Pex Pex Radiant

Pex Pex Radiant

PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heat...Type A B Or C....Do You Know The Difference

PEX Water Systems and Radiant Heat Systems are the best this industry has ever seen. A lot has changed in the 30 plus years I have been helping people with their plumbing installation and repair questions.  

From the days of Galvanized Iron Pipe with its corrosion issues and CPVC with its pinhole leak and freeze crack problems (CPVC is still available but not allowed by many codes) to the still popular L & M series copper. M copper is a ridged product usually sweated with fittings while L copper is a softer coil that can be sweated, flared or compression fitted. 

This brings us to the heart of this article, PEX which stands for Poly Ethylene Cross (X)-Linked tubing. It is the cross-linking process that makes PEX strong, safe and reliable, and it is how this process is done that determines what grade, or category, the PEX belongs to. 

There are 3 grades or types of PEX listed as Types A, B, and C. The letter designation tells you how the product was created and what properties you can expect with each type including the flexibility, strength, and uniform nature of the material. 

PEX-A is made using the Engel (or peroxide) method to crosslink the molecules of polyethylene. With this method, the crosslinking is done at a high temperature above the melting point of the crystals. The Engel method produces the strongest, most flexible PEX tubing possible. PEX-A also features a strong thermal memory and freeze protection. Since this process takes more time and more sophisticated equipment, PEX-A products seem to be the most expensive type. AquaPEX is the only PEX-A material available for plumbing applications. While examples of PEX-A for radiant heat include ThermaPEX and hePEX. 

PEX-B is made using the Silane (or moisture cure) method. This method performs the crosslinking with a chemical agent where the process is accelerated using heat and moisture. This chemical crosslinking is susceptible to some areas where the bonds are weaker than others and a slightly stiffer final product than PEX-A. Examples of PEX-B include Viega PEX, HydroPEX , and Watts PEX. 

PEX-c is made using the Electron beam (or radiation) method. This method passes the polyethylene under an electron beam multiple times in order to get to the desired level of crosslinking. This is the most energy-efficient method of creating PEX, but often results in a more brittle, less consistent product than either PEX-A or PEX-B. Electron beam is also the least expensive process so therefore creates the least expensive tubing. 

Choosing which type is best for your project should come down to looking at how the system will be run. If you will have many bends in your system or if your system will be in an area of freeze concerns then it is probably best to spend a few extra dollars for PEX-A tubing. 

When it comes to lay-out of your system there are 5 basic lay-out designs. The Home Run Installation uses  central manifolds with all runs returning directly to it.

In the Remote Manifold Installation, a pair of closed ended manifolds for hot and cold are placed near each grouping of fixtures such as a bathroom with a pair of closed ended manifolds at each primary grouping area.

While in the Structured Plumbing Installation the set up is similar to Remote Manifold except the hot water manifold is open ended and acts as a recirculation system for more on demand type delivery. This system is considered to be very energy efficient since its recalculating properties provide the best on demand hot water option thus saving water usage and energy.

The Modified Home Run Installation is similar to Home Run but with a series of manifolds usually open ended to reduce the quantity of tubing required.

The last option is the Run and Branch System which is most like the old Copper and CPVC installations where a line is split with a tee or elbow to connect each fixture in the line.  

No matter what system you install be sure to pressure test the complete system with 40 to 60 pounds of air pressure before opening the system to water usage. 

There are a variety of fitting and tool options available including the PEX Crimping System, PEX Clamping System, and the SharkBite fitting system. I cover each system as well as which types of tubing work best with each fitting system and which are the most DIY friendly in the detailed pages on PEX Water Systems and PEX Radiant Heat Systems of my Homebuilding Questions web site. 

If you have found one PEX tubing type works better for you than another please leave us a comment to help other readers.

About the Author

My name is Jim Patrick and for the last 30 years I have been designing custom homes and working with my clients to select and provide the best and highest quality products for their new project. As a result I am considered an expert in the field of residential construction and I am now creating a series of informative articles on every aspect of new home construction or remodeling. Please check out my web site http://www.homebuilding-questions.com/  to find more in depth information.

