When considering the types of pipe to use for your construction project, there are many options available in the market, from traditional copper pipes to modern PEX pipes. How would you know which one works best for you? You might have heard that PEX pipes are a popular choice, but you may not know if PEX pipes work the best for your projects. We’ll uncover the various reasons why people choose PEX pipes over others, and we’ll help you figure out if PEX pipes are the most suitable type for your project.
Table of Contents
PEX Pipes tend to be more Flexible
One of the most notable advantages of using PEX tubing is its flexibility. Unlike metal-material pipes, PEX pipes can be bent easily around corners to avoid obstacles. They can also be navigated in tight spaces. It has made plumbers lower the risk of installation errors as this specific feature has allowed the PEX pipes to be implanted with reduced usage of fittings or elbow joints. With fewer connections, the failure caused by connection is less likely to be an issue, and the risk of leaks will be under more control. Using PEX pipes for your project could make you feel more productive and confident.
PEX Pipes are Easy to Install
PEX pipes are usually easier to install than other types of pipes, which is one of the main reasons the plumber chose them. In general, PEX pipes are flexible, lightweight, and easy to cut, which makes the installation of this kind of connection easy.
Unlike copper or galvanized stainless steel, when connecting PEX water lines, there is no need to solder lines together or glue pipes to fittings. Depending on your requirements, you can simply use PEX crimp rings or clamp connections. This has limited the tools required for installation to only essential PEX cutters and PEX crimp or PEX clamp tools.
Different colors are also used to distinguish the water running through the pipe. Typically, red PEX pipes are used for hot water, while blue pipes indicate cold water. This has made it simple to tell the hot and cold supply lines when certain astonishment is required.
PEX Pipes are Safe & Cost Effective
Generally speaking, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is safe and reliable for drinking water in most applications. Our EFIELD PEX pipes have been approved by the organization to align with NSF/ANSI Standard 61 regulations for drinking water safety. Compared with metal material, using PEX pipes for drinking water avoids the potential corrosion that commonly occurs for copper tubing after a specific usage time.
As PEX pipes are flexible and easy to install, these two main features have made them a more cost-effective option for plumbing projects compared with copper pipes or galvanized stainless steel pipes. As PEX tubes can run straight from a distribution point to an outlet fixture with no additional requirements of cutting pipes or joint parts, it potentially reduces the length of the pipes needed and the connections used. Moreover, less sharp turns guarantee better water pressure at the sinks or showers, which is essential and costs lower material fees.
The resistance to corrosion, pitting, or scaling has made PEX pipes an even better option for budget-conscious projects. Less maintenance and replacement over time are not as essential for PEX pipes as for other metal pipes. Our EFIELD PEX pipes have also been proven to perform better resistance under circumstances like extreme weather and chemical attacks.
PEX Pipes are Easy to Renovate with
PEX pipes are also popular for their ability to merge with existing copper or PVC systems. Some manufacturers make specific fittings that allow copper pipe on one end with a PEX tube on the other. This has made the renovation of the existing piping system more straightforward, as not all pipes need to be replaced. The advantages of PEX pipe make it a preferable option for progressive replacement of metal or thermoplastic pies, especially for projects that are looking for long-life applications.
However, even though installing PEX pipes from the beginning might not require too many techniques, emerging them with existing systems could be a bit challenging. You might need to expand PEX pipes to fit the connection or solder metal pipes. We recommend looking for a professional plumber to plan ahead for the emerging to get the best result.
Benefits of PEX Pipes under Extreme Weather
PEX pipes are less likely to burst. This is mainly because of the plastic materials used in production. The flexibility of PEX tubing does not only refer to its ability to be bent easily; it also means that PEX could expand if the water inside the pipe is frozen. Even though the pipe will return to its original shape after the water melts, after a certain number of freeze-thaw cycles, PEX pipes will eventually split apart. But still, its longevity is much higher than that of other materials.
For those who live in colder climates, we recommend keeping PEX tubes among their top choices to guarantee a safe and consistent use of water.
Drawbacks and Considerations of PEX Pipes
Although PEX pipe might seem like a suitable option for most plumbing projects, it still has some drawbacks that limit its usage.
First of all, the PEX tube is not suitable for outdoor usage. It is not resistant to Ultraviolet rays and could lose their flexibility after a couple of months of exposure to direct sunlight. Keep in mind that this kind of degradation process sometimes is not visible, so you might not even realize this damage is occurring. This has made the storage and installation area of PEX pipes a crucial part for consideration,
Although PEX pipes are less likely to corrode or be affected by chemicals or water acids, potential damage caused by rodents or other pests is unavoidable. Protecting PEX plumbing systems, as well as other types of plumbing systems, is essential
In conclusion, PEX pipes are a great option for a wide range of plumbing projects, from cost-conscious projects to renovation ones. The special features of PEX tubing, such as flexibility, resistance to extreme weather and corrosion, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness, make it more popular. However, the drawbacks are also unavoidable, especially for projects that involve outdoor structures.
