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PEX Plumbing Supplies & Parts

PEX tubing is affordable, quiet, corrosion-resistant, flexible, and freeze-resistant! What’s not to love? PEX (full name, cross-linked polyethylene) is a type of plastic tubing used in both plumbing and heating systems.
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FAQs, Manuals & Videos
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More About PEX Plumbing
Frequently Asked Questions

What is PEX plumbing?
PEX is just the catchier nickname for cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). These flexible pipes have become popular in homes and small businesses because they’re durable and easy to install. They also resist scale and chlorine, won't corrode or develop pinholes, and are less likely to burst from frozen water compared to copper or PVC pipes.

How do I plumb with PEX?
To plumb with PEX, you start by designing a layout, typically a manifold system, where a main line feeds into a central hub and separate PEX pipes branch out to each fixture. You cut the PEX tube to the desired length and attach it to PEX plumbing fittings and manifolds using a crimp, clamp, or push-to-connect PEX plumbing fittings. Remember to leave a little slack so the PEX tubing has room to expand and contract.

Does PEX plumbing freeze?
PEX plumbing can handle the cold weather really well. The flexible construction helps it expand to accommodate the water in cold temperatures. However, it's not completely freeze-proof, and if the water in your system is exposed to freezing temperatures long enough, you may lose water flow or potentially damage the system.

Advantages of PEX
Fewer Leaks: PEX plumbing installations require fewer fittings than rigid piping. This means there is less likelihood for leaks to occur at joint connections.
Flexible: PEX tubing can make 90 degree turns without elbow fittings, and PEX tubing unrolled from spools can be installed in long runs without the need for coupling fittings.
Corrosion Resistant: PEX resists the scale build-up common with copper pipe, and does not pit or corrode when exposed to acidic water.
Freeze Resistant: PEX is more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe.
No Water Hammer: Water flows more quietly through PEX tube, and "water hammer" noise that occurs in copper pipe systems is virtually eliminated.
Less Expensive: PEX tubing is less expensive than copper pipe and installation time is reduced because fewer fittings are required.

When installing a PEX plumbing system you will want to use non-oxygen barrier PEX tubing. All non-oxygen barrier PEX tubing found on our website are rated for potable drinking water.

Should I Get PEX or CPVC?
When choosing between PEX plumbing and CPVC, always factor in the conditions and requirements of your setup. Both PEX and CPVC can work great, but only when they’re the right material for the job. Here’s a few variables to consider:

1. Materials
PEX tubing, made from cross-linked polyethylene, is known for its flexibility and resistance to scale and chlorine, making it less likely to corrode or develop pinhole leaks. It's especially resistant to freeze-breakage. CPVC, a chlorinated version of PVC, also boasts resistance to corrosion and scale buildup. However, it's more rigid than PEX and can be prone to splitting if water freezes within the pipes. While both materials are durable, it’s important to get the right one for the conditions you’re working in.

2. Ease of Installation
PEX plumbing stands out for its ease of installation. Its flexibility means it can be snaked through walls and around corners with fewer fittings required, reducing the risk of leaks. This flexibility also makes PEX an ideal choice for retrofitting older homes. CPVC, being more rigid, requires more joints and elbows, making installation slightly more complex and time-consuming. However, CPVC's rigidity can be an advantage in situations where a more stable, fixed pipe is necessary.

3. Temperature and Pressure
PEX and CPVC can both be used for hot and cold-water supply lines, but they handle temperature and pressure differently. PEX plumbing typically withstands higher water pressure levels and is less likely to burst under freeze-thaw conditions. CPVC's maximum temperature tolerance is generally higher than PEX, making it a suitable choice for hot water lines, although under extremely high temperatures, PEX may perform better due to its ability to expand.

PEX Valves
A PEX valve is a type of valve that’s compatible with PEX tubing. PEX valves, used together with PEX plumbing fittings, control the flow of water and can include various types, such as shut-off PEX valves, check PEX valves, and mixing PEX valves, among others.

Resources

More About PEX Plumbing
Frequently Asked Questions

What is PEX plumbing?
PEX is just the catchier nickname for cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). These flexible pipes have become popular in homes and small businesses because they’re durable and easy to install. They also resist scale and chlorine, won't corrode or develop pinholes, and are less likely to burst from frozen water compared to copper or PVC pipes.

How do I plumb with PEX?
To plumb with PEX, you start by designing a layout, typically a manifold system, where a main line feeds into a central hub and separate PEX pipes branch out to each fixture. You cut the PEX tube to the desired length and attach it to PEX plumbing fittings and manifolds using a crimp, clamp, or push-to-connect PEX plumbing fittings. Remember to leave a little slack so the PEX tubing has room to expand and contract.

Does PEX plumbing freeze?
PEX plumbing can handle the cold weather really well. The flexible construction helps it expand to accommodate the water in cold temperatures. However, it's not completely freeze-proof, and if the water in your system is exposed to freezing temperatures long enough, you may lose water flow or potentially damage the system.

Advantages of PEX
Fewer Leaks: PEX plumbing installations require fewer fittings than rigid piping. This means there is less likelihood for leaks to occur at joint connections.
Flexible: PEX tubing can make 90 degree turns without elbow fittings, and PEX tubing unrolled from spools can be installed in long runs without the need for coupling fittings.
Corrosion Resistant: PEX resists the scale build-up common with copper pipe, and does not pit or corrode when exposed to acidic water.
Freeze Resistant: PEX is more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe.
No Water Hammer: Water flows more quietly through PEX tube, and "water hammer" noise that occurs in copper pipe systems is virtually eliminated.
Less Expensive: PEX tubing is less expensive than copper pipe and installation time is reduced because fewer fittings are required.

When installing a PEX plumbing system you will want to use non-oxygen barrier PEX tubing. All non-oxygen barrier PEX tubing found on our website are rated for potable drinking water.

Should I Get PEX or CPVC?
When choosing between PEX plumbing and CPVC, always factor in the conditions and requirements of your setup. Both PEX and CPVC can work great, but only when they’re the right material for the job. Here’s a few variables to consider:

1. Materials
PEX tubing, made from cross-linked polyethylene, is known for its flexibility and resistance to scale and chlorine, making it less likely to corrode or develop pinhole leaks. It's especially resistant to freeze-breakage. CPVC, a chlorinated version of PVC, also boasts resistance to corrosion and scale buildup. However, it's more rigid than PEX and can be prone to splitting if water freezes within the pipes. While both materials are durable, it’s important to get the right one for the conditions you’re working in.

2. Ease of Installation
PEX plumbing stands out for its ease of installation. Its flexibility means it can be snaked through walls and around corners with fewer fittings required, reducing the risk of leaks. This flexibility also makes PEX an ideal choice for retrofitting older homes. CPVC, being more rigid, requires more joints and elbows, making installation slightly more complex and time-consuming. However, CPVC's rigidity can be an advantage in situations where a more stable, fixed pipe is necessary.

3. Temperature and Pressure
PEX and CPVC can both be used for hot and cold-water supply lines, but they handle temperature and pressure differently. PEX plumbing typically withstands higher water pressure levels and is less likely to burst under freeze-thaw conditions. CPVC's maximum temperature tolerance is generally higher than PEX, making it a suitable choice for hot water lines, although under extremely high temperatures, PEX may perform better due to its ability to expand.

PEX Valves
A PEX valve is a type of valve that’s compatible with PEX tubing. PEX valves, used together with PEX plumbing fittings, control the flow of water and can include various types, such as shut-off PEX valves, check PEX valves, and mixing PEX valves, among others.