PEX pipes are quickly becoming the most popular type of piping for home plumbing systems. These flexible plastic pipes are cheaper than copper and require fewer wall demolitions.
It also has a longer lifespan than copper pipe. Plus, it doesn’t rust or corrode in the elements. It’s also much easier to install.
Sizes
PEX pipes in bulk come in a variety of sizes. The size and thickness you choose depend on the needs of your plumbing system.
For example, if you have high water pressure or need to use longer pipe runs, it may be best to purchase larger PEX pipe sizes. This will ensure that you get the proper flow and water pressure for your project.
Polyethylene cross-linked piping is available in many different sizes and colors. Some of these options include blue and red PEX, as well as green, orange and yellow PEX.
The color of the tubing is usually determined by what type of application it will be used for, such as cold or hot water supply lines. Most builders use blue PEX for cold water and red PEX for hot water supply piping lines.
PEX piping can also be used for drinking water applications, but you should always check the manufacturer’s label. This will tell you whether the PEX piping is safe to drink from.
Colors
PEX pipes in bulk are available in a variety of colors. Red, blue and white are the most common. They all can be used for hot and cold water supply lines.
In 1968, a German scientist named Thomas Engle invented a process that changed the way that polyethylene (a type of plastic) was made by cross-linking it through radiation. This method dramatically improved the material’s ability to perform under high temperatures and pressure, as well as its resistance to chlorine, UV light and other environmental stresses.
This process is called “cross-linking” and is used to produce three types of PEX pipe:PEX-A,PEX-B and PEX-C.PEX-A is the most flexible and kink resistant of the three types, though it’s also the most expensive.PEX-B is created by passing the HDPE tubing through a steam bath, while PEX-C is formed using a chemical or radiation process.
Lengths
PEX pipe is available in a variety of lengths from 10-foot sections for quick fixes or hose bib installs to 500-foot rolls for building your entire home’s water supply system. It is a popular choice for DIY plumbing projects because it’s flexible, durable, and cost-effective.
It’s also a good option for installing water lines because it is resistant to corrosion and can be installed easily with a variety of tools. It’s approved by most plumbing codes and standards, making it a safe and reliable choice for residential and commercial plumbing applications.
For plumbing professionals, PEX is often a more affordable alternative to copper and galvanized steel water supply lines. It can be used in crimp, clamp, and push-fit systems, depending on the installation method desired.
For example, copper crimping is the most common method for connecting PEX tubing to brass fittings, with copper rings encircling the connection before a crimping tool slightly deforms the ring and tightly holds it in place. For a more efficient and less messy method, stainless steel clamps can be used, which involves using a ratchet clamping tool to tighten stainless steel rings around PEX connections.
Fittings
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipe is quickly becoming the preferred plumbing material in modern homes. It offers many advantages over copper, galvanized steel, and PVC piping including flexibility and increased water pressure.
There are a number of types of fittings that can be used to connect PEX pipe to fixtures or other types of pipes in your home. These include push-fit, crimp, and cinch-fit connectors.
Crimp-fit connections are among the most common. They involve using a specialized crimping tool with PEX crimp rings of appropriate sizes.
Crimp-fit connections are a reliable method that is also relatively easy to master. This is the method that most do-it-yourselfers use to join PEX pipe.