PEX Tubing for Plumbing

PEX Plumbing Pipe

PEX tubing can easily be used for potable plumbing systems because of its flexibility and strength at temperatures ranging below freezing all the way up to 200*F. PEX tubing is able to easily expand and contract to accommodate all states of water. For convenience, PEX can be used with manifold systems to make home-runs even more efficient. PEX tubing is also freeze damage resistant. It is not freeze-break proof and therefore the tubing should still be installed using the same insulation requirements to prevent freezing of any plumbing system. Some PEX is also conveniently colored in red and blue to represent hot and cold water supply lines

PEX tubing is also chemically resistant. Chlorine buildup can severely damage copper and steel pipes but doesn’t have any affect on the flexible PEX tubing. PEX tubing also doesn’t experience “water hammer”, the sound of water quickly changing direction in the tubing. Because of the tubing’s flexibility, the noise is almost completely eliminated. PEX is sized using the CTS-OD (Copper Tubing Size-Outer Diameter) standard which makes it easier to replace copper tubing. It also makes it compatible with copper adapter fittings for systems employing multiple piping materials.

PEX is an approved material in all model-plumbing codes. You may need to, however, check with local plumbing requirements to see if the material is approved in your area.