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Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Potential chemical leaching is another downside of PEX piping. Due to its chemical composition, the PEX pipe material may leach toxic chemicals including bisphenol (BPA), MTBE, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others.
How do you do plumbing with PEX pipe?
Can you do PEX plumbing yourself?
No. You can install PEX fittings supply just like you would other pipe, with main lines and branches to each fixture. But you lose a lot of the benefits of PEX with this system since it requires so many fittings.
What is the best way to connect PEX tubing?
The most common connection method used in PEX installation is the “Crimp” method. This process involves sliding a ribbed fitting into the PEX tube and crimping a seal ring around the connection point. These rings are typically made of copper, but may be found in plastic as well as brass.
Is PEX OK for drinking water?
There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes. A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time.
How long will PEX last?
Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.
What are the disadvantages of PEX?
PEX Plumbing Disadvantages PEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.
Is PEX plumbing better than copper?
We generally belive that Plumbing PEX Tubing is much better than Copper for most, if not all, plumbing systems. PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install. PEX Tubing is quickly becoming the industry standard.
Is PEX better than PVC?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. It’s resistant to freezing (once again, due to its flexibility, which allows the PEX piping’s diameter to expand as the water pressure changes).
Why is PEX banned in California?
PEX was banned in California due to some concerns about toxic materials leaking through the pipe and into water. Through various national laboratory tests, PEX has proven to be completely safe and durable. It is now legal in California and even included in principal plumbing codes.
What size PEX is used in homes?
PEX tubes range in diameter from 3/8-inch to 1-inch for residential applications. For adequate water flow, it’s a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines. The standard when replacing old water supply lines with PEX is to use the same size.
Is PEX pipe good for plumbing?
All this makes PEX an excellent piping material for hot and cold water systems, especially since it is flexible and well adapted for temperatures below freezing all the way up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. PEX is easy for plumbers to install and has fewer joints, bringing your costs down.
Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?
If you are looking for a fast and more secure connection that will stand the test of time, crimp tools are your better option. But if you want more flexibility without working more, go for PEX clamps.
Can you crimp PEX twice?
Answer: Tech consensus from Sharkbite reps is that crimping more than once may be acceptable so long as the gauge tool fits well in the GO spot but still does not in the NO GO spot (meaing you did not overcrimp).
What is better crimp or cinch?
The stainless steel Cinch Clamps are stronger than the copper Crimp Rings. I know this from personal experience after working with frozen water lines. When the fitted connection freezes with water in the line it will cause the copper Crimp Ring to expand just enough to cause a leak when it thaws.
Can mice chew through PEX pipe?
Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.
Can I use blue PEX for hot water?
PEX without an oxygen barrier is designed primarily for use in potable water plumbing systems. The color of PEX does not change any of the tubing’s ratings. There would be no problem, for example, using blue PEX for hot water lines or red PEX for cold water lines.
Does PEX pipe freeze and burst?
Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.
Can I run PEX through attic?
If you are using PEX, you can run it through your attic. PEX will NOT burst unless you live in a place that gets like 50 below. And it does not freeze as readily as metal pipe.
Is it necessary to insulate PEX piping?
Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated? Yes, although PEX pipes can withstand freezing temperatures better than other pipe materials – but they are not freeze proof! If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit your pipes have a very good chance of freezing.
Can PEX go underground?
Some plumbing contractors may be surprised to know that PEX is approved for use in underground as well as in-slab applications. Installing PEX pipe in the slab or underground can help reduce costs because there are no hangers required and less ladder time for installers (adding to installation efficiencies).
When should you not use PEX pipe?
PEX Plumbing Pipe Disadvantages While PEX has numerous benefits, it should not be used outdoors. PEX can’t be recycled. PEX can’t be directly connected to a water heater, requiring an 18-inch copper or PVC line directly connected to the water heater.
