DIY plumbing is becoming increasingly common. Doing it yourself lets you save money and time, and prevents any reliance on busy professional plumbers.
Traditional piping was made from copper or galvanized metal. These materials are difficult to work with, especially for an amateur, and make plumbing difficult. PEX offers a great alternative.
PEX is much easier for DIY plumbing. This guide will give you all the information you need to know about PEX, the pros and cons, and ultimately how it can make plumbing easier.
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What Is Pex Plumbing & Pex Pipe?
PEX is short for polyethylene cross linked tubing. Polyethylene bonds create a chemical structure that is superior to most plastics because of its flexibility and durability.
Traditional piping would be made from copper or a galvanized metal. PEX offers a modern alternative with a material that’s more affordable and much easier to handle.
It can be bent or twisted, which for a DIY plumber is great because it means you don’t need to be quite as rigid with your measurements.
You can also get a variety of different colors to help you codify your plumbing.
There are three main types of PEX pipe:
1. Non-Oxygen Barrier Pex
Non-oxygen barrier PEX is simply PEX without any kind of oxygen. This is used for potable (safe to drink) water. There are two grades of non-oxygen barrier PEX to choose from, each with slightly different qualities:
Non-oxygen barrier PEX is only really suitable for indoor use, though you can purchase an outdoor sleeve to help protect against the elements. This type of PEX piping typically comes in red, white, or blue and can be anywhere from ¼ to 3 inches in diameter.
2. Oxygen Barrier Pex
Oxygen is what causes pipes and water systems to rust, and this PEX helps to prevent that from happening.
Oxygen Barrier PEX is used in your heating systems which can suffer from corrosion, and just like with Non-Oxygen PEX, there are two grades available.
This type of Pex is typically ½ inch in diameter, but you can get some variation to fit different systems.
3. Aluminum Barrier Pex
Aluminum Barrier PEX has a layer of PEX, a layer of aluminum, and another layer of PEX.
This sort of 'aluminum sandwich' is useful because it means that the PEX holds its shape once it’s bent into position without any need to secure it.
It offers an oxygen barrier and is well suited for high or low temperatures because of its low expansion rate.
Related Article - P-Traps Explained
Different Pex Plumbing Pipe Applications
Water Supply Lines Or Portable Distribution Systems
Water supply lines carry the water from the mainline into your home. Non-oxygen barrier PEX is perfect for this and allows you to access safe drinking water.
Also See - Comparing P-Traps and S-Traps
Radiant Floor Heating Applications
PEX plumbing is perfect for floor heating because it won’t expand or contract as it heats or cools.
Radiant floor heating is expensive to run (it can cost up to $6 per square foot) so having more affordable solution to plumbing a bathroom is a real plus.
Heat Transfer Applications
Similar to the above, PEX won't expand or contract, so it works well with heat transfer applications.
Water Distribution For Hot Water Applications
PEX is often used with your water heaters to allow hot water to flow through various applications.
Residential Fire/Sprinkler Systems
PEX doesn’t corrode or rust when exposed to high-pressure water, making it perfect for sprinkler systems. The durability means you won’t need to replace the copper piping as often too.
Advantages & Disadvantages Of PEX Plumbing
Why Is PEX Plumbing Good? (Pros) | Why Is PEX Plumbing Bad? (Cons) |
|---|---|
Flexibility | Risk of Leaching
|
Durability | Vulnerable to rodents |
Affordability | Risk of chemical damage |
Colour Coding | Sensitive to UV |
Easy to join | Semi-permeable |
Heat Resistance | Cell |
Quieter | Cell |
Acid-resistant | Cell |
How To Join & Connect Pex Pipes
One of the main advantages of PEX is how easy it can be connected. These are the primary methods for this:
Copper Crimping
Crimping is really easy, and any amateur can do it. You simply need to attach a copper ring to the end of the PEX, connect it to the attachment, and use a crimping tool (or cinch) to bend the PEX around the metal. You will need a crimping tool to do this effectively.
Expansion Connections
An expansion connection involves using a special tool to expand the diameter of the PEX pipe. You can then slip it over the connection, and it will revert back to its original size, making a watertight seal over the pipe.
Stainless Steel Clamps
This method is often referred to as SSC and involves using stainless steel clamps on the ends of the PEX pipe. This is then connected, and you can use a ratchet tool to compress the clamp and the pipe over the connection, so it's watertight.
Compression Fittings
For this method, you need to fit a brass nut over the end of the tube along with a compression ring. You then need to insert a brass pipe into the PEX tube before you attach the PEX to the connection. You then need to tighten the nut over the fitting.
