The flexibility and strength of tubing made of high density polyethylene material and connected by PEX fittings offers many advantages over plumbing arrangements utilizing metal or rigid plastic pipes. PEX tubes do not corrode and withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle. They cost less than metal or plastic piping. They are much easier to install because they are stored in reels and need fewer fittings.
The main advantages of PEX tubing is its ability to stay pliable in cold temps, its resistance to scale build-up and erosion and its smaller cost compared to metal or rigid pipes. PEX tubing is less pricey than copper pipe, necessitates less time to put in and necessitates fewer fittings.
PEX tubing is wrapped in spools. Because spools weigh less than cut metal or plastic pipes, they are easier to store and cost less to ship. Tubing can be unwound from the reels with no need for coupling fittings. Installing is much quicker and less expensive when it does not involve the installation of pipe.
There are a mixture of connection methods employed in installing PEX systems. Some of these techniques are proprietary and a few require special tools. Basically, the fitting is put over the tube or in the tube and then a clamp is pinched around the pipe or fitting making a tight fit. The rings can be built of various metals or plastic depending on he connection method.
Three basic tools are required for the standard crimping method when working with PEX: a main crimping tool, a pipe cutter, and a de-crimping tool. The pipe cutter tool cuts the tube before putting it into the fitting. There are a mixture of main crimping tools available which can crimp 1/2″ or 3/4″ tubes. A de-crimping tool is utilised to remove the copper crimp ring from the tube and fitting.
Fittings are usually built of brass, although there are some made of bronze, copper and engineered plastic fittings for PEX plumbing. There are typical ridges on the “insert” part of the fitting. The ridges, the PEX pipe and the pinched copper ring all work in concert to form a high-pressure seal.
Water plumbing systems that take advantage of PEX tubing and PEX fittings have definite benefits. The materials are less pricy than metal and plastic pipes. Fewer fittings are necessary. The Installation process is simpler and quicker. Your system will never corrode or break so it will last longer with less potential problems.