The flexibility and strength of tubing made of high density polyethylene material and coupled by PEX fittings provides many advantages over plumbing arrangements using metal or rigid plastic pipes. PEX tubes do not corrode and withstand cold temps without becoming brittle. They cost less than metal or plastic piping. They are much simpler to put in because they are stored in spools and need less fittings.
In cold temps PEX tubes retain their flexibility and do not become delicate and crack. Unlike metal pipes, PEX tubing will not rust and will not acquire scale. PEX tubing is energy cost-efficient as well because they will not conduct heat.
PEX tubing is wrapped in reels. Because reels weigh less than cut metal or plastic pipes, they are simpler to store and cost less to ship. Tubing can be unwound from the reels with no need for coupling fittings. Installation is much quicker and cheaper when it does not involve the installation of pipe.
There are a assortment of joining methods employed in installing PEX arrangements. Some of these techniques are proprietary and some require special tools. Basically, the fitting is set over the tube or in the tube and then a ring is pinched around the tube or fitting forming a tight fit. The rings can be made of various metals or plastic depending on he joining 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 assortment of main crimping tools available which can crimp 1/2″ or 3/4″ pipes. A de-crimping tool is employed to remove the copper crimp ring from the tube and fitting.
The most familiar material utilized to make fittings for PEX plumbing is brass. However, you can obtain fittings constructed from other metals and even plastic. Fittings have ridges that when pinched make a high-pressure seal.
It is clear that using PEX tubing with PEX fittings has outstanding advantages over metal and rigid plastic schemes. It costs less. It is simpler and faster to install. Its resistance to corroding and scale makes it last longer.
