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

PEX tubing is the preferred plumbing material in repipes and remodels. We have used PEX in thousands of home repipes across the USA.

PEX can be installed without solvents, glues, or chemicals, and it complies with all national and state standards for drinking water quality. Additionally, it is the most cost-effective option for repiping. For more information about this, check out our article How Much Does It Cost To Repipe With PEX?

In addition to these advantages, PEX offers several key benefits over other plumbing materials, including flexibility, durability, resistance to bursting when frozen, and a long lifespan.

We have a thorough article on the benefits of repiping with PEX.

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PEX tubing, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene tubing, is available in several types. The three most common types of PEX tubing are:

1. PEX-A (Engel method): PEX-A tubing is manufactured using the Engel method, which involves cross-linking the polyethylene molecules during the extrusion process. The extrusion process in piping involves forcing molten material through a die to produce a continuous profile with a consistent cross-sectional shape, resulting in the creation of pipes or tubes. PEX-A tubing has the highest degree of cross-linking, making it the most flexible and resilient option. It can withstand freezing temperatures and is resistant to kinks and cracks.
2. PEX-B (Silane method): PEX-B tubing is made using the silane method, where cross-linking is achieved by exposing the tubing to a chemical compound known as a silane. This type of PEX tubing is slightly less flexible than PEX-A but still offers good strength and durability. It is less expensive than PEX-A and is commonly used for residential and commercial plumbing applications.
3. PEX-C (Irradiation method): PEX-C tubing is cross-linked using an irradiation method, known as 'cold cross-linking'. This involves exposing the tubing to high-energy electrons. This type of PEX tubing is rigid and less flexible compared to PEX-A and PEX-B. PEX-C tubing is often used for radiant heating systems and other applications where flexibility is not a primary requirement.

In addition to these primary types, there are variations and blends offered by different manufacturers.

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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.

Uponor PEX-A tubing not only offers durability, flexibility, longevity, and reliability, but it also provides resistance to freezing temperatures, reducing the risk of costly burst pipes.

To ensure a successful full home repipe using Uponor PEX-A tubing that is tailored to your requirements, it is important to consult with a specialist. Contact us to receive a free consultation and quote from one of our local repipe consultants.

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The benefits of Uponor PEX-A tubing far outweigh those of other types of PEX tubing.

• Less Piping: Uponor PEX-A tubing allows for longer continuous runs with fewer fittings, reducing the overall length of piping required in a plumbing system. This results in a more streamlined installation process, minimizing potential points of failure and simplifying the routing of pipes within the home. It also increases water pressure for hot water fixtures.
• Fewer Connections: With fewer connections, there is a decreased risk of leaks or potential failure, ensuring a more reliable plumbing system. For a two-story home, an Uponor Logic layout uses just 16 fittings and 59 connections compared to 96 fittings and 165 connections for trunk-and-branch installations.
• Lower Costs: The reduced need for fittings and connections with Uponor PEX-A translates into lower material and labor costs. With fewer components to purchase and install, homeowners can save on both the upfront expenses and long-term maintenance of the plumbing system.
• Molded Rings vs. Extruded: Uponor PEX-A tubing features extruded rings, which provide secure connections and maximum strength. This is in contrast to molded rings on PEX-B piping, which lack the benefits of shape memory and strength.
• Stress-Crack Corrosion Resistance: Uponor PEX-A tubing exhibits exceptional stress-crack corrosion resistance. This means it can withstand the impact of harsh chemicals, disinfectants, and even aggressive water conditions, minimizing the potential for deterioration over time. The tubing's resistance to stress-crack corrosion ensures long-lasting performance and extends the lifespan of the plumbing system.

Uponor PEX-A tubing has undergone rigorous compliance testing and meets various industry standards for safety and performance. Uponor PEX's reinforcing rings and fittings have been tested and certified to ASTM F1960, in addition to meeting Water Quality Association (WQA) ORD 1502 protocols for freeze and thaw resistance.

Uponor PEX-A provides homeowners with the assurance that they are investing in a reliable and code-compliant plumbing solution. Uponor has more detailed information about their PEX-A plumbing systems on their website.

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Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 60,000 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 cover 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.

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