What Is PEX Piping?

What Is PEX Piping?

Cross-linked polyethylene tubing (PEX) is a type of plastic tubing commonly used in residential plumbing and repiping.

PEX piping has a relatively recent history, with its development beginning in the 1960s. It was first introduced in new constructions and homes across the United States in the '80s and '90s.

PEX tubing is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin, which is a type of thermoplastic material. The unique characteristic of PEX tubing lies in its cross-linking, which strengthens the molecular structure of the plastic. This cross-linking is achieved through a chemical or electron beam process.

Here at Repipe Specialists, we utilize Uponor PEX-A pipes. PEX-A tubing is cross-linked using the peroxide (or Engel) method, where a small amount of peroxide is mixed with HDPE resin and heated to initiate a cross-linking reaction.

This process enhances PEX-A's flexibility and resistance to high temperatures and pressure, making it a reliable choice for many plumbing applications. For more information about the other types of PEX piping, you can read our detailed article on the different types of PEX used for home repipes.

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What Is PEX Piping Used For?

PEX piping is used in a variety of residential piping applications. It is extensively used in hot and cold potable fresh water supply systems, making it the preferred choice for full home repiping projects.

PEX is commonly used to replace outdated plumbing materials such as galvanized pipes, polybutylene, and CPVC.

PEX piping is also used in in-floor radiant heating systems, where it distributes warm water to provide comfortable and energy-efficient heating.

Here at Repipe Specialists, we only perform full home repipes of fresh water pipes and don't install in-floor heating systems. The majority of our repiping projects now utilize PEX tubing, and we provide a lifetime warranty with all our repipe installations.

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What Are the Key Benefits of Using PEX?

PEX piping has emerged as the preferred choice for home repiping due to its numerous advantages that far surpass those of other piping materials. We've outlined the five main reasons why our customers prefer to repipe with PEX:

The Resilience of PEX Piping

PEX piping is highly resilient against common issues that often afflict other piping materials, including corrosion, scale buildup, and pitting. It remains unaffected by rust and degradation, ensuring long-term reliability. PEX also boasts exceptional resistance to chemical and mineral corrosion, guaranteeing the continuous delivery of high-quality water through the pipes.

The Flexibility of PEX

One of PEX's standout features is its remarkable flexibility. It can bend and curve easily, allowing for straightforward installation around obstacles, corners, and tight spaces without the need for numerous fittings. This flexibility minimizes the need for additional fittings and connectors, reducing the potential for future failure points (pipe connections are the most susceptible areas for leaks).

PEX's Resistance to Freezing

PEX can handle a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for both hot and cold water supply. This is due to PEX's ability to expand and contract, making it especially resistant to bursting in freezing conditions. If you have plumbing running through spaces that may be prone to occasional freezing, PEX would likely be a good option for you.

Lifespan of PEX

PEX piping typically boasts an expected lifespan of 50 years or more, depending on factors like water quality and usage. In contrast, other repiping materials such as copper plumbing, under certain water conditions, may experience a much shorter lifespan. You can read more about copper and PEX in our article  Should I Repipe My House With Copper Piping Or PEX Tubing?

The Cost-Effectiveness of PEX

PEX piping is often more cost-effective in comparison to other repiping materials. Its ease of installation, reduced need for additional fittings, and resistance to common plumbing issues result in cost savings during both the repiping process and the long-term maintenance of a plumbing system.

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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, 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.

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