What You Need to Know About PEX Pipes

What are PEX pipes? If your home needs piping upgrades, take a look at what you need to know about crosslinked polyethylene (more commonly known as PEX) tubing.

What Is PEX Piping?

Unlike the galvanized steel, cast iron, or copper pipes used in the past, PEX is a newer material that plumbers install in residential and commercial structures. Made from cross-linked polyethylene, PEX has an ideal combination of flexibility and rigidity. This makes it possible to install PEX piping inside of walls, crawl spaces, or other hard-to-reach spaces.

What Do PEX Pipes Look Like?

Like other pipes, PEX has a distinct tube-like appearance. But unlike steel or copper pipes, PEX is much more flexible. This gives PEX a more hose-like appearance and allows it to coil or snake through walls or other areas. PEX ranges in diameter from one-quarter of an inch to four inches.

Along with the shape, flexibility, and diameter, you can also identify PEX by the color. PEX is colorcoded, with red for hot water and blue designated for cold water. In comparison, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are white and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes are black.

Why Should You Choose PEX Piping?

PEX pipes come with plenty of advantages. The flexibility makes it easier to fit these pipes in cramped spaces and their rigidity allows them to bounce back to their usual shape. If you have oddly-shaped areas in your home, PEX can bend up to 90 degrees. This makes it possible to mold these pipes in ways you can't with copper, PVC, or ABS pipes.

Not only are PEX pipes flexible and easy to fit into awkwardly shaped spaces, but also this home plumbing option is affordable. If you need to re-pipe your water supply lines, but want to cut costs or stick to a specific home improvement budget, PEX is an option to seriously consider.

If you need to join the new PEX pipes with other pipes in your home, you can - depending on the material. PEX attaches to push-fit plumbing fittings and copper pipes. Push-fit fittings use a ring of metal spurs to grip the PEX pipes. A neoprene O-ring inside the fitting creates a waterproof seal. These fittings are dependable and easy to use.

Are PEX Pipes Energy-Efficient?

Simply stated - yes. PEX material reduces heat transfer. This means heat (from warm or hot water) won't escape on the way to your faucet or appliance. The result is energy conservation and potentially decreased costs in energy-related utility bills.

Are PEX Pipes Right for Every Home?

PEX is a common piping type and works well in many residential settings. But if you're not sure whether PEX is the correct fit for your home, talk to an expert. A plumber can inspect your home and determine whether PEX is an option or not. If PEX isn't the best fit for your home's needs, the plumber can recommend a different type of pipe.

Some local building codes may restrict or limit the use of PEX pipes. A qualified plumber should know your area's building codes and how to follow these requirements.

Who Should Install PEX Pipes in Your Home?

Even though the use of push-to-fit connections makes PEX easy to install in comparison to other types of pipes, re-piping your home isn't a do-it-yourself type of job. A licensed plumber has the experience, expertise, and equipment necessary to install PEX pipes correctly. Failure to appropriately install these pipes could result in energy loss, leaks, and home other types of damage.

Do you need to replace the pipes in your home's plumbing system? Contact Mike's Plumbing for more information on re-piping services.