What Is PEX?

Crosslinked polyethylene or PEX is widely used in water supply systems due to its advantages over the more traditional metal piping such as lead, iron or copper piping.  It can also be used in place of rigid plastic piping systems like ABS, CPVC and PVC.  It has been used successfully in Europe for nearly forty years and has been in use in the United States around 1980.

Among its advantages is the ability to resist the build up of chlorine and scale, it won't develop pinholes or corrode and requires less fittings and connections than more traditional piping systems.  The installation is much faster than rigid plastic or metal systems.  The PEX tubing is mainly used when installing hydronic radiant heat systems and water piping for homes.  It is a great alternative to copper and PVC piping that has been traditionally used in home building or water system repairs and upgrades.  

PEX works for both cold and hot water lines.  It is available in red that can be used to indicate hot water and blue for the cold side.  This is not necessary, it is just for convenience.  It is also available in standard white.  Another advantage of using PEX is the fact that water flows very quietly through the tubing.  The water hammer noise that is common among copper piping systems is eliminated.

Fittings are available that will allow it to adapt to existing copper piping.  The standard fittings are available such as couplings, shut-offs and elbows.  Do it yourselfers love it because it is so flexible.  This makes the need for many fittings a think of the past.  The use of fewer fittings will mean fewer leaks.  Every time a fitting is installed you run the risk of having a leak at the joint.  Reduce the fittings and you will reduce the chance of leaks.

It is unrolled from a spool so it can be installed using very long runs which will eliminate the need for couplings.  It easily bends into ninety degree angles, eliminating the need for elbow fittings.  This also speeds up the installation time since you eliminate the time spent cutting pipe and installing the proper fittings  

Another benefit of its amazing flexibility is the ability to expand as well as contract.  This makes PEX much less likely to break or burst.  While PEX is resistant to freeze damage, there is no tubing that is guaranteed not to break as the result of a freeze.  You should install the PEX piping according to the local insulation requirements for your area.  This standard practice should be followed when installing any plumbing system.  In the event a repair is necessary, kits are available for purchase that will make any repair easy.  

If you are looking for an alternative to a standard water piping system that won’t spring pinhole leaks, won’t corrode, resists scale and chlorine build up and is easy to install perhaps PEX is the perfect solution for you.  The next time you have to install water piping it might be a great idea to experience the ease of PEX for yourself.