Water Pex

Water Pex

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/

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

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.

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

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 Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 8 in Pex Crimp Ring Tool WPRM06-15PB $63.86 3/8? pex crimp ring tool RingMaster crimp tools are larger for more leverage Includes RingMaster fitted with crimping jaws 3/8? Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPRM06-15PB UPC: 098268318234 Keywords: crimp ring tool pex crimping

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2 in Pex Crimp Ring Tool WPRM08-15PB $63.86 1/2? pex crimp ring tool RingMaster crimp tools are larger for more leverage Includes RingMaster fitted with crimping jaws 1/2? Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPRM08-15PB UPC: 098268318241 Keywords: crimp ring tool pex crimping

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4 in Pex Crimp Ring Tool WPRM12-15PB $63.86 3/4? pex crimp ring tool RingMaster crimp tools are larger for more leverage Includes RingMaster fitted with crimping jaws 3/4? Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPRM12-15PB UPC: 098268318258 Keywords: crimp ring tool pex crimping

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 in Pex Crimp Ring Tool WPRM16-19PB $116.09 1? pex crimp ring tool RingMaster crimp tools are larger for more leverage Includes RingMaster fitted with crimping jaws 1? Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPRM16-19PB UPC: 098268318265 Keywords: crimp ring tool pex crimping

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 10-port Q c Pex Manifold P-10PORT $98.77 10-port q/c pex manifold Watts manifolds operate much like an electrical breaker box The main water supply lines bring water into the manifold and individual distribution lines move water out to each fixture All outlets have a built-in valve which allows you the ability to stop the water flow to any single fixture without shutting down the entire water system The Watts manifold system utilizes an exclusive modular design. manifold sections can be expanded using additional stem bodies 10-port Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-10PORT UPC: 098268447668 Keywords: manifold q c pex pre assembled quick connect

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 20-port Q c Pex Manifold P-20PORT $173.41 20-port q/c pex manifold Watts manifolds operate much like an electrical breaker box The main water supply lines bring water into the manifold and individual distribution lines move water out to each fixture All outlets have a built-in valve which allows you the ability to stop the water flow to any single fixture without shutting down the entire water system The Watts manifold system utilizes an exclusive modular design. manifold sections can be expanded using additional stem bodies 20-port Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-20PORT UPC: 098268447675 Keywords: manifold q c pex pre assembled quick connect

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

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 2pk 20 in Pex Faucet Tube 877555 $1.85 2pk 20? pex faucet tube Flexible water supply connectors with ferrules for sinks and lavatories Available in bagged pair, carded pair, or in a bulk case pack See detail for all options Made of PEX tubing Easy-to-connect Each tube includes compression ring to enable hookup to standard 3/8? compression fitting Can be used with Genova Universal fittings, Qest compression fittings, or an insert/crimp system 3/8? O.D. x 20? (ferrules supplied only when ordering full case) Brand #: Watts Water Technologies 877555 UPC: 042805447628 Keywords: basin supply tube polybutylene lavatory

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 2pk 30 in Pex Faucet Tube 878555 $2.47 2pk 30? pex faucet tube Flexible water supply connectors with ferrules for sinks and lavatories Available in bagged pair, carded pair, or in a bulk case pack See detail for all options Made of PEX tubing Easy-to-connect Each tube includes compression ring to enable hookup to standard 3/8? compression fitting Can be used with Genova Universal fittings, Qest compression fittings, or an insert/crimp system 3/8? O.D. x 30?, 1 pair/bag Brand #: Watts Water Technologies 878555 UPC: 042805447642 Keywords: basin supply tube polybutylene lavatory

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 2pk 36 in Pex Faucet Tube 879555 $3 2pk 36? pex faucet tube Flexible water supply connectors with ferrules for sinks and lavatories Available in bagged pair, carded pair, or in a bulk case pack See detail for all options Made of PEX tubing Easy-to-connect Each tube includes compression ring to enable hookup to standard 3/8? compression fitting Can be used with Genova Universal fittings, Qest compression fittings, or an insert/crimp system 3/8?O.D. x 36?, 1 pair/carded Brand #: Watts Water Technologies 879555 UPC: 042805447659 Keywords: basin supply tube polybutylene lavatory

