Tips for Optimizing Your PEX Plumbing System

Select appropriate pipe diameter; Many plumbing systems are installed using prevailing practices that apply to large homes, but are too much for smaller homes. Taking a moment to plan the piping sizes that will deliver the required flow rates, at the required pressure, will result in energy and water conservation.

Minimize fittings; The flexibility of PEX pipe makes it easy to install around obstacles, or through framing members, by using *sweep turns to change direction. This results in faster installations and reduces the number of fittings, resulting in less resistance due to pressure drops that are common through fittings.

Group fixtures together; Grouping plumbing fixtures around a universal location can result in saving time, materials, hot water energy and water. This can also be done between floors, as with the case of stacked bathrooms. Whenever possible, avoid locating the water heater long distances from the bathroom.

Bundle pipe runs; Installation of multiple piping runs at the same time will reduce installation time. The flexibility of PEX pipe allows for long continuous lengths that can be spooled easily, allowing the simultaneous installation of multiple plumbing lines running in the same direction, using common holes drilled through barriers such as joists.

Plan for solid attachment of transition points; the flexibility of PEX pipe requires that the transition to threaded fittings or rigid piping be preformed correctly. As with most piping material, solid connection points and solid attachment points are necessary when threading on valves and transition fittings to other material.

Use color coding; PEX is available in different colors. Using dedicated colors for hot and cold (and greywater, where pertinent) can be invaluable for installers and homeowners during future retrofits.

Minimize pipe lengths; Shorter pipe spans will result in faster installation time, fewer fittings, lower material expense and shorter wait time for hot water.

Distribution points should be centrally located; Centrally located water heaters and incoming water supplies can significantly improve the performance of a plumbing system. Often you'll find that water heaters are positioned for convenience, or are placed in a utility room, as far from the living space as possible. This approach often leads to especially long plumbing runs, resulting in increased material costs, installation time and water and energy usage. To keep short piping runs, locate the water main and water heater as close as possible to the mid-point of the fixture grouping whenever possible.

*Sweep Turn - angling the pipe in a soft sweep instead of using a solid fitting.