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The Advantages of Plumbing With PEX

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PEX TubingThe popularity of PEX has steadily increased in the U.S. since its introduction here in the 1980’s.

Plumbers and homeowners alike are finding that PEX is ideally suited for potable water plumbing and hydronic heating applications. Its flexibility and strength make it superior to rigid pipe, whether you’re installing hydronic radiant heating systems or snow melting applications. Its flexibility also makes it easy to fish up through walls on remodeling projects, making it possible for homeowners to tackle a once difficult job and install PEX plumbing themselves.

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, has several advantages over rigid pipe of copper, iron or plastic. PEX can withstand temperatures from below freezing to 200° Fahrenheit. It’s resistant to both the scale and the chemicals found in the typical plumbing environment. It won’t corrode and it won’t develop pinholes. It is faster to install than rigid pipe and uses fewer connections and fittings, meaning a lower cost installation over traditional plumbing materials. And since most plumbing problems will occur at joints, fewer fittings will also reduce the possibility of leaks.

Advantages of PEX Plumbing

  • Flexible PEX pipe can make many directional changes without the need for elbow fittings
  • PEX can be installed in long runs without the necessity of coupling fittings
  • Fittings do not require soldering, eliminating the health hazards of lead-based solder and acid fluxes
  • No torch is needed to make connections, making PEX safer to install
  • There is no cure time waiting for fittings to dry or cool down
  • PEX tubing conserves energy because it does not transfer heat as readily as copper
  • Water flows quietly through PEX pipe, eliminating that characteristic "water hammer" noise of copper pipe systems
  • PEX is less expensive than traditional rigid pipe