PEX Particulars
- 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).
Why are PEX pipes better than copper pipes?
PEX is better than copper piping for several reasons. PEX is a type of polymer tubing that costs much less than copper and is quicker to install. PEX tubing is also more flexible, requires fewer joints, and does not corrode like copper pipe.
Which is better PVC or PEX?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. 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). What is the best pipe for main water line?
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.
Are there hidden dangers with PEX plumbing?
While PEX comes with convincing reasons for choosing it over copper, it also comes with a hidden downside—rodents seem to find the plastic-based tubing irresistible. Keep reading to find out why this is a problem and what you should do to prevent damage to a PEX water-supply system.
What is PEX tubing?
What color is PEX?
What type of fittings are used for PEX?
What is the advantage of PEX pipe?
What type of PEX pipe is used for hot water?
How long is a PEX pipe?
What is PEX pipe?
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Does it matter what color PEX I use?
There are no performance differences between red, white, blue and white PEX and all are intended for use in potable water systems. The colors can be used to easily distinguish between hot and cold distribution lines.
Can I use blue PEX pipe 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. These colors are just for your convenience.
Which is better PEX A or PEX B?
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.
Which PEX tubing is best?
PEX-APEX-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.
Are red and blue PEX the same?
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).
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.
Can you use shark bites on PEX?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
Does PEX a come in red and blue?
It is available in red, blue, and white to make classification of water lines easier (red for hot, blue for cold, white for supply lines or single-color systems). The color of PEX does not change any of the tubing's ratings.
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.
Will PEX pipe 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.
Is all PEX tubing the same?
PEX tubing has a lot of advantages in plumbing applications, but buyers should know the differences between the three types. While all three meet applicable standards, cost, and flexibility, the installation methods do vary. Buyers should remember this when deciding which type of PEX to use.
Are there different grades of PEX pipe?
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.
Which is Better PEX A or PEX B?
A very common question among the plumbers and homeowners that which is better PEX A or PEX B. The question is obvious because nobody wants to change the pipework after a few months or years.
Why use PEX tubing?
For these reasons, among others, the building industry has moved towards using PEX tubing instead of copper pipe. “PEX” is the short name (and an imperfect acronym) for “cross-linked polyethylene.” It’s been widely accepted by builders and plumbers for over 20 years, but depending on where you live, it may be new to your area. The benefits of using PEX are numerous: 1 The cost of the material is far less than copper 2 The cost of installation is also far less than copper 3 It’s much quicker and takes less skill to install 4 It’s far less prone to bursting in cold weather 5 It’s seamless, which prevents leakage 6 It’s flexible, requiring minimal fittings
When did QEST pipe stop being used?
This older type of pipe (also called “PB1 pipe,” “poly pipe” or “QEST” pipe) is famous for failing and causing major water damage, and is something we’ve never used in homes, and manufacturing for it ceased back in 1995.
Is PEX cheaper than copper?
The benefits of using PEX are numerous: The cost of the material is far less than copper. The cost of installation is also far less than copper.
Is PEX a good plumbing material?
The fact of the matter is, PEX is a superior plumbing material, and it’s been proven across the USA for many years to be a reliable, efficient, and inexpensive option for homes. We’re big fans of PEX, and now you know why. About the Author. About the Author.
What are the different grades of PEX tubing?
In addition to being made in multiple different colors (generally red, white, blue, and gray), PEX tubing is also made in three common grades. It’s important for everyone in the plumbing or radiant heat flooring business to be familiar with these grades, so that they can respond to clients if and when they have questions about which pipe is being ...
What is PEX B tubing?
PEX-B. This type of PEX tubing is produced via the "Silane" or "Moisture Cure" method of cross-linking. PEX-B is manufactured by a large number of companies and thus is one of the most commonly available. PEX-B is known for being very resistant to chlorine and oxidation, and has the highest bursting pressure.
What is the most expensive PEX tubing?
As such, PEX-A is the most expensive grade of PEX tubing.
What is PEX tubing?
PEX tubing is an amazing alternative to other piping due to its easy installation capabilities, and therefore many do it yourselfers have taken on PEX projects in late years. The first thing to know is that the color of the tubing does not specify what type it is, but is rather there for color coding purposes.
What color is PEX?
Blue meaning cold, red meaning hot, white for neutral, and orange is typically used for PEX-Al-PEX tubing. Both Oxygen Barrier and Non-Barrier PEX can be purchased in these assortments of colors. The difference is in the outside material of the tubing itself.
What is the standard for oxygen diffusion barrier tubing?
The standard for the oxygen diffusion barrier is DIN 4726 , and must be listed directly on the pipe to ensure its use with such systems.
Why is PEX non-barrier?
The reason for Non-Barrier is the fact that a constant supply of fresh water ensures that there will be oxygen molecules present in the system.
Is PEX tubing corrosion resistant?
They are also extremely lightweight and flexible allowing for easy installation, as well as corrosion resistant. Most PEX manufacturers list what type of tubing it is directly on the pipe, among other pipe markings so the consumer is fully aware of what they have purchased .
Is PEX a barrier?
PEX-AL-PEX is constructed the same way with an aluminum lining, making it an oxygen barrier pipe as well. This plays a major roll on the tubing’s ability to function without corroding ferrous materials in the system, and allows many other advantages that the Non-Barrier tubing does not have. Due to its oxygen barrier the tubing can be used ...
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 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 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.
