The PEX Page

Information about PEX plumbing Systems

What is PEX?

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, (and is sometimes referred to as XLPE.) Polyethylene is composed of chains of ethylene molecules referred to as polymers, (hence “poly”-ethylene.) These polymers don’t connect, which is what gives polyethylene its flexibility. It's produced in two main forms, low density (LDPE) and high density (HDPE). In HDPE, the polymers are tightly packed, which makes it stiffer than LDPE. HDPE is used in common items such as milk bottles and LDPE is used in film applications, such as food wraps or trash bags.

HDPE, in general, has good impact resistance. When crosslinked by any of the methods, A, B or C the HDPE overcomes some of its natural material properties, making the finished product more resilient for potable and radiant applications. Always check the markings on the pipe, called the print-line, for corresponding fastening methods and ratings for temperature and pressure.

Note:  PEX comes in types A, B, and C.   Only PEX A can be used with the expansion connection system.

PEX Pipe Advantages

There are many benefits of PEX piping, including:

PEX Pipe Disadvantages

Crimp, Clamp, vs Expansion Systems

Tools:

Installation: Expansion

 

Installation: Stainless Clamp

 

Installation: Copper Crimp

 

 

Common Fittings and Tools

1/2 in. x 1000 ft. PEX Tubing Oxygen Barrier Radiant Heating Pipe in Red
PEX Tubing
 1/2 in. Brass Ball Valves with 12-Port PEX Manifold
Manifold with Valves
 1 in. PEX-A Barb Inlet x 3/4 in. PEX-A Barb Outlet x 1/2 PEX-A Barb Poly-Alloy 4-Port Open Manifold
Simple Manifold
3/4 in. Stainless Steel Oetiker Pex Cinch Clamps Kit - (10-Pack)
Stainless Steel Clamp
 3/8 in. to 1 in. 1-Hand PEX Pinch Clamp Tool
Clamp Tool
3/4 in. Brass PEX Barb Plug
Plug 
3/4 in. PEX Barb Copper Crimp Rings (25-Pack)
Crimp Ring
1/2 in. Plastic PEX Barb Plug (5-Pack)
Plastic Plug 
3/4 in. Poly-Alloy PEX-A Expansion Barb Plug (10-Pack)
Expansion Plug 
1/2 in. and 3/4 in. PEX Crimp Tool
Crimp Tool
 1/2 - 1 in. PEX Crimp Ring Removal Tool
Crimp Ring Removal Tool
 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 3/4 in., and 1 in. PEX Copper Crimp Ring Go/No-Go Gauge
Go-No Go Gauge
 1/2 in. PEX-A Expansion Sleeve/Ring (25-Pack)
Expansion Ring
 PEX-A Expansion Tool Kit with 1/2 in., 3/4 in. and 1 in. Expander Heads
Expansion Tool (manual)
 Milwaukee M12 FUEL 1/2 in. - 1 in. PEX Expansion Tool Kit with RAPID SEAL ProPEX  Expander Heads & Battery/Charger-2532-20-48-59-2440 - The Home Depot
Power Expansion Tool
1/2 in. PEX-A Brass Expansion Coupling
Coupling
 1/2 in. Plastic PEX Barb 90-Degree Elbow (5-Pack)
Plastic Elbow
 1/2 in. Brass PEX-A Expansion Barb 90 Elbow (10-Pack)
Brass Expansion Elbow
1/2 in. Poly-Alloy PEX-A Expansion Barb Tee (10-Pack)
Plastic Expansion Tee
 3/4 in. Brass PEX Barb x 3/4 in. Male Pipe Thread Adapter
Male Adapter
 3/4 in. x 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb Reducing Coupling
Reducing Coupling
8 in. x 1/2 in. Copper PEX Barb Stub-Out 90-Degree Elbow with Flange
Stubout (Crimp/Clamp)
 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb x 1/2 in. Female Pipe Thread Adapter 90-Degree Drop-Ear Elbow
Drop Ear Elbow
 8 in. x 1/2 in. Copper PEX-A Expansion Barb Stub-Out 90-Degree Elbow with Flange
Expansion Stubout
3/4 in. x 3/4 in. x 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb Reducing Tee
Reducing Tee
 1/2 in. Brass PEX Barb x 1/2 in. Female Copper Sweat Adapter
Copper Adapter (sweat)
3/4 in. x 1/2 in. x 1/2 in. Plastic PEX Barb x Barb x Barb Reducer Tee (5-Pack)
Reducing Tee 
1/2 in. Brass PEX-A Barb x 1/2 in. FNPT Female Adapter
Female Adapter
 1/2 in. Plastic PEX Pipe 90-Degree Bend Support with Mounting Bracket
Bend Support
 1/2 in. PEX Pipe J-Hook Pipe Support (10-Pack)
Pipe Support