Plumbing with PEX Tubing
PEX Tube Plumbing
Overview: Copper tubing and pipe was the
norm for residential plumbing for decades but that has all changed
with the sky rocketing price of copper. Most builders today use
plastic tubing or what is known in the trade as PEX plumbing pipe
(tubing). PEX tubing system cost is approximately 75 percent cheaper
and much easier to install than a copper tubing or pipe system,
resulting in a much lower labor cost.
PEX tubing was
first introduced in radiant heating systems, often called a PEX
radiant heat system. It is now used for cold water systems and hot
water systems. PEX plastic tubing is usually color coded, red for
hot and blue for cold water. It’s easy to work with as no accurate
measurements necessary for soldering of couplings, joints and
fittings as there is with copper tubing.
It is easy to install PEX tubing due to its ability to make
sharp turns, as long as space permits. With PVC or copper piping,
elbow joints are necessary and often can create complex piping
systems. PEX tubing can also be routed from the point to source
without splicing or cutting, making the use easier and less messy
than other methods. The single piece advantage also allows for
higher pressure, as splicing and joints often cause pressure drops
in the water circuits.
PEX pipe tubing
uses brass fittings and PEX plumbing fittings (tees, couplings, and
elbows) to make necessary joints in plumbing circuits. These
fittings come in both a compression and a crimping style. PEX pipe
tubing is commonly used for domestic water supply (hot and cold) and
for floor and wall radiant heating. The tube is light in weight and
is flexible so it can bend around corners or through floor systems
that reduces the extensive use fittings used in copper pipe
plumbing. When compared
to traditional copper pipe tubing PEX pipe tubing is less likely to
break and is preferred by plumbers over copper tubing. In addition
there is less heat loss than there is in copper tubing.
Installation is
much easier with far less tools than is what is required with copper
tubing. Although making the joints connections require PEX crimping
tools to attach the tubing to fixtures such as baseboard radiators
and sink faucets, there is no need for messy pipe cutting and
soldering. Most home supply centers carry both hot and cold water
PEX tubing and the crimping tools for installation. When considering
the material and installation labor costs there is a 75% saving in
using PEX tubing as compared to copper tubing it is a practical
choice for your next plumbing project. Plumbing with PEX tubing is
an easy task for the DIY homeowner.
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Copper Pipe
