Which Type of PEX Tubing Should I Use for a Repipe?

What Are the Main Types of PEX Tubing?

PEX, short for cross-linked polyethylene, comes in three main types: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. Each type is manufactured differently, leading to differences in flexibility, durability, and cost.

• PEX-A (Engel Method): PEX-A is created using the Engel method, which cross-links the polyethylene molecules during the extrusion process. This method produces the highest degree of cross-linking, making PEX-A the most flexible and resilient option available. PEX-A can bend easily around corners, resist kinking, and even expand slightly if frozen, reducing the risk of burst pipes.
• PEX-B (Silane Method): PEX-B tubing is made using the silane method, where cross-linking happens after extrusion with the help of a chemical agent. Although it is slightly stiffer than PEX-A, it is still durable and resistant to cracks. PEX-B is a more economical choice and is used in residential plumbing projects where flexibility isn't critical. We have an article comparing PEX-A vs. PEX-B.
• PEX-C (Irradiation Method): PEX-C tubing is cross-linked by exposing the extruded pipe to high-energy electron beams. Known as "cold cross-linking," this process results in a more rigid and less flexible pipe. PEX-C is often used in radiant heating systems or in applications where minimal bending is required.

Manufacturers may also offer variations or blends within these categories, but the essential characteristics of each type remain largely consistent. Knowing these distinctions can help you choose the right PEX for your project needs.

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Are All Types of PEX Approved for Drinking Water?

PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C are all approved for potable (drinking) water use in the United States, provided they meet NSF/ANSI standards. This approval means that all three types have been tested for safety and meet strict national health requirements.

It's important to ensure that the PEX tubing you choose is certified for potable water. Look for markings on the tubing such as NSF-pw (potable water) or certifications from the Water Quality Association (WQA) or other accredited bodies.

Here at Repipe Specialists, we exclusively use Uponor PEX-A tubing, which not only meets but exceeds industry standards for drinking water safety. Uponor PEX-A undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it provides a clean, safe, and reliable water supply for your home. We have an article that breaks down why Uponor PEX-A is the best repiping choice for your home.

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Can You Use Different Types of PEX Tubing Together?

Technically, it is possible to connect different types of PEX tubing within a plumbing system. Standard PEX fittings, such as crimp or expansion fittings, can sometimes be used across types.

However, it is generally not recommended to mix PEX types for several key reasons:

1. Consistency in Performance: Different types of PEX have varying degrees of flexibility, expansion, and contraction. Mixing types can lead to uneven pressure handling and potentially increase the risk of leaks.
2. Compatibility with Fittings: Some fitting systems are only effective for specific types of PEX, especially expansion systems like Uponor's ASTM F1960 fittings, which are specifically designed for PEX-A.



3. Ease of Installation and Repairs: Keeping the system uniform makes future maintenance, repairs, or upgrades simpler and more reliable.

For a full home repipe, sticking to a single type of PEX ensures you get the best overall performance in your home's fresh water system.

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Which Type of PEX Tubing Is Best for Residential Plumbing?

When it comes to full home repiping, PEX-A tubing is the superior choice. Thanks to its exceptional flexibility, PEX-A can easily navigate walls, floors, and tight spaces without the need for excessive fittings or connections. This flexibility not only speeds up installation but also minimizes potential leak points.

At Repipe Specialists, we exclusively use American-made Uponor PEX-A tubing for our full home repipes because of its outstanding durability, longevity, superior freeze resistance, and fewer fittings (which means fewer potential leaks).

For a more detailed breakdown, we have an article that looks at why Uponor PEX-A tubing is the best option for your full home repipe.

Choosing PEX-A for your home repipe ensures a plumbing system that is reliable, efficient, and built to last. We believe that investing in high-quality materials today saves homeowners significant costs and headaches in the future.

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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—it also saves you money in the long run (we back our repipes with a lifetime warranty). We consistently receive positive feedback from homeowners about their overall repipe experience, and we often exceed expectations in areas such as:

• 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.

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