In the plumbing industry, debates and concerns about the use of PEX plumbing have continuously existed among plumbers and homeowners. As one of the most commonly used pipe materials, PEX pipes became popular only decades after inventory. As a new material, PEX piping has really swept the plumbing market. The material, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), has made the piping flexible, cost-effective, easy to install, and compatible with most other types of plumbing systems.
However, it’s essential to understand more about what makes PEX plumbing the go-to choice for new construction. For those who are looking for long-term reliability in the residential plumbing system, it is crucial to understand more about different PEX pipes and what makes them catch on for new construction. PlumbingSell offers a wide range of selections on various PEX pipes, like PEX-A pipes or 1/2″ PEX pipes, Let’s dive into more details about why plumbers and homeowners prefer PEX piping nowadays.
Table of Contents
Longevity and Durability
PEX piping has a lifespan of 40 to 50 years and could be used longer under proper installation and maintenance. They are resistant to corrosion and chlorine compared to other metal pipes. Although PVC or copper pipes might have a longer lifespan, PEX pipes are more durable, reliable, and flexible than most of the types of pipes. Unlike metal pipes, PEX tubing won’t rust, so the corrosion issues are entirely avoided in PEX plumb systems. However, PEX pipes are not resistant to UV light, so they must be protected from direct sunlight exposure.
Apart from its resistant to corrosion, PEX pipes are also very flexible which makes them notably more resistant to physical damage as well. Under freezing conditions, they could expand slightly for a short period without cracking or breaking because of the pressure. This has helped prevent potential leaks that are common under aggressive water conditions. In addition to this, PEX pipes are also capable of maintaining their material structural and water purity over time,
PEX pipes have a lifespan of up to 50 years and even more, and they are also durable and flexible. No matter the type of PEX, whether you are using PEX-A, PEX-B, or PEX-C, they are all resistant to corrosion, physical damage, and cracking.
Easy to Install
While PEX pipes have many benefits, easy installation has to be one of the most stand-out ones. You might have already heard about how flexible PEX pipes are, this is the feature that made their installation process easier compared with other materials. PEX-A pipes can be bent easily around obstacles without the requirement of multiple fittings; whether you are using 1/2″ Pex pipes or 1” Pex pipes, it could all be done quickly. Fewer connections have also shortened the installation time needed and the risk of a connection failure between pipes.
However, if you are using PEX-B or PEX-C pipes, PEX fitting is still required, but the amount is much less compared with a PVC piping system or copper piping system. We’ve got all sizes of pex fitting, from 1/2″ pex pipe fittings to 1” pex pipe fittings and even more. Even though not too much special equipment and techniques are required for PEX pipe installation, such as a soldering torch for copper or glue for PVC pipes, specific pipe cutters and crimping tools are still essential.
Fewer connections required on pipes have also reduced the possibility of the system failing or leaking in the future. PEX pipes are also the most suitable choice for those who are looking to install a plumbing system in a relatively tight space or have complex plumbing layouts. You’ll have a much easier time and budget with this installation than with metal piping, as fewer installation times and fittings are required.
Mergeable with existing systems
For those who are not looking to renovate the whole system, PEX pipes can also be integrated with existing plumbing systems. They are able to merge with existing copper or PVC systems in your place, so you don’t have to replace all pipes. However, even though installing PEX pipes from scratch might not require too many techniques, we do recommend check with the specialists about how to emerge them in your existing system. This is mainly because potential soldering techniques for metal pipes could be required and the calculation of water pressure needs to be calculated accordingly. If you want to learn more about how to increase water pressure with PEX pipes, check out our latest article here.
Transition fittings are another key component for merging the PEX systems with older systems. There are various types of fittings available, such as compression fittings, push-fit fittings, crimp fittings, and threaded fittings. With the proper PEX fittings, they could ensure compatibility and prevent leaks between different materials of pipes. For instance, you can connect 1/2″ PEX pipes to a copper pipe using a 1/2” pex coupling or a galvanized steel pipe with a steel-to-PEX fitting.
PEX Pipe vs Copper Pipe
PEX and copper pipes are both common selections for modern plumbing systems. You might be struggling with which one best suits your application. We will discuss both types of pipes in more detail.
PEX pipes are popular among DIYers and professional plumbers. They are pretty simple to install and available in a wide range of sizes, from 1/2″ to 2” PEX pipe. They are also color-coded; in most cases, blue represents cold water, and red for hot water. The colors are just used to help organize the system and make maintenance easier.
On the other hand, copper pipes have also been widely used. The lifespans of copper and PEX are about the same, ranging from 40 to 50 years. However, the installation process is more complicated and requires soldering to join pipes and fittings. They could also be corroded if water flows through them with a high acid or mineral content.
In general, PEX pipes are more flexible and cost-effective compared with traditional copper pipes. If you are working on a project in a cold climate place, on a tight budget, or would like to DIY a plumbing system by yourself, PEX pipe is your top choice. However, if you are looking to do an outdoor plumbing system or a less complicated system, you could take copper as an option. We recommend using PEX pipes if possible, as they have a lot of advantages, mainly in-house plumbing systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article has explained why PEX plumbing is becoming popular in new construction. The guide will help you make the best purchasing decision when choosing the right new pipes for your project. PEX pipes have numerous advantages, including a wide variety of types, flexibility, easy installation, and application in cold climates. Our EFIELD products, from PEX pipes to PEX fittings, are ideal choices for reliable plumbing systems.
Whether you are looking to build a completely new plumbing system using PEX pipes or simply repipe an existing system, we believe a PEX tubing system will be a wise investment. If you have any concerns regarding PEX pipes or PEX pipe fittings, feel free to get in touch with us here.