Push-Fit Connections
Push-fit connections are the easiest and most popular way to fit a PEX pipe. You don’t need any special equipment; you just need a special connection which literally grabs the PEX pipe and holds it securely.
Also See - Plumbing a Bathtub
Pex Plumbing Residential Design & Layout
Trunk-And-Branch Systems
Trunk and branch systems involve one large diameter (typically ¾ inches) ‘trunk’ lines transporting water around your home. Several smaller ‘branch’ PEX pipes are then attached to these to transport the water to various applications.
This system is really effective but uses a lot of water. It’s also more complicated to install with a lot of different connections. This makes it more expensive and time-consuming to install.
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Home-Run Manifold Systems
Home-run manifold systems use a manifold in which all of the water flows into from a thick ¾ inch diameter pipe.
Smaller pipes then run from the manifold connecting into each of your appliances. These systems use the least energy and are generally the most efficient. Hot water will reach your taps quickly, so you won't have to run the water for ages to get it warm.
The home-run manifold is a flexible system and gives you a great deal of control over the flow of water to each application. This allows you to save water, but you will use many pipes to connect everything up.
Related Article - Plumbing a Shower Drain
Submanifold Systems
Submanifold systems operate with a separate manifold for each room. These can be designed in several different ways and generally use less pipe than other systems.
The submanifold systems don’t really offer any benefits over the other two and are less water efficient.
How To A Install Pex Plumbing System: Step By Step Instructions
To plumb your house with PEX, you’ll need to replace your existing pipe. To do this, you’ll need some PEX plumbing tools. There are a few different installation methods, but for DIYers, you'll want to make sure you have two main tools:
Then you need to follow these instructions:
- 1Measure Your PEX
Carefully measure your pipe and make sure you have enough PEX that covers it. - 2Cut Your PEX Piping
Carefully cut your PEX to the length you need it. This should be as exact as possible, but the pipe can bend if it needs to. Make sure you cut this straight, so there can be a watertight seal. - 3Shut Off The Water
Use the valve to shut off the water supply before doing anything to your pipes. - 4Remove The Copper Pipe
Carefully remove the copper pipe from your plumbing. You’ll either need to loosen the nuts and peel it out, or you can cut it down using a hacksaw and connect a copper to PEX adapter into the end. The PEX piping can then be connected into the adapter. - 5Connect The PEX
Once you’ve cut the PEX to the appropriate length and removed the old pipe, you can fit your PEX plumbing. Slide a crimp ring over the end of your PEX pipe, and then use the cinch clamp to tighten the connection. Make sure this is completely sealed before you switch the water back on.
PEX plumbing offers a variety of benefits, and you can use it for plumbing your shower, bathroom, and sinks.
To replumb small areas, it will typically cost $300-1500. To re-plumb your entire home, it may cost over $5000. This is still significantly cheaper than using other piping, though.
Pex Vs. Copper Pipe: Which Is Better?
PEX and copper both have their advantages and disadvantages. We’ve compared the key factors to help you understand which is best for you:
Pipes Cost
PEX is a lot more affordable than copper. While you will need specialist equipment for PEX, you will save a noticeable amount in the long run.
Ease Of Installation
Copper piping often has complicated connections, and there may be soldering involved. PEX is a lot easier and quicker to install, especially for DIYers.
Corrosion Resistance
Rust is often a common issue with copper pipes which leads to them needing to be replaced. PEX is made entirely from plastic and, therefore, not susceptible to corrosion or rust.
See Related Article: CPVC vs PVC piping
FAQs
Is PEX banned in California?
Yes, currently PEX is banned in California as it has not been added to the approved materials list.
What is the difference between Pex-A, B & C?
How long does PEX plumbing last?
PEX plumbing will typically last over 100 years (barring any damage).
What are the available sizes of PEX tubing and pipes?
PEX piping is usually in a standard size but is available anywhere between ½ inch and 32 inches in diameter. Typically they are available ½, ¾, and 1 inches in diameter.
Does Pex meet the plumbing code?
PEX meets all national codes in the US, but in some local areas, PEX hasn’t been approved (such as California).
Related Article - What Is ECO Plumbing?
Conclusion
PEX is a practical alternative to traditional plumbing that offers a range of benefits. If you’re a DIY plumber, this is the material you want to be using, and hopefully, this article has given you everything you need to know about PEX.
Also Read - Plumbing or Pipefitter - Differences Explained
Matt is a freelance writer, English graduate, & keen traveler from the UK. As a specialist plumbing expert, he enjoys writing about everything there has to do with at-home plumbing products & related problems. When he isn’t writing, he’s usually drinking coffee or planning his next adventure. In his spare time, he also runs his own blog all about digital nomad life.