Choosing the Right Type of PEX Pipe for Your Plumbing Job

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe is a popular material for plumbing projects. It’s used in new homes as well as remodeling and repairs on older systems.

PEX pipe offers several distinct advantages for specific projects, such as chemical resistance, extreme temperatures, corrosion resistance and deformation.

Type A

PEX pipe is a widely-used material in residential plumbing projects due to its ease of use and cost effectiveness. When selecting pipe for your job, selecting the right kind can make all the difference in whether your endeavor succeeds or not.

PEX comes in three primary varieties, each offering its own advantages and characteristics. All three types are ASTM and NSF-certified for potable water use and boast remarkable flexibility when plumbing.

What type of PEX tubing you select will determine which fittings go on it, and there are two popular methods for joining PEX: push-fit connections and expansion fittings.

Typically, the most straightforward method for connecting PEX pipes together is to use a special push-fitting that snaps onto the end of the tube and creates an airtight seal. This is by far the quickest way to do it and requires no special tools or materials.

Another popular method is installing expansion fittings, which are much larger in diameter than the pipe they connect to. These expand PEX around them and eliminate any risk of restricting flow or kinking the pipe while connecting it.

Finally, expanding PEX is more resistant to freezing, meaning it can withstand colder weather without cracking. This property makes it particularly suitable for areas where frequent cold and low temperatures occur.

In addition to several types of PEX pipe, there are also multiple brands that manufacture it. Each brand has its own distinct characteristics and differences so be sure to research each one thoroughly before buying.

Apollo PEX-A and PEX-B both meet ASTM and NSF certification standards, but their manufacturing processes differ. While both products use cross-linked polyethylene, Apollo PEX-A is manufactured through an “Engel” method which introduces peroxides into HDPE during extrusion resulting in greater crosslinking than with the Silane process employed by Apollo PEX-B.

Although all three types of PEX have been tested to meet the demands of a plumbing environment, there are some minor distinctions in density, burst pressure levels and bend radiuses between brands. While these don’t make a huge difference in your project’s final quality, they do matter when selecting which type of pex pipe you’ll require.

Type B

PEX is an affordable and flexible pipe material commonly used in residential plumbing applications. It also has many advantages over copper and other piping materials, while being more cost-effective than metal pipes.

Plumbing systems come in a variety of types, with the two most popular being Type A and B. However, other options exist as well.

Type A : Produced through the “Engel” process, which utilizes peroxides to crosslink HDPE molecules at an atomic level. As a result, Type A pex tubing is the strongest available.

Due to its design, this method is highly resistant to rust and corrosion, but can be damaged by chemicals like chlorine. While this could pose a problem in areas where water is treated with chlorine, it can easily be remedied by sealing off the interior of the tube or adding an aluminum sleeve.

Pex tubing is resistant to kinking and can be easily repaired with a heat gun. This method works especially well for fixing pipes that have been pulled or twisted due to improper installation.

Another advantage of PEX C is that it can withstand higher burst pressure than PEX B. This property comes in handy during cold-weather situations when freezing temperatures may cause pipes to crack or break.

While less flexible than PEX A, this pex pipe is still incredibly strong and durable – capable of withstanding up to 500 PSI of pressure. That makes it a great option for homeowners living in colder climates.

Additionally, PEX B is less vulnerable to damage caused by pests like rodents because they cannot chew through it as easily as copper can.

Like all PEX pipes, Type B is designed to meet ASTM standards and NSF certification for use with potable water. Additionally, it complies with ASTM F876 and F877 performance requirements, as well as SDR9 dimensional requirements.

Type C

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional copper and galvanized steel water supply lines. It can be purchased locally at hardware stores or online, making it perfect for DIY plumbing projects around the house without needing to call in a plumber.

Today, there are various types of PEX pipe available on the market, each with its own characteristics and strengths. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s essential to select one that works best for your project.

PEX tubing is typically labeled with its design specifications and manufacturer’s name. This information helps guarantee that the tubing complies with all local codes and is safe to use in plumbing installations.

PEX comes in three primary varieties: Type A, B and C. Each has various sizes to choose from and features specific traits that make them ideal for certain applications.

PEX pipe Type A, commonly referred to as “PEX-A,” utilizes the “Engel method,” which involves adding organic peroxide to polyethylene molecules during manufacturing. This causes the molecules to “crosslink” together in a liquid state and ensure uniform crosslinking throughout the entire pipe.

The PEX pipe used in this process has a high crosslinking percentage, making it flexible and elastic. Furthermore, this type of pipe can be repaired if it kinks during installation by applying controlled heat to the damaged area.

This type of pipe has been in use for more than 50 years with relatively few publicized issues, indicating its durability. Unfortunately, installation can be more challenging than with other options due to its longer lifespan.

PEX-C boasts several major advantages, such as its durability and resistance to cracking. This makes it a popular choice among those living in cold climates since this type of pipe tends to stay intact more so than its two counterparts. Furthermore, more than 60% of new residential water systems utilize PEX tubing – making it one of the most durable options available on the market.

Where to Buy

PEX pipe is a synthetic, flexible plastic that can bend and fit however you need it to. This makes it much easier to work with and install, especially in tight places. Furthermore, PEX piping carries water more quietly than metal piping does.

PEX tubing, originally developed in Europe and now widely used to replace galvanized steel and copper piping in residential plumbing systems. Not only is it cheaper and simpler to work with than its copper counterpart, but PEX tubing also tends to leak less or corrode less frequently.

PEX piping is constructed of cross-linked polyethylene material, providing excellent resistance to acids. Furthermore, its resistance to freeze-induced cracking and bending makes it a more suitable material for cold climates than copper or steel for piping materials.

PEX piping can be found at home centers and big box stores in long sections ranging from 100 feet to 500 feet, which are typically used for manifold-based plumbing systems that run multiple supply lines. For shorter straight lengths, however, PEX piping may come in 10-foot pieces which make managing it easier for do-it-yourselfers.

You can purchase smaller-diameter PEX pipe in shorter lengths for installing branch supply lines. These bring hot and cold water into a house from a water heater that’s usually situated near sinks or bathtubs.

When purchasing PEX piping, make sure you purchase the correct size tubing and fittings to go with it. The tubing should have a thread size that matches the fittings, and both should be crimped or compressed together for secure connection.

Another crucial aspect of PEX piping is that it’s color coded to indicate what type of tubing it is: red PEX pipe carries hot water, blue PEX pipe transports cold water and white PEX pipe accommodates both.

Red, blue and white PEX piping can be easily identified by plumbers due to its distinctive colors. Red, blue and white PEX pipes can be purchased at most home centers and big box stores as either a standalone system or part of an entire plumbing system in your home.

Recommended Articles