Which PEX fittings are best?
Plastic or Brass Fittings – Which are Better?
- Understanding Plastic or Brass Fittings. The choices for PEX fittings are uncountable. ...
- Advantages of Brass fittings. When looking for a tough fitting to use, brass is a good example. ...
- Disadvantages of Brass fittings. ...
- Advantages of plastic fittings. ...
- Disadvantages of the plastic fitting. ...
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.
Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Why is PEX plumbing bad? Potential chemical leaching is another downside of PEX piping. Due to its chemical composition, the PEX pipe material may leach toxic chemicals including bisphenol (BPA), MTBE, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others.
Which PEX tubing is best?
PEX-AThe Engel method or PEX-A is known as the best type of PEX due to its exceeding that of all international standards set for performance. For example, Sharkbite invented a push-fit fitting which utilizes the consumer to connect PEX tubing without the need for any tools.
Is there a difference in PEX brands?
PEX A is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method. PEX B is formed using Silane, or Moisture Cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there. PEX C is created using the Electronic Irradiation, or Cold, method of cross-linking.
What kind of PEX do plumbers use?
For indoor plumbing, the most common PEX tubing is one half-inch, which boasts a higher flow rate than copper pipe of the same size.
Are there different grades of PEX tubing?
If you've ever shopped for PEX tube you probably know there are three main types. These are PEX A, PEX B and PEX C. In hindsight, that's an unfortunate naming scheme, because it makes it sound like these are grades and implies that one is better or worse than the other.
Is Uponor the best PEX?
There are three different types of PEX tubing: PEX-a, PEX-b, and PEX-c. Uponor manufactures PEX-a tubing is considered the superior type of PEX in the industry because the crosslinking is done during the manufacturing process when polyethylene is in its amorphic state (above the crystalline melting point).
What is better crimp or cinch?
When it comes to which method is better between crimping and cinching, it all comes down to personal preference and workload. If you are looking for a fast and more secure connection that will stand the test of time, crimp tools are your better option.
Is PEX expansion or crimp better?
PEX crimp equipment is a lot more affordable than the expansion kits. However, despite the pricing and form shortcomings, most plumbers prefer to work with expansion because installation is more efficient. There are fewer leaks, and it also seems to be more durable against extreme colds and frozen pipes, etc.
Is Blue PEX OK 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.
What is the difference between red white and blue PEX tubing?
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).
What is the difference between Type A and Type B PEX tubing?
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.
How long will PEX tubing last?
50 yearsPEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years.
What is PEX tubing?
More people are switching over to this flexible, lightweight, and durable polymer due to the amazing benefits it offers, along with its great price. Installation methods for PEX are extremely easy and therefore many common “Joes” have become master plumbers overnight. With a large number of companies offering their services of tubing, tools, and installation equipment, one has to show cautiousness when purchasing. Companies such as Viega, Zurn, Uponor (Wirsbo), Sharkbite, Milwaukee, Apollo, REHAU, Everhot, Nibco, and Sioux Chief have successfully dominated the industry in those departments, each with its own personal agenda. Many companies specialize in PEX tubing, while others make it their focus to innovate new techniques which can be used for the installation methods. The competitiveness of the PEX plumbing industry has died down in recent years, and these companies have come out on top.
Who is Zurn PEX?
Zurn. Zurn was one of the leading companies distributing PEX tubing and fittings in the early 2000’s. In 2007 a class action lawsuit was filed against them for an array of defective fittings that caused over 20 million dollars in damage.
What is a push fit fitting?
For example, Sharkbite invented a push-fit fitting which utilizes the consumer to connect PEX tubing without the need for any tools. This fitting was established and patented to give this organization a foot in the door, in which they swung the door wide open, being the leading brand for plumbing fittings in North America.
What is PEX tubing?
Polyethylene cross-linked tubing, better known as PEX, is a fine addition to the industrious do-it-yourself plumber’s arsenal. Inexpensive to buy and surprisingly versatile, PEX is also relatively easy to install.
What type of fittings are used for PEX tubing?
Once you’ve determined which type of PEX tubing you need, you will need to choose the fittings. The easiest to use are brass push-fit fittings, which simply “bite” into the tubing. Other types of fittings used with PEX are crimp, clamp, press and compression, any of which are less expensive but require specialized tools.
How many different types of PEX are there?
More than 20 different types of PEX are on the market, each suited to a specific plumbing or heating job, so knowing which PEX product to pick for your project is important. Photo: istockphoto.com.
What is PEX B?
PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant. Both types of tubing come in three colors—red, white, and blue—in diameters ranging from 1/4-inch to 3 inches. For indoor plumbing, the most common PEX tubing is one half-inch, which boasts a higher flow rate than copper pipe of the same size. For outdoor applications, “sleeved” versions of ...
What is the difference between PEX and PEX-B?
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.
What size oxygen barrier is used for baseboard?
The 1/2-inch size is most commonly used; 3/8-, 5/8- and 3/4-inch sizes are also available.
Does PEX Al-Pex need to be tied down?
Its primary benefit is that once bent, PEX-AL-PEX holds its shape and doesn’t need to be tied down every few feet. The aluminum layer doubles as an oxygen barrier, which in concert with its lower expansion rate, makes PEX-AL-PEX suitable for use in outdoor, warmboard, or high-temperature heating systems.
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 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 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.
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).
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 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 is PEX pipe?
The PEX pipe and fittings are best to carry liquid through them. So, sewage and slurries are another application that has the use of PEX fittings. High-Pressure supply: PEX fittings can also service high-pressure supply. Although they can sustain a mid-level pressure, they are not built for high-pressure supply.
