What Is PEX Piping?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing is a type of plastic pipe commonly used in residential plumbing and repiping.
PEX has a relatively recent history in the plumbing world. Its development began in the 1960s, and it started appearing in U.S. homes during the 1980s and '90s, mainly in new construction.
PEX tubing is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a type of thermoplastic. What makes PEX different is its cross-linking process, which strengthens the plastic's molecular structure. This is done using either a chemical method or an electron beam.
At Repipe Specialists, we use Uponor PEX-A piping, which is made using the peroxide (or Engel) method. In this process, a small amount of peroxide is mixed with HDPE and heated to kick off the cross-linking reaction.
This method boosts PEX-A's flexibility and its ability to handle high temperatures and pressure, making it a solid, long-lasting option for home plumbing systems. If you're curious about the other types of PEX, check out our article on the different types of PEX used for home repipes.
What Is PEX Piping Used For?
PEX piping is used in a wide range of residential plumbing applications. It's most commonly installed in hot and cold potable water systems, which is why it's become the go-to choice for full home repiping projects.
PEX is commonly used to replace outdated plumbing materials such as galvanized pipes, polybutylene, and CPVC. It can also be used in in-floor radiant heating systems, where it distributes warm water to provide comfortable and energy-efficient heating.
At Repipe Specialists, we focus exclusively on full home repipes for fresh water supply lines—we don't install radiant heating. The majority of our repipe projects now use PEX tubing, and we back every installation with a lifetime warranty.
Get your free estimate today
With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
What Are the Key Benefits of Using PEX?
PEX tubing has emerged as the popular choice for home repiping across the country. Here's 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 affect other piping materials, including scale buildup and pitting corrosion. Its corrosion resistance means it remains unaffected by rust and degradation, ensuring long-term reliability. PEX also offers exceptional resistance to chemical and mineral corrosion, helping deliver high-quality water through your pipes for years to come.
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 in comparison to more rigid materials like copper pipe. If you're worried about sudden freezes, PEX is the most freeze resistant material for your home.
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.
How Long Does a PEX Repipe Take?
One of the most common questions we get from homeowners is how long a full home repipe with PEX will take. The good news is it's usually much faster than you think.
At Repipe Specialists, most of our PEX repiping projects are completed in just one day. Our experienced crews arrive early, protect your home with sheeting, and get to work replacing all your fresh water piping with high-quality Uponor PEX-A tubing. Because of PEX's flexibility, we can run it throughout a home with minimal connectors (from a central manifold directly to all the outlets).
After the repipe, we typically return on a second day to patch your walls, leaving your home clean, tidy, and with minimal disruption. You don't need to move out or make special arrangements, our One-Stop Repipe™ process is designed to be as convenient as possible.
Contact us today and one of our repipe consultants will be more than happy to provide you with a free fixed-price quote, either remotely or in-home. For more information, we have an article that breaks down all you need to know about how long it takes to repipe a house.
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 isn't just the most cost-effective plumbing choice—it can also save you money over time (We back all our repipes with a lifetime warranty.) We regularly receive positive feedback from homeowners about their overall repipe experience, and we often exceed expectations when it comes to:
- 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.