Please leave a comment or question as I am looking for great topics for future articles.

Good Water Warehouse PEX34100 .75 in. CTS PEX Pipe for Plumbing Applications $172.29 This PEX tube is 3/4 CTS (Copper Tube Size) Inside Diameter. It is 7/8 Outside Diameter. The bend radius is 7 . PEX (or crosslinked polyethylene) is part of a water supply piping system that has several advantages over metal pipe (copper iron lead) or rigid plastic pipe (PVC CPVC ABS) systems. It is flexible resistant to scale and chlorine doesn t corrode or develop pinholes is faster to install than metal or rigid plastic and has fewer connections and fittings. PEX is crosslinked polyethylene. Through one of several processes links between polyethylene molecules are formed to create bridges (thus the term crosslinked). This resulting material is more durable under temperature extremes chemical attack and better resists creep deformation making PEX an excellent material for hot water and other applications. PEX is ideally suited for potable water plumbing applications. It is flexible making it easy to install and service. PEX is able to withstand the high and low temperatures found in plumbing and heating applications and is highly resistant to chemicals found in the plumbing environment. Flexible PEX systems are quieter than rigid piping. PEX systems have fewer joints and are easier to install providing a lower cost installation over traditional plumbing materials. PEX s strength at temperatures ranging from below freezing up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit makes it an ideal piping material for hot and cold water plumbing systems hydronic radiant heating systems snow melting applications and even ice rinks and refrigeration warehouses. WaterPEX Tubing is also known as Sea Tech PEX Tubing and Aquape Tubing and is available in multiple colors for ease of water line identification. PEX is included in all of the major model plumbing codes used in the United States and Canada CSA IAPMO SBCCI BOCA ICBO IPC and NSPC and approved by HUD for hot and cold potable water plumbing use. PEX is designed for indoor and buried applications only. PEX Tubing should not be exposed to dire

Watts Flowmatic PEX12100 .5 in. CTS PEX Pipe for Plumbing Applications $101.88 This PEX tube is 1/2 CTS (Copper Tube Size) Inside Diameter. It is 5/8 Outside Diameter. The bend radius is 5 . PEX (or crosslinked polyethylene) is part of a water supply piping system that has several advantages over metal pipe (copper iron lead) or rigid plastic pipe (PVC CPVC ABS) systems. It is flexible resistant to scale and chlorine doesn t corrode or develop pinholes is faster to install than metal or rigid plastic and has fewer connections and fittings. PEX is crosslinked polyethylene. Through one of several processes links between polyethylene molecules are formed to create bridges (thus the term crosslinked). This resulting material is more durable under temperature extremes chemical attack and better resists creep deformation making PEX an excellent material for hot water and other applications. PEX is ideally suited for potable water plumbing applications. It is flexible making it easy to install and service. PEX is able to withstand the high and low temperatures found in plumbing and heating applications and is highly resistant to chemicals found in the plumbing environment. Flexible PEX systems are quieter than rigid piping. PEX systems have fewer joints and are easier to install providing a lower cost installation over traditional plumbing materials. PEX s strength at temperatures ranging from below freezing up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit makes it an ideal piping material for hot and cold water plumbing systems hydronic radiant heating systems snow melting applications and even ice rinks and refrigeration warehouses. WaterPEX Tubing is also known as Sea Tech PEX Tubing and Aquapex Tubing and is available in multiple colors for ease of water line identification. PEX is included in all of the major model plumbing codes used in the United States and Canada CSA IAPMO SBCCI BOCA ICBO IPC and NSPC and approved by HUD for hot and cold potable water plumbing use. PEX is designed for indoor and buried applications only. PEX Tubing should not be exposed to dir

8801064 Elbow PEX Holder (90 degree $12 Elbow PEX Holder 90 degreebend

W10267701RP 25 ft. PEX Tubing Ice and Water $29 25 ft PEX Tubing Ice and Water Kit

B And K Industries .50in. Low Lead Pex Ball Valve 107343NL $25.6 Ball valve. Low lead. Full port ball valve. For hot and cold water distribution applications potable water applications and radiant heat applications. 600 PSI non shock WOG. 20deg; F to 300deg; F temperature range. Corrosion and rust resistant. Superior flow rate. Pex connection. Length: 3. Width: 2. Height: 1

