DIY

What in the World is Pex and Why Would I Use It?

PEX Update Here’s How to use PEX by a bona fide DIYer!

In my last article about my tankless water heater I made several references to as to using PEX. Since I figure not a lot of people understand or even know what PEX is I thought I’d devote this article to a little education for the DIY weekend warrior that may be considering changing over his water heater, but, may not want to get involved with copper and soldering and flux, etc. DIYers, it’s time to look like a hero, again!

What the heck is PEX?

Lets start with a little background about PEX. Here’s some info from Wikipedia:

“Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated PEX or XLPE, is a form of polyethylene with cross-links. It is formed into tubing, and is used predominantly in hydronic radiant heating systems, domestic water piping and insulation for high tension electrical cables. It is also used for natural gas and offshore oil applications, chemical transportation, and transportation of sewage and slurries. Recently, it has become a viable alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or copper pipe for use as residential water pipes. PEX tubing ranges in size from 1/4-inch to 4-inch, but 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch are by far the most widely used.”

Ok, so we’re not talking about using it for natural gas or offshore drilling, but, we are interested in using it as domestic piping, maybe even for radiant heating, hmmm? Why would we want to use PEX? Here are some of the benefits:

• PEX can be used for hot or cold water AND it has fittings to make it adaptable to copper and PVC.

• PEX is incredibly FLEXIBLE! This is one of it’s shining properties for us “less talented” DIYer’s. I don’t know how to sweat a copper elbow and really don’t care to learn. But, PEX can be bent into a radius (for example, 3/8″ pipe may be bent to a 4″ radius and 1/2″ pipe to a 5″ radius). Huh, no sweat. (Get it?)

• Since less fittings are required there are less points at which a leak can happen. Smart, no? Obviously, the more fittings the more potential “problem” areas. Take out the fittings, take out the leaks.

• PEX is also less likely to burst. It’s flexibility also gives it the ability to expand and contract.

• If, for some reason you need to repair it, there are easy to use kits that you can purchase.

• PEX has all the typical fittings as well, like shutoffs, elbows, etc

Making the Connection

PEX general has two methods for installing it. One is compression (too much work) and the other is insertion (yup, much easier). You don’t even have to use that stinky glue and cleaner like you do for PVC! This is living large.

You’ll find that it comes in rolls, typically 100ft., or in lengths that are generally 10ft. long. If you desire you can get it in red (for the hot water) and blue (for, duh, the cold water) or you can stick with plain old white and mark them yourself.

PEX is generally recommended for interior or buried projects, but, I would check with either the manufacturer or your plumbing supply house for any exterior ideas you may have. PEX piping is freeze damage resistant and can expand and contract as water freezes and thaws within the tubing. No tubing material is freeze-break proof, however, and PEX should be installed using the same locally-prescribed insulation requirements to prevent freezing of any plumbing system.

PEX is the snaps!

One of the best reasons I enjoy using it is the ability to “snap and go”. Just measure your length of pipe, snap it into any connector you using and “go” on down the line. I would also recommend laying it out in a dry run first to determine what types of connectors you may need, if any.

Well, PEX warrior, it’s time to engage and go forth! Your friends and neighbors will stand in awe at your prowess and marvel at your courage. Talk your local supplier and see what you think. The hero in you will emerge.

Soooo, that’s how to use PEX. To get information on my tankless water heater click on the  link in my bio.

Thanks! Ray

About the Author

Ray is a former investment broker, entrepreneur, stage actor and writer. He can be found on the web here:
http://tanklesswaterheaters-howto.blogspot.com/

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