Types of PEX Tubing

PEX tubing is a common fixture in residential plumbing systems. Unlike copper pipes, it is much more flexible. It allows plumbers to snake a single length of pipe from the water supply all the way to each fixture. This reduces the number of connections and, in turn, eliminates a major source of leaks. It also reduces installation time because there are no connections to solder.

PEX is durable enough to withstand freezing conditions and does not crack or burst as metal pipes can do. It also prevents the loud banging that occurs when shut-off valves close in a high-pressure system. This phenomenon is known as water hammer and can cause damage to the pipes if it is not addressed. PEX expands when it freezes, preventing damage and removing the chance of a sudden pressure build-up that could lead to leaks or ruptured pipes.

The type of PEX tubing you use depends on the kind of piping you have in your house and the needs of your home. There are three main types of PEX tubing:

Generally, PEX-A has the highest degree of cross-linking which some manufacturers claim makes it the most uniform, strongest, and most resistant to kinking and freezing. It is also the most expensive.

PEX-B uses a silane or Moisture Cure method of cross-linking to make links between polyethylene molecules. It is the most commonly used and has a good track record of reliability. It has a lower bending radius than PEX-A and does not have the same coil memory, but still offers some advantages. It is also the only PEX tubing to pass NSF/ANSI 61, a requirement that states that all chemicals leaching into drinking water must be below levels that can cause adverse health effects. pex tubing