular methods to connect PEX. You’ll need copper crimping rings and a PEX crimping tool. The copper ring slides over the end of the PEX tubing, then a fitting is inserted into the PEX. The copper ring is moved to the end of the tube over the fitting, ...
What color PEX tubing is used for hot water?
PEX tubing can be red, blue, white, or gray. Red signifies a hot water line, while blue is used for cold water lines. White or gray PEX can be used for either hot or cold water.
Why is PEX pipe so resistant to freezing?
PEX is more resistant to cracking due to freezing thanks to its ability to expand. Unlike copper and steel pipes, PEX does not corrode, avoiding both water contamination and leaks. Water travels noiselessly through PEX, which is not always ...
How long is PEX tubing?
PEX tubing varies in length from convenient 10-foot sections, which are perfect for small repairs or hose bib installs, to 500-foot rolls used for building a home’s entire water supply system.
What is the most difficult PEX to work with?
PEX-C is the stiffest of the three types of PEX, making it the most difficult to work with. It is prone to kinking and susceptible to cracks in freezing conditions. PEX-C is the cheapest option, and should only be used for small repairs that don’t require much bending. PEX-C is manufactured via an irradiation method.
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.
What is PEX material?
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.
Which PEX pipe is the most flexible?
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 is the difference between PEX and PEX B?
Differences can be summarized as follows: 1 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. 2 Kink-Resistance - PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest. You should never install kinked pipe. 3 Bursting Pressure – Always check the tubing for maximum temperature and pressure ratings. Remember, the pressure ratings decrease as the temperature of the water increases. 4 Resistance to Oxidation - All polyethylene tubing is non-corrosive. ASTM also has standards that measure the performance of tubing when exposed to chlorine over time. Those are on the tubing, too.
What is PEX B?
PEX B. Technically referred to as a silane process, but is more often called steam or moisture cross-linking. Unlike the PEX-A process, it's done after the HDPE is extruded into tube. Passing the finished product through steam in the presence of a silane catalyst encourages the polymers to form cross-links.
What is PEX in chemistry?
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, (and is sometimes referred to as XLPE.) Polyethylene is composed of chains of ethylene molecules referred to as polymers, (hence “poly”-ethylene.) These polymers don’t connect, which is what gives polyethylene its flexibility. It's produced in two main forms, low density (LDPE) and high density (HDPE). In HDPE, the polymers are tightly packed, which makes it stiffer than LDPE. HDPE is used in common items such as milk bottles and LDPE is used in film applications, such as food wraps or trash bags.
What is HDPE used for?
In HDPE, the polymers are tightly packed, which makes it stiffer than LDPE. HDPE is used in common items such as milk bottles and LDPE is used in film applications, such as food wraps or trash bags. HDPE, in general, has good impact resistance.
Is HDPE a good material?
HDPE, in general, has good impact resistance. When crosslinked by any of the methods, A, B or C the HDPE overcomes some of its natural material properties, making the finished product more resilient for potable and radiant applications.
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.
Uses for PEX piping
Plumbers use PEX pipings for both hot and cold potable water. Because PEX piping is flexible, it doesn’t need to be installed using traditional branch piping techniques that require more connections; rather, it can be installed to a central manifold with pipes going directly to the fixtures (called “home runs”).
What are the advantages of PEX piping?
The flexibility and versatility of PEX piping make it a great option for many plumbers.
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.
4 ways to join PEX piping
There are many ways to join PEX piping and fittings. All of them require special tools to facilitate the connection.
What is PEX pipe?
PEX is a cross-linked plastic (polyethylene) material manufactured with softer, and more flexible characteristics. It's been used in potable water and many other manufacturing applications all over the world since the 1960's, and gained significant traction in Europe in the 1980's.
Choosing The Right PEX
With the variety of permutations of PEX pipe aggregations out there it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed. But as long as you have a good handle on your application, it's all pretty straight forward!
What is PEX pipe?
PEX plumbing pipe is a term that refers to cross-linked polyethylene. It is a form of flexible plumbing tubing used for both hot and cold water supply lines. Thanks to its flexibility and ease of connection, PEX is gradually becoming the preferred pipe for residential and commercial uses.
What are compression fittings for PEX?
The fittings consist of three parts: a compression nut, a compression ring, and a compression insert.
What is push fit fitting?
Push-fit fittings (sometimes called push-to-connect) are a relatively recent plumbing innovation that is growing in popularity for all types of plumbing pipes, including PEX. Connecting PEX tubing with push-fit fittings requires no special tools or crimp rings.
What is crimp fitting?
Some manufacturers use O-rings on their metal fittings (manufactured to ASTM 2434 standards) to make the seal with the tubing. Crimp fittings are compatible with all types of PEX tubing, except for PEX-AL-PEX. Crimp fittings are preferred for many applications since they are widely available and are the most affordable.
What color should hot water lines be?
Hot and cold lines should be color-coded differently—the standard practice is to use blue for cold and red for hot water lines. Bundle pipe runs together to reduce installation time. Plan transition points for efficiency. Make sure connection points are accessible.
Is compression fitting more expensive than crimp fitting?
They are, however, more expensive than crimp fittings. Compression fittings are well suited when you are dealing with multiple connection points, or where disassembly is anticipated.
Is PEX tubing solvent glued?
PEX fittings form mechanical unions; they are not solvent-glued in the same manner as is used for CPVC and other plastic plumbing pipes. There are several manufacturers of PEX tubing, and each offers their own complete line of fittings.
Salient Features of PEX Pipes –
From the several benefits provided by PEX pipe compared to other piping options which stand out for me is flexibility. PEX pipes can easily maneuver and bend around corners without using any additional elbows and fittings. This reduces material costs significantly because the pipings end up with fewer connection points eradicating potential leaks.
Disadvantages of PEX Pipes –
Although PEX’s pros far outweigh the cons, still discussing them is important. Here are a few cons of the PEX pipes.
Labeling on PEX Pipes –
PEX pipes are manufactured and categorized by their outside diameter dimension, commonly called copper tube size (CTS). PEX pipes should be labeled every five feet with the information mentioned as follows:
FAQs –
Ans. 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.
The Takeaway –
That’s all I want to say about PEX pipe sizes and PEX pipe dimensions. Anyway, always consult with your plumbing company related to the specific need you have with your plumbing to get the bt results at the end. For residential usage, I believe PEX pipes be a fantastic choice.