What You Need to Know About PEX Tubing

When it comes to installing new plumbing, you've probably heard about pex tubing. But unless you're an expert, you might not know exactly how it works or what makes it so popular with homeowners and professional plumbers alike. To help you get up to speed, we talked with Tomas Lenman from Mr. PEX, Dale Stroud, senior director of offerings and marketing at NIBCO, and Todd Anglin from Zurn about the benefits and advantages of working with this flexible tubing.

PEX tubing is made of polyethylene molecules that are chemically linked together to form a flexible, durable network. Engineers first experimented with making PEX using peroxides and radiation in the 1960s, but it was Thomas Engel who is credited with beginning the commercial production of this flexible pipe. There are different types of PEX, but all of them must comply with the same ASTM F876 standards and SDR9 dimensional standard to be approved for use in homes and green buildings. PEX is also more affordable than copper piping, and it's resistant to corrosion from water chemicals, abrasion and ultraviolet rays.

A common misconception is that PEX is a relatively new material without a proven track record, but billions of feet of this pipe have been installed for over 30 years in North America. During this time, PEX has been subjected to the same rigorous testing and installation standards as other plumbing materials.

It's important that you always use the proper tools, PEX connectors and fittings when installing this type of piping to ensure the long-term performance and safety of your system. Using the wrong tools or improper installation techniques can void your warranty and lead to premature failure, so be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines and industry standards when working with PEX. For example, when running PEX supply lines to a fixture in an accessible area, install a one-half inch copper stub-out and connect a compression-type shutoff valve to it. This will prevent rodents from chewing through your PEX pipes and causing costly damage.pex tubing