What is Pex?

Depending on where you may live, Pex may sound old school to you or it may be a new term. Pex is more scientifically known as Cross Linked Polyethylene.

It is basically a form or style of tubing, which is commonly used in Hydronic Heating System but not limited to domestic water piping and even insulation.

It can be used in conjunction with natural gas or even a hot topic today of offshore oil drilling.

But homeowners are hearing the term Pex more and more. Pex started out in the 1930’s but it really wasn’t useful until the 1970’s but it was still expensive so it wasn’t used much.

There have been different processes used to create Pex and each one was upgraded until a less expensive and better process was created.

People who live in Southern States have heard of Pex first because it wasn’t allowed in the Northern States until the last few years.

In 2007, California put a law down that Pex can be used but it has to be determined if the case warrants Pex or if other material could just as easily do the job. More builders and plumbers in California are frustrated at the States’ insistence to use copper before Pex.

Pex in its earlier stages had a bad reputation. It was a concern that Pex Tubing would kink up and create problems down the line. But changes as we have mentioned have made Pex a durable Plumbing Product. In some states, Pex has even been used for dental fillings.

There are different fittings created from Pex, there is tubing and fittings. Pex ranges in sizes from ¼” to about 4″. The most commonly used sizes are ½”, ¾” and 1″.

Why has Pex become such a hot topic? One reason is that Pex has found a place in residential water plumbing. The reason why is because of the flexibility of Pex. For example, you could actually turn Pex about 90 degrees simply by using an adapter but if you were to do the same with PVC or copper they would all need to have elbow joints which would not be as strong or as reliable.

Plus, Pex is less expensive which may be the draw to the concept. Sometimes in certain applications it may be best to use PVC or Copper for a longer lasting life but it has been said that Pex can last anywhere from 50 to 200 years. There are going to be plumbers who prefer copper to Pex but Pex looks like it is here to stay and if you are planning a plumbing job, ask your plumber about the advantages and disadvantages to Pex on your job.