What Is PEX Tubing?
Cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) is used in a wide variety of applications. When used as tubing, it can be found in residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
In residential plumbing, PEX is most commonly used for hot and cold potable water, as well as hydronic heating systems.
PEX is the preferred plumbing material in repipes and remodels, and is also now frequently used in new construction in place of copper pipe or cpvc/pvc pipe.
What Are the Benefits of PEX Tubing?
PEX piping has emerged as the preferred choice for home repiping due to a number of key benefits:
- Resilience: PEX piping is highly resilient, impervious to corrosion, scale buildup, and pitting, ensuring long-term reliability and resistance to chemical and mineral corrosion for the continuous delivery of high-quality water.
- Flexibility: PEX's exceptional flexibility allows for easy installation around obstacles and tight spaces without numerous fittings, reducing potential failure points and minimizing the need for connectors.
- Lifespan: With an expected lifespan of 50 years or more, PEX piping outlasts alternatives like copper plumbing, which may have a shorter lifespan under certain water conditions.
- Cost-Effectiveness: PEX piping proves cost-effective due to its ease of installation, reduced need for additional fittings, and resistance to common plumbing issues, resulting in savings during both repiping and long-term maintenance.
What's the Lifespan of PEX Tubing?
PEX piping typically boasts an expected lifespan of 50 years or more, depending on factors like water quality and usage.
PEX's long lifespan is due to it being highly resistant to corrosion, pitting, scaling, and the effects of hard water. In contrast, other repiping materials such as copper plumbing, under similar water conditions, may experience a much shorter lifespan.
The quality of the PEX tubing itself plays a significant role in its longevity. Higher-quality PEX tubing is typically manufactured using superior materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure durability and resistance to environmental factors.
For more information, you can read our breakdown on the key factors affecting the lifespan of PEX.
Should I Choose PEX Over Copper?
Choosing between PEX and copper for your plumbing system involves considering various factors.
While copper has a proven track record of reliability, it can be more susceptible to corrosion and mineral buildup. PEX, on the other hand, is resilient to such issues, contributing to a potentially longer lifespan.
Additionally, PEX is more cost-effective than copper, considering both initial installation and long-term maintenance. Its flexibility simplifies installation in comparison to copper, especially in tight spaces, reducing the need for numerous fittings.
However, there are certain limitations of PEX tubing that we will discuss later in this article. Ultimately, the decision between PEX and copper depends on clients' personal preferences, specific project requirements, and budget considerations.
You can read more about the differences between PEX and copper in our article Should I Repipe My House With Copper Piping Or PEX Tubing?
Is PEX Tubing Freeze Resistant?
When subjected to freezing conditions, PEX tubing has several advantages over CPVC pipe, galvanized steel, and copper pipe.
PEX has a unique flexibility that allows it to expand without breaking when water within the pipes freezes. This flexibility minimizes the possibility of the pipes rupturing, a common issue in traditional rigid piping systems.
However, it's crucial to note that while PEX is resistant to freeze damage, it is not entirely immune to extreme conditions. There is no such thing as "freeze-proof" piping; however, we always recommend PEX as the safest option for installations that could experience freezing temperatures.
For more information, check out our article on the advantages of PEX in freezing temperatures.
Are There Any Limitations to PEX Tubing?
While PEX tubing boasts many advantages, it does have some limitations.
One notable concern is its susceptibility to UV rays, which can degrade the material over time if exposed to direct sunlight during installation or in outdoor applications.
In such cases, opting for a piping material like copper, which isn't affected by UV rays, may be advisable. If your home is prone to rodent infestation, copper may also be a more durable solution.
Additionally, PEX is not entirely safe from certain chemicals, and prolonged exposure to certain substances may lead to deterioration. It is important to consider these limitations to ensure optimal performance and longevity of PEX tubing.
How Much Does a PEX Repipe Cost?
When it comes to repiping materials, PEX tubing is by far the most affordable repipe option. Our repipe quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of the repipe.
On a linear foot basis, PEX is significantly less expensive than copper pipe. It can also be run throughout a home with minimal connectors (from a central manifold, direct to all the outlets).
The precise cost is influenced by the number of outlets, the length of pipe required, and the general accessibility of where the PEX tubing needs to be run. We have a detailed article the cost of repiping with PEX.
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Which Type of PEX Tubing Should I Use for My Home Repipe?
For a full home repipe, PEX-A tubing is the best choice due to its exceptional flexibility. Here at Repipe Specialists, we exclusively use American-made Uponor PEX-A tubing for all our full home repipes.
The benefits of Uponor PEX-A tubing are not limited to its durability, flexibility, longevity, and reliability. Uponor PEX-A also provides resistance to freezing temperatures, reducing the risk of costly burst pipes.
There are several types of PEX tubing that are used for a variety of applications and are manufactured through several blends and variations.
Get a Quote for Your Home PEX Repipe
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991. An Uponor PEX-A repipe is not only the most cost-effective plumbing choice, but it will also save you financially into the future (we back our repipes with a lifetime warranty). We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.
Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your PEX repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.