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

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies Ice Maker Kit QCK-25 $17.21 Ice maker kit PEX ice maker installation kit 25' x 1/4? o.d. Pex tubing and shut-off tee for ice makers and drinking water lines For use with 1/2? copper, PEX, CPVC, polybutylene, and 1/4? O.D PEX, polyethylene or copper supply lines for ice makers and water connections in refrigerators Brand #: Watts Water Technologies QCK-25 UPC: 098268533545 Keywords: installation kit ice maker install 25ft pex

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies Crimp Ring Removal Tool WPCRT-1 $23.27 Crimp ring removal tool A heavy-duty tool for the removal of the Water PEX Crimp Ring without damaging PEX fittings Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPCRT-1 UPC: 098268340563 Keywords: pex tool crimp rng rmvl ring removal

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

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 in Crimp Ring Gauge WPGAQK-3 $8.08 1? crimp ring gauge PEX crimp ring gauge, used to check for a proper crimp connection 1 per bag 1? crimp ring PEX gauge Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPGAQK-3 UPC: 098268317701 Keywords: crimp ring gauge pex gage guage

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 8-3 4 Crimp Ring Gauge WPGAUK-2 $5.3 3/8-3/4 crimp ring gauge PEX crimp ring gauge, used to check for a proper crimp connection 1 per bag 3/8? to 3/4? PEX crimp ring gauge Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPGAUK-2 UPC: 098268317695 Keywords: crimp ring gauge pex gage guage

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1cfx1mpt Brass Adapter 12B-1616 $2.32 1cfx1mpt brass adapter For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 1 barb x 1 MPT Brand #: Watts Water Technologies 12B-1616 UPC: 098268452785 Keywords: male adapter pex crimp mip

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1x1x1cf Brass Tee 18B-16 $4.87 1x1x1cf brass tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 1 CF x 1 CF x 1 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies 18B-16 UPC: 098268452792 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies Ice Maker Valve WPIMV-1 $12.57 Ice maker valve 1/4 turn ice maker valve only for PEX Valve is fitted for standard 1/4? compression ice maker and 1/2? WaterPex Crimp Ring fitting Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WPIMV-1 UPC: 098268318074 Keywords: ice maker valve pex

S3381 ioDIGITAL 1/2 CC cpvc inlet push-fit connectors PEX $336 From finishes that are guaranteed to last a lifetime to faucets that perfectly balance your water pressure Moen sets the standard for exceptional beauty and reliable innovative design

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 8 inx1 2 in Stubout Elbow P-956 $4.29 8?x1/2? stubout elbow For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 8? to 1/2? barb x 1/2? nominal Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-956 UPC: 098268300208 Keywords: elbow stub out pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2cfx1 2cfx3 8cf Tee P-542 $1.99 1/2cfx1/2cfx3/8cf tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 1/2 CF x 1/2 CF x 3/8 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-542 UPC: 098268298970 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 1 2cfx1 2cfx3 4cf Tee P-543 $1.67 1/2cfx1/2cfx3/4cf tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 1/2 CF x 1/2 CF x 3/4 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-543 UPC: 098268298987 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4cfx3 4cfx3 4cf Tee P-740 $1.89 3/4cfx3/4cfx3/4cf tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 3/4 CF x 3/4 CF x 3/4 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-740 UPC: 098268299786 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4cfx1 2cfx3 4cf Tee P-741 $1.85 3/4cfx1/2cfx3/4cf tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 3/4 CF x 1/2 CF x 3/4 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-741 UPC: 098268299793 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4cfx3 4cfx1 2cf Tee P-742 $2.15 3/4cfx3/4cfx1/2cf tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 3/4 CF x 3/4 CF x 1/2 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-742 UPC: 098268299809 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 10pk 3 4x3 4x1 2 Tee WP18B-121208PB $12.79 10pk 3/4x3/4x1/2 tee For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 10 pack, 3/4 CF x 3/4 CF x 1/2 CF Brand #: Watts Water Technologies WP18B-121208PB UPC: 098268313994 Keywords: tee barb pex crimp

Watts Water Technologies Watts Water Technologies 3 4 incf Brass Test Plug P-780 $1.1 3/4cf brass test plug For polyethylene (PEX) crimp system For hot or cold water applications Copper crimp rings not included Bagged 3/4 Brand #: Watts Water Technologies P-780 UPC: 098268299847 Keywords: test plug pex crimp brass