Express Plumbing Heating & Air Blog
If you’ve had plumbing work done on your house in the last decade or so, you may have heard the word “PEX” in reference to pipes. But what the heck is PEX? PEX is an abbreviation of cross-linked polyethylene. This is the type of material that is replacing copper in home plumbing systems. This is because PEX is less expensive, easier to install, and will not corrode.
If you know a little about piping, you may be asking yourself, “Isn’t that the same as CPVC?” The cost is about the same, but there are differences. First, CPVC requires glue where PEX does not. PEX. PEX is also less likely to freeze than CPVC. Possibly one o the greatest advantages are that PEX is flexible, making it the ideal choice when feeding it through walls when working on projects like remodels.
There are many ways to splice PEX into your current piping system. The easiest way is to simply cut out a section of pipe and use a stab-in tee. This way requires no soldering. Make sure this is allowed. Another way to work in PEX is to solder a tee and PEX adaptor. Then simply secure the PEX with whatever method is appropriate. Read the label to figure out what you need.
Because of its flexible nature, PEX is able to expand and contract. This makes it ideal for colder climates. This ability makes it unlikely for PEX to break or split after freezing. However, you should still take measures to protect the pipes from freezing. Although PEX is more resistant, this won’t stop them from freezing at all. It would be bad to have no water!
As there is no universal plumbing code, it is important you check with your local government. Think of how frustrating it would be to complete a project and find out it isn’t to code simply because of the material used! Check with a local inspector before starting any projects. Express Plumbing Heating & Air have technicians experienced in using this type of material. If you’re ready to make a change, give us a call!