B And K Industries .75in. Low Lead Pex Ball Valve 107344NL $28.61 Ball valve. Low lead. Full port ball valve. For hot and cold water distribution applications potable water applications and radiant heat applications. 600 PSI non shock WOG. 20deg; F to 300deg; F temperature range. Corrosion and rust resistant. Superior flow rate. Pex connection. Length: 4. Width: 2.5. Height: 1.5

Good Water Warehouse 11581522 SeaTech PEX Pipe Cutter $39.57 PEX Tube Cutter Information: The PEX tube cutter can be used on PEX pipe with a maximum diameter of 1 inch. Be sure to keep your fingers clear of the PEX tube cutting blade at all times. Replacement blades are available for the PEX tube cutter. Use the PEX Pipe Cutter With: Any brand of PEX tubing Any size PEX pipe tubing up to 1 inch.

88043 - Pex W/Vl & Arrester Otlt Box (Pack of 20) $3011.94 (Pack of 20) [149388043] UPC: 012181880432 1/2 inch PEX

Flair It Flair It 1 2x1 2 Pex Elbow 16800 $2.35 1/2x1/2 pex elbow Elbow with Flair-It connection on both ends 3/8? and 1/2? fittings will fit PEX or polybutylene tubing 3/4? fittings will fit PEX tubing only, to use on polybutylene use adapter model No. 26790 1/2? PEX x 1/2? PEX Brand #: Flair It 16800 UPC: 742979168007 Keywords: pex fitting elbow connector

Flair It Flair It 1 2x3 4 Pex Elbow 16805 $4.58 1/2x3/4 pex elbow Elbow with Flair-It connection on both ends 3/8? and 1/2? fittings will fit PEX or polybutylene tubing 3/4? fittings will fit PEX tubing only, to use on polybutylene use adapter model No. 26790 1/2? PEX x 3/4? PEX Brand #: Flair It 16805 UPC: 742979168052 Keywords: pex fitting elbow connector

Flair It Flair It 3 4x3 4 Pex Elbow 16806 $3.59 3/4x3/4 pex elbow Elbow with Flair-It connection on both ends 3/8? and 1/2? fittings will fit PEX or polybutylene tubing 3/4? fittings will fit PEX tubing only, to use on polybutylene use adapter model No. 26790 3/4? PEX x 3/4? PEX Brand #: Flair It 16806 UPC: 742979168069 Keywords: pex fitting elbow connector

Flair It Flair It 3 8x3 8 Pex Elbow 16815 $2.35 3/8x3/8 pex elbow Elbow with Flair-It connection on both ends 3/8? and 1/2? fittings will fit PEX or polybutylene tubing 3/4? fittings will fit PEX tubing only, to use on polybutylene use adapter model No. 26790 3/8? PEX x 3/8? PEX Brand #: Flair It 16815 UPC: 742979168151 Keywords: pex fitting elbow connector

Superior Tool Superior Tool Pex Pocket Crimper 07100 $27.39 Pex pocket crimper PEX crimping tool meets ASTM F1807 specification with go/no go gauge to be used with any PEX manufacturer Crimper fits all common sizes: 3/8?, 1/2?, 3/4? PEX tubing fittings Tool is made from solid hardened alloy steel and requires no adjustments or calibration ever Crimp standard PEX black copper fittings using your own 10? Vice grips Makes installing PEX portable and versatile without the huge multi tool investment Also comes with portable tool pouch and a lifetime guarantee Brand #: Superior Tool 07100 UPC: 017197071003 Keywords: crimp pex tool crimping universal

Ph-12-300 - 1/2 inch X 300', Oxygen Barrier Radiant Pex Pipe, For Radiant $121.18 [137983] UPC: 98268421286 24L x 24W x 6H 19 LB

Watts Watts 3 8 Pex polybtl Coupling P-305 $2.02 3/8 pex/polybtl coupling Transitions from polybutylene crimp system to PEX crimp fitting Comes with crimp rings Bagged 3/8 Brand #: Watts P-305 UPC: 098268298208 Keywords: transition fitting brass crimp