What are the different types of PEX fittings?
Here are all the PEX fittings that are available to use: 1 Brass Fittings: The most common and popular PEX fittings are Brass fittings. As most of the PEX connection gets used in water supply lines, brass is an ideal material for those tasks. Brass fittings don’t corrode to long term water supply. Almost every PEX brass fittings are lead-free and perfect for potable water supply. Those fittings can work with copper and stainless clamp rings and available to variable sizes. 2 Copper Fittings: Although it’s not the most used, copper fittings are also available for any kind of PEX connections. Generally, copper fittings are as durable as brass fittings. However, they can be a little bit of head conductive. The copper fittings also have their usage around the industry.#N#– 3 Custom Plastic Fittings: Besides brass and copper there are also custom plastic fittings. Often those fittings are manufactured by different PEX pipe companies. Those custom fittings can be different from each other. Some plastic fittings only work on some particular PEX pipe brands. So, before using a custom plastic fitting, check if it supports your current PEX piping.
What type of PEX fittings are used in water lines?
Every type of fittings has it’s own benefit and lacking. Here are all the PEX fittings that are available to use: Brass Fittings: The most common and popular PEX fittings are Brass fittings. As most of the PEX connection gets used in water supply lines, brass is an ideal material for those tasks.
What is PEX heating?
Radiant Heating: radiant heating is a popular choice in cold areas. That being said, PEX is the one-stop choice for any radiant hydronic heating system. The PEX fittings work best with the manifold to supply evenly hot water into the lines.
Which is better, PEX or PVC?
The PEX fittings have lots of advantages over traditional PVC and CPVC fittings. PEX fittings are by far the better choice for almost every project. Due to it’s all advantages, they are one of the best pieces to work on.
Can you use plastic fittings on PEX?
Some plastic fittings only work on some particular PEX pipe brands. So, before using a custom plastic fitting, check if it supports your current PEX piping. So, those PEX fittings you can use on your PEX connections. Although the brass fittings are the favorite, you can go for other fittings if needed.
Is copper fittings conductive?
Copper Fittings: Although it’s not the most used, copper fittings are also available for any kind of PEX connections. Generally, copper fittings are as durable as brass fittings. However, they can be a little bit of head conductive. The copper fittings also have their usage around the industry. –.
What is PEX piping?
If you specialize in residential applications, you’re most likely familiar with crosslinked polyethylene, or PEX — the flexible, durable, plastic piping system that’s become increasingly popular in new-home construction. But if you’re in the commercial space where PEX is still relatively new, you might not be aware of the product’s variations ...
Why is it important to stick with the same manufacturer for PEX fittings?
When installing PEX pipe and fittings, it is important to stick with the same manufacturer for all components. Mixing different pipe and fittings from different manufacturers can limit the warranty and add confusion/frustration if there is a need for service.
What is the PEX C method?
PEX-c uses an electron beam to change the molecular structure of the pipe after the extrusion process. The PEX-c method requires multiple passes under the beam to reach a degree of crosslinking of 70 to 75 percent.
How is PEX B crosslinked?
PEX-b is crosslinked after the extrusion process by placing the pipe in a hot-water bath or steam sauna. The degree of crosslinking for PEX-b is typically around 65 to 70 percent. Because this method is not as evenly crosslinked as PEX-a, it is a stiffer product.
When was PEX first used?
A little background first: PEX was invented in 1968, and by the 1970s, it was being used throughout Europe for water distribution systems. PEX was brought to North America in the mid-1980s for use in residential radiant floor heating applications. By the mid-1990s, it was being used for residential potable plumbing as well.
Can you repair a PEX pipe with a heat gun?
This means kinks in the pipe can be repaired with the use of a heat gun. It is important to know that only PEX-a can be kink-repaired. You cannot do this with other PEX types. The higher degree of crosslinking of PEX-a also offers greater durability in freeze/thaw cycles, keeping the integrity of the pipe intact.
Is PEX used for hot water?
However, the past 10 years has seen an increase in PEX use for domestic hot water, as well as hydronic heating and chilled-water applications. Both residential and commercial industries see the same benefits of PEX, namely: Its flexibility and long coil lengths, dramatically reducing the need for fittings.
How long does PEX pipe last?
ASTM International, a standards organization, requires that the life expectancy for PEX pipe be at least 50 years. (Some PEX manufacturers offer a pipe life expectancy of more than 100 years.) In short, PEX is more durable and provides longer system longevity with less time and material invested in the installation.
How to connect PEX pipe to PEX pipe?
The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows. Slide a crimp ring over the end of the PEX pipe. Insert a fitting, either metal or plastic, into the end of the pipe. Slide the ring into position over a point where the pipe and the fitting overlap.
How much does PEX expand?
Certain types of PEX can even expand up to three times the pipe’s diameter.
Why switch to PEX?
For one, PEX is flexible, so it can bend with each change in direction. This reduces the number of required connections, making installations faster and easier — and lessens the chance of potential leak points.
How to make a PEX connection on a square cut pipe?
The process for making a connection on a square-cut, clean pipe is as follows. Slide the PEX-reinforcing ring over the end of the pipe. Most rings have a stop on the end of it. If not, leave a small space at the end of the ring before starting the connection.
Can you use push to connect with PEX?
Push-to-connect can be used interchangeable with most types of copper tube size pipe, including PEX, copper and CPVC. No special tools are needed to make these connections. Also, the fittings can be easily removed and reused. The bad: If cost drives your decision, steer clear of push-to-connect.
