Common Questions About PEX Tubing

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is replacing copper and galvanized steel pipe for water supply lines in new construction and remodeling. The flexible plastic material is easy to work with and cheaper than copper, but it’s important to understand its limitations. This article will answer common questions about PEX tubing, including how long it lasts, what kinds of problems it can cause and how to avoid them, and whether it’s suitable for your home.

PEX is made from high-density polyethylene molecules that are chemically linked with each other. The process creates a molecular network that is able to withstand the temperatures and pressures of home plumbing.

It can last up to 50 years, compared to the 30 to 40 of traditional copper. PEX is also more durable than other options, like PVC and CPVC, and resists corrosion much better. It also has a softer feel than metal, which reduces the risk of damage when it’s bent or stretched.

There are three types of PEX: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. PEX-A is manufactured with peroxide and has the highest flexibility. It’s the most resistant to cracking due to freezing, but it’s also more expensive than PEX-B and offers no major advantage besides its greater flexibility.

PEX expands and contracts more than copper, so it’s important to drill oversize holes in studs and joists and leave enough space for the tubing to move without damaging the wood. It’s also a good idea to add abrasion clips on wood surfaces where the tubing runs, and nail protection plates where the pipe will be in contact with metal.pex tubing