Watts Watts 1 2 Pex polybtl Coupling P-505 $2.56 1/2 pex/polybtl coupling Transitions from polybutylene crimp system to PEX crimp fitting Comes with crimp rings Bagged 1/2 Brand #: Watts P-505 UPC: 098268298789 Keywords: transition fitting brass crimp

Watts Watts 3 4 Pex polybtl Coupling P-705 $3.68 3/4 pex/polybtl coupling Transitions from polybutylene crimp system to PEX crimp fitting Comes with crimp rings Bagged 3/4 Brand #: Watts P-705 UPC: 098268299694 Keywords: transition fitting brass crimp

2001-2003 BMW 525i Brake Line Pex BMW Brake Line W0133-1809007 $7.95 strong pex automotive group /strong br the pex automotive group is a manufacturer of oe specified automotive brake wear indicators to leading brake manufacturers and aftermarket distributors auto parts warehouse has extensive pex brake line catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all pex brake line orders over $50.00. our secure pex brake line catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your pex brake line needs. pex brake line are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next pex brake line purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

Watts Watts Brass Pex Cs Pop Kit 92625301 $65.66 Brass pex cs pop kit Point Of Purchase merchandising kit for Category Solutions 4' brass PEX planogram 40-027 Contains (80) 4? cut case cartons and (20) 6? cut case cartons; 1 set of brass PEX cut case carton product labels; Aisle Violator, and holder Brand #: Watts 92625301 UPC: 098268577419 Keywords: category solutions pop merchandis kit brass pex solut

88084 - 1/2 inch Pex Pls Icemkr Otl Bx W/ Hammer Arrestor (Pack of 10) $1513.99 (Pack of 10) [149388084] UPC: 012181880845 1/2 inch PEX

85714 - 1/2 inch Pex W/Vl Wsh Mchn Otlt Bx (Pack of 10) $2331.17 (Pack of 10) [149385714] UPC: 012181857144 1/2 inch PEX

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2 inx300' Radiant Tubing PH-12-300 $124.37 1/2?x300' radiant tubing Oxygen barrier PEX tubing used for radiant heating 1/2? x 300' Brand #: Watts Water Technologies PH-12-300 UPC: 098268421286 Keywords: in floor heat pex tube coil tubing radiant

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4 inx300' Radiant Tubing PH-34-300 $216.5 3/4?x300' radiant tubing Oxygen barrier PEX tubing used for radiant heating 3/4? x 300' Brand #: Watts Water Technologies PH-34-300 UPC: 098268421279 Keywords: in floor heat pex tube coil tubing radiant

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 inx100' Radiant Tubing PH-1-100 $126.04 1?x100' radiant tubing Oxygen barrier PEX tubing used for radiant heating 1? x 100' Brand #: Watts Water Technologies PH-1-100 UPC: 098268421316 Keywords: in floor heat pex tube coil tubing radiant

American Standard R127 .5 in. Pex RoughIn Valve $82.78 Rough Body Valve. 1/2 PEX inlets/direct sweat outlets. Pressure Balanced. To be used with crimp ring system. Technical Specification:. Inlet/Outlet Size: 0.50 NPT 0.50 NPT. Pressure Balanced: Yes. Scald Guard: No.

American Standard R127SS .5 in. Pex RoughIn with Stops $101.39 Rough Body Valve. 1/2 PEX inlets/direct sweat outlets. Pressure Balanced. To be used with crimp ring system. Screwdriver Stops. Technical Specification:. Inlet/Outlet Size: 0.50 NPT 0.50 NPT. Pressure Balanced: Yes. Scald Guard: No.

Exzenterschleifer PEX 270 AE $159.9 Schleifteller- 125 mm 270 Watt Bosch Micro-Filtersystem integrierter Staubsauger Sanftanschliff mit Schleiftellerbremse Klettverschluss Anschluss zur Staubabsaugung ergonomisches Design Schwingzahl 15.000 - 24.000/min. Exzentrizität 2,0 mm Gewicht 1,5 kg Maße 460x350x145 mm.

