Everything You Always Wanted to Know About PEXPart 02- The Joy of PEX - What is it and how is it used?
What is PEX?
According to Wikipedia, Cross-linked polyethylene tubing is commonly abbreviated PEX, XPE or XLPE -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-linked_polyethylene
This tubing is made of crosslinked polyethelene chains
Type A, Type B, & Type C
These differ based on the process used to make them and the resulting properties of the resulting tubing
PEX is used for a variety of products
Insulation on high voltage high tension electrical cables
Domestic water pipes
Irrigation and hydroponic systems
Natural gas and oil pipes
Chemical handling and storage systems
Domestic plumbing
Advantages
Flexible – easy to install and fish through walls and crawl spaces
It will stretch a little – Less likely to rupture if water contained in PEX freezes
Does not rust or corrode
Less expensive than copper
Multiple colors for easy identification
Easy to cut
Connections are easy
Type A – Expansion PEX
Process
A roughly 1/2" - 3/4"sleeve of slightly larger PEX expansion sleeve is slipped over the end of the PEX-A tubing
A special tool is inserted into the end of the tubing which stretches it outward a predefined amount.
The tubing is slipped over the end of the desired PEX-A connector and allowed to shrink back to normal size, creating a seal
Higher availability of a wider range of connectors at typical home improvement stores in the United States
Disadvantages
If PEX-B is kinked, that portion is no longer safe to use and it must be replaced.
Can be more difficult to connect in tight places
This can be remedied with the use of SharkBite press on fittings.
Less resistant to damage from freezing.
Connections are also easily removed
Disadvantages
Easily damaged by ultraviolet light from sunlight or even LED & fluorescent lights (Check manufacturer specifications. Most rated for only 30-60 days of sun exposure)