What is the best type of PEX for plumbing?
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. It expands to the greatest degree when subjected to freezing water, so it’s the most resistant to cracking in frigid temperatures.
What is PEX tubing used for?
PEX tubing or piping is used for water supply lines as well as radiant floor heating. There’s been a lot of debate over PEX for the last several years because PEX has a few downsides that you might not expect. Here are some of the PEX pipe problems you’ll want to know about before making any decisions: PEX Plumbing Disadvantages
Is PEX pipe antibacterial?
When it comes to safety, PEX isn’t antibacterial. This is one reason people don’t choose PEX in the PEX vs. copper decision. The plastic material also allows water to enter the tube, which could cause contamination. It’s for some of these reasons, there have been some discussions of a PEX pipe recall, but nothing has come of it.
Can you use red PEX pipe for hot water?
Red PEX pipe carries 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).
Where should you not use PEX?
PEX can't be installed in high heat areas. 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.
Is PEX good for underground plumbing?
Although PEX pipe is excellent for underground use, it's not rated for outdoor use unless properly protected. For example, PEX piping should not run along the ground without wrapping it or burying it. PEX piping used outdoors must have an insulation wrap to protect the tube from freezing.
Does PEX leach into water?
One of the most recent studies, conducted in 2021, tested water from eight different types of PEX pipe brands. They found that 62 chemicals leached into the water, with half of those organic compounds leached considered toxicological but not carcinogenic.
Can you use PEX instead of PVC?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won't corrode. Freeze resistance. It's resistant to freezing (once again, due to its flexibility, which allows the PEX piping's diameter to expand as the water pressure changes).
How long will PEX last underground?
PEX has a life expectancy of 40-50 years, made possible by its durable and non-corrosive materials. Burial also reduces sun exposure, which would otherwise degrade the piping. Additionally, PEX tubing materials allow for expansion, making them resistant to freezing/cracking underground.
Can SharkBite PEX be used underground?
It's time to set the record straight: Yes, SharkBite brass push fittings can be used underground.
What is wrong with PEX plumbing?
PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.
Does PEX leak chemicals into water?
To date, more than 150 contaminants have been found in water that flowed through PEX pipes in these and other studies. Since each of the more than 70 brands of PEX pipes can leach different chemicals, and there are no enforceable federal regulations, it's difficult for consumers to weigh the health risks.
What are the disadvantages of PEX?
The biggest disadvantage to PEX is that it is unknown how well or long it will last. While PEX piping is warrantied for up to 25 years, it is unknown what could happen to PEX piping as the years go on. Since it is so new, it is hard to know what water will do to the plastic over 30 years.
What's cheaper PEX or PVC?
For home projects and craft where you will not be using it for drinking water, PVC piping is generally the best option to go with. PVC pipes tend to be easy to find and are by far the cheapest option. Cheap PEX pipe can be the same price as CPVC, or more expensive kinds can be nearly cost as much as copper pipes.
Why do plumbers hate CPVC?
"Over a period of time, it gets brittle and cracks and breaks and the glue joints continue to deteriorate through the pipe and go bad," Rainaldi said. Plumbers said Florida's heat and chlorine in the water is also bad for CPVC pipes.
Does PEX freeze and burst?
PEX pipes, just like any pipe, can freeze when the temperature drops too low. Because the pipes are designed to be flexible, PEX has the ability to expand. Although it is still possible for them to burst, this means PEX pipes are less likely to rupture after freezing.
What is PEX pipe?
PEX plumbing is cross-linked polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. PEX tubing or piping is used for water supply lines as well as radiant floor heating. There’s been a lot of debate over PEX for the last several years because PEX has a few downsides that you might not expect. Here are some of the PEX pipe problems you’ll want ...
Why is PEX plastic so sensitive?
PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. Some pest control companies argue against installing PEX because it’s so susceptible to pest damage. Since PEX is plastic, it’s more sensitive than copper and other metal pipes. Mice can chew right through the pipe, causing major problems.
Does PEX leach BPA?
PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. There are 3 types of PEX (A, B, and C), but type B is the only one that doesn’ t appear to have the leaching problem. The research is still incomplete on this matter, but if you want to use PEX, you may want to choose type B.
Can you put PEX in high heat?
The thing to keep in mind though, is this is more of a rodent problem than a PEX problem. PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting.
Is PEX antibacterial?
PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe. When it comes to safety, PEX isn’t antibacterial. This is one reason people don’t choose PEX in the PEX vs. copper decision. The plastic material also allows water to enter the tube, which could cause contamination.
What is the max temperature for a Pex water heater?
Don't know if it is legal, but the max temperature for pex is usually around 180. Make sure the pipe and the connections are rated for high temps. I know it is not recomended for water heater but don't know if it is illegal.
Is Pex still in the air?
pex is still up in the air here in calif. it is legal for area heating, but still a city by city basis for domestic. as far as i can remember, pex is ok for connection to a water heater , but needs 6'' clearence from the vent, heat source. as far as a drain connection to the prv. as long as it is not exposed to the outdoor, uv light.
What are the signs of a PEX water line?
For homeowners who have PEX water-supply lines, signs of rodents, such as droppings, chewed paper or wood, or other shredded items, signal a need to take action before damage to the water supply system can occur.
How much does PEX save?
Installing PEX can save as much as 60 percent on project costs, and, unlike copper, PEX tubing is flexible and can be fished through existing wall spaces, reducing the scope of a retrofit project.
Can water and building materials mix?
Water and building materials do not mix, and the pressure inherent in water-supply lines can quickly flood a large area of the home, leading to costly repairs. Photo: istockphoto.com. RELATED: 23 Things in Your Home That are Attracting Bugs and Rodents.
Can mice chew PEX?
Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.
Is PEX tubing a water supply?
For both new construction and remodeling projects, installing a cross-linked polyethylene ( PEX) water-supply system is attractive to builders and homeowners a like. Deciding factors for choosing between the two most common water-supply materials, PEX and copper, include ease of installation and cost. Installing PEX can save as much as 60 percent on project costs, and, unlike copper, PEX tubing is flexible and can be fished through existing wall spaces, reducing the scope of a retrofit project.
Can rodents chew through PEX?
While pest experts don’t know whether rodents chew through PEX to get to the water inside or simply because it’s there, PEX and rodents can be a dangerous combination. Local building codes in some communities may not permit the installation of PEX if rodent infestations are common.