Exzenterschleifer PEX 300 AE $99.99 Handlich &ndash kompaktes, ergonomisches Design Staubfrei - integrierte Staubabsaugung und Bosch Mikro Filtersystem Einfacher und schneller Schleifbl�tterwechsel - Papierassistent Praktisch &ndash ergonomische Schalterstellung Komfortabel &ndash vibrationsarm Bequem &ndash Softgrip Technische Daten: Nennaufnahme 270 WSchwingzahl 4.000-24.000/minSchleifteller-&Oslash 125 mmExzentrizit�t 2 mm Maschinengewicht 1,5 kg Lieferumfang: Bosch Mikro Filtersystem, 1 Schleifpapier (rot: Holz), Papierassistent, Kunststoffkoffer.

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4 inx100 Blue Pex Tubing P-34-100B $40.66 3/4?x100 blue pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 3/4? x 100', blue Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-34-100B UPC: 098268298369 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4 inx100' Red Pex Tubing P-34-100R $40.66 3/4?x100' red pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 3/4? x 100', red Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-34-100R UPC: 098268298376 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4 inx25' Wht Pex Tubing P-34-25 $10.93 3/4?x25' wht pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 3/4? x 25', white Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-34-25 UPC: 098268298383 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 8 inx100' Wht Pex Tubing WPTC06-100W $21.84 3/8?x100' wht pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 3/8? x 100', white Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPTC06-100W UPC: 098268311334 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2 inx300 Blue Pex Tubing WPTC08-300B $65.37 1/2?x300 blue pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 1/2? x 300', blue Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPTC08-300B UPC: 098268336177 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2 inx300' Red Pex Tubing WPTC08-300R $65.37 1/2?x300' red pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 1/2? x 300', red Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPTC08-300R UPC: 098268336160 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2 inx100' Red Pex Tubing P-12-100R $22.46 1/2?x100' red pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 1/2? x 100', red Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-12-100R UPC: 098268298116 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2 inx25' Wht Pex Tubing P-12-25 $5.91 1/2?x25' wht pex tubing Flexible, corrosion-resistant, no electrolysis, and freeze damage-resistant PEX pipe can be connected to galvanized, copper, and CPVC systems PEX pipe meets or exceeds ASTM F-876 and F-877 standards PEX pipe is easy-to-install and will handle all normal temperatures and pressures common in residential systems and commercial potable water systems 1/2? x 25', white Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-12-25 UPC: 098268298123 Keywords: tubing coil flexible pex pipe

2005-2008 Chrysler Crossfire Brake Pad Sensor Pex Chrysler Brake Pad Sensor W0133-1643620 $9.7 strong pex automotive group /strong br the pex automotive group is a manufacturer of oe specified automotive brake wear indicators to leading brake manufacturers and aftermarket distributors auto parts warehouse has extensive pex brake pad sensor catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all pex brake pad sensor orders over $50.00. our secure pex brake pad sensor catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your pex brake pad sensor needs. pex brake pad sensor are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next pex brake pad sensor purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

1995 Saab 900 Parking Brake Cable Pex Saab Parking Brake Cable W0133-1719135 $30.95 strong pex automotive group /strong br the pex automotive group is a manufacturer of oe specified automotive brake wear indicators to leading brake manufacturers and aftermarket distributors auto parts warehouse has extensive pex parking brake cable catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all pex parking brake cable orders over $50.00. our secure pex parking brake cable catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your pex parking brake cable needs. pex parking brake cable are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next pex parking brake cable purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

2006 BMW 325i Brake Pad Sensor Pex BMW Brake Pad Sensor W0133-1849980 $21.95 strong pex automotive group /strong br the pex automotive group is a manufacturer of oe specified automotive brake wear indicators to leading brake manufacturers and aftermarket distributors. br br 692 mm. auto parts warehouse has extensive pex brake pad sensor catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all pex brake pad sensor orders over $50.00. our secure pex brake pad sensor catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your pex brake pad sensor needs. pex brake pad sensor are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next pex brake pad sensor purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices