Use of PEX Piping in Plumbing

Using PEX Piping

The majority of us reading this article are actually non-plumbers. Chances are that most of us do not truly know which plumbing pipe is better. Not all of us have any knowledge on the use of pex piping seriously.  Since we are not plumbers, this article can help us understand basic knowledge on what we are getting into, and if it is something, we really intend to have. Knowing the basics can give you confidence in choosing a plumber to help you with your piping needs.

What is PEX piping? It is a cross-linked polyethylene pipe. In producing PEX pipe, the material undergoes several processes to come out durable and withstand extreme temperatures (hot or cold), creep-deformation from long-term stress exposure, and chemical reactions from acids, alkalis and the like. This makes PEX an excellent piping option for hot and cold-water systems.

Additionally, PEX is flexible and is designed to adapt temperatures below freezing up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. PEX flexibility will actually mean fewer joints and bring down your cost.

Copper piping, on the other hand, has been in use for decades and has proven to be durable and flexible, easier to install as compared to iron pipes. Copper piping provides a biostatic atmosphere, preventing bacteria to grow inside it, an added health consideration.

Copper resists corrosion and is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, therefore it can be applied to outdoor needs. PEX pipes on the contrary are affected by ultraviolet rays and are not recommended for outdoor use. But copper can also corrode due to the pH level of the water, when it is too basic or too acidic for the pipes.

If the pipe corrodes it does not mean the water is already bad for you. The Pacific Northwest region of the US including Canada has some of the best drinking water in the world, but that water has a corrosive effect on the pipes.
To further illustrate the differences of the two options, you can compare the advantages and disadvantages on each option to help you make your choice.

Advantages of using PEX:

 Easy to use and adaptable plumbing system
 Can withstand hot and cold water
 Can adapt to metal and PVC piping
 Have fewer fittings to install, which means less chances of leaks and faster to install.
 Its flexibility to expand and contract makes it burst-resistant to pressure.
 Designed to have a shutoff valve at each supply line, for a more convenient maintenance and repair work.
 Adaptable to have a pressure balanced system
 Its flexible allows the pipes to bend around corners without needing a coupling or fitting. Lower cost of installation.

Disadvantages of using PEX:

It is not suitable for outdoor use
Cannot be recycled, due to its shorter life use
It provides a waterproof membrane that can have the possibility of water contamination
If left outdoor for an extended period the pipe can be damaged

Advantages of Copper:

 It is durable and flexible making it easy to install
 Safer in natural disasters
 Weather and bacteria-resistant
 Resists corrosion, compared with other piping metals
 Applicable for outdoor use and unaffected by ultraviolet rays
 Resist burning and does not release toxic gases in a fire
 It is slightly elastic and can flex to withstand earthquakes without snapping.
 Copper is recyclable, making it a more sound environmental choice

Disadvantages of Copper Piping

Can corrode on water ph levels
Expensive
Copper corrosion and can result in having a metallic taste in water
Copper can freeze and break on cold weather
Now let us compare the prices of PEX and copper piping:

PEX Prices:
PEX PIPE 3/8″ – $0.38
PEX PIPE 1/2″ – $0.40
PEX PIPE 5/8″ – $0.62
PEX PIPE 3/4″ – $0.76

Copper Prices:
COPPER PIPE 3/8″ – $4.87
COPPER PIPE 1/2″ – $5.67
COPPER PIPE 5/8″ – $7.31
COPPER PIPE 3/4″ – $10.21

Remember the use pex piping might be reducing your cost, but like any other material, it has its own limitations too.