What Is Uponor PEX-A?
Uponor PEX-A is a brand of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing designed to be flexible, durable, and reliable for plumbing applications.
Uponor is a global company specializing in advanced plumbing systems and is known for its high-quality PEX-A piping and fittings.
Sold under the brand name Uponor AquaPEX pipe since 1993, Uponor's PEX-A tubing has been rigorously tested over decades, making them a leading choice for those seeking long-term reliability in their plumbing systems.
PEX-A vs PEX-B: What's the Difference?
PEX tubing is available in three main types: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. Each type has unique characteristics based on its manufacturing process, which affects its suitability for specific plumbing needs. While PEX-C is commonly used in radiant heating systems, the two types most frequently chosen for fresh water lines in homes are PEX-A and PEX-B.
PEX-A
PEX-A is made using the Engel method, a unique process in which polyethylene molecules are cross-linked during extrusion. This method achieves an 80% or higher cross-linking rate, giving PEX-A the highest level of cross-linking among PEX types.
This process results in a more flexible tube with excellent shape memory, meaning it can withstand freezing temperatures and return to its shape if kinked. This flexibility makes it ideal for areas where pipes need to navigate tight spaces or make sharp turns.
Fittings are secured using expansion rings, which take advantage of the tubing's shape memory. When expanded, the ring and tubing contract around the fitting to create a tight, leak-resistant seal.
PEX-B
In contrast, PEX-B is made using the silane method, resulting in slightly less flexibility but still offering durability and strength. It is generally more affordable than PEX-A, making it a popular option for budget-conscious projects.
However, this type typically requires more fittings, which can increase the risk of leaks and reduce water pressure in some systems. Molded rings are used to secure fittings, but they are less effective than the expansion rings used with PEX-A, as they lack shape memory. Consequently, the expansion rings can form a tighter and more lasting seal around fittings.
In comparison, PEX-A requires fewer fittings and connections, reducing both material costs and the likelihood of future issues. According to the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) Technical Report TR-52, PEX-A also has exceptional freeze-thaw resilience compared to other pipes.
These advantages make PEX-A the preferred choice for whole-home repiping, especially when durability and ease of installation are priorities. For more information about all three types of PEX tubing, you can read our article detailing What Are the Different Types of PEX Tubing?
What Are the Benefits of Using Uponor PEX-A?
Choosing Uponor PEX-A tubing for your home repipe offers several significant benefits. We will focus on the advantages of Uponor's AquaPEX pipe, which are specific to plumbing systems.
- Flexibility and Fewer Fittings: Uponor AquaPEX allows for long, continuous runs with minimal fittings, reducing potential leak points and speeding up installation. For example, a two-story home repipe with this system may only need around 16 fittings, compared to over 90 in traditional trunk-and-branch setups, greatly lowering the risk of leaks.
- ProPEX Connection: Uponor's ASTM F1960 ProPEX connection method ensures strong, leak-resistant seals by using the pipe's shape memory to create secure, watertight connections that resist leaks and stress cracks. ProPEX connections actually strengthen over time, making them a faster and more reliable choice than traditional crimp or clamp systems for both residential and commercial plumbing. You can watch a video that demonstrates why Uponor's ProPEX compression tool is superior.
- Stress-Crack Resistance: The piping is highly resistant to stress cracking and corrosion, making it ideal for challenging water conditions such as hard water or freezing temperatures. This resistance helps extend the pipe's lifespan, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.
- Ease of Installation: The piping system can be installed in continuous lengths from a central manifold to each outlet, with minimal connections, which makes it less likely to fail if water freezes in any section. Our expert team typically completes a full home repipe within 1-2 days, ensuring your water supply is restored promptly.
- Long Lasting Durability: Uponor AquaPEX piping offers outstanding durability, with a lifespan of 50 years or more under typical conditions. Its high resistance to chemicals, stress cracks, and temperature fluctuations makes it a solid choice for long-lasting plumbing.
For homeowners who prioritize cost savings, durability, and low maintenance, the benefits of using Uponor AquaPEX make it an excellent choice for a whole-home repipe. For more details, visit the Uponor website.
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How Much Does Uponor PEX-A Repiping Cost?
The cost of repiping with Uponor PEX-A can vary based on factors such as the size of your home, the complexity of the plumbing layout, and local labor rates. Typically, our repiping projects range from $4,500 for a two-bedroom, one-bath home to up to $15,000 for larger properties and more complex projects.
Using Uponor PEX-A can lower overall costs in several ways. The reduced need for fittings means less piping to purchase and fewer connection points to install.
Additionally, because Uponor PEX-A is easier and quicker to install than traditional copper piping, labor costs may be lower, and the installation can often be completed in less than a day. We have an article that breaks down the cost factors of repiping with PEX piping.
At Repipe Specialists, we provide you with a comprehensive quote for repiping projects, including materials, labor, and wall patching, so there are no surprises along the way.
Uponor PEX-A gives homeowners the assurance that they are investing in a reliable, code-compliant plumbing solution that will last for many years to come. Contact us to receive a free fixed price repipe quote from one of our local repipe consultants.
Get a Quote for Repiping Your Home With Uponor PEX-A
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.
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.