What You Should Know About PEX Tubing
PEX tubing has become extremely popular over the years, making it much easier for homeowners to do upgrades or replace leaking pipes without having to call in a plumber. In fact, some estimates say that PEX is used in more than 60 percent of new residential plumbing systems.
In general, PEX is safe for all water use as long as it’s installed properly and used with the proper fixtures. Proper installation includes adherence to industry standards, following manufacturer guidelines and taking precautions to ensure a leak-free system.
For example, when installing PEX, make sure the pipe is supported every 16 to 24 inches with a special PEX hanger. This will help reduce sag and improve water flow. It’s also important to protect the pipes with abrasion clips or wraps, and to cover them with inexpensive pipe insulation.
Some manufacturers also offer PEX that is treated with an oxygen barrier. This can be useful for radiant heating installations that run PEX through wood studs or joists, because it helps prevent rust and corrosion in those parts of the home.
There are different types of PEX tubing, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. For instance, type A is more flexible and has less coil memory, so it’s easy to work with, but it has a lower bursting pressure. On the other hand, type B is stiffer with a robust coil memory and expands to resist cracking in cold weather. It’s also less expensive than type A, and it has better resistance to chlorine, so it’s a good choice for areas with chlorinated water supplies. pex tubing