Why You Should Select PEX Tubing
PEX tubing has many advantages over copper, lead, PVC plastic, and iron pipes. It is quickly starting to replace other piping in plumbing applications. If you are installing radiant heat flooring, building or remodeling your home, or upgrading your current plumbing, you will probably see this type of tubing used.
Because it is made of a high-density polymer, it is very flexible. This means you can bend it around corners without needing an elbow connector. It is strong also, so there is no need to worry about the tubing crushing or crimping. This flexibility is one of the main reasons it is such a popular choice for radiant heat floor installations.
There are other advantages to its flexible nature. Because it can be make in a continuous roll, it costs less to produce, store and ship. The installation job itself also will cost less because there are few connections. This means less labor and less time to get it installed.
PEX tubing has several environmental advantages. It conserves energy by minimizing heat lost through the material. Plus, other types of plumbing requires the use of solder and flux to make the necessary connections. This leaches lead and acids into the water and and surrounding soil. The fact that PEX pipe requires no flux or solder means there are no dangerous chemicals introduced into the environment.
PEX plumbing is also a money-saving option. Every time you introduce a connection into a plumbing system, it creates the chances of a leak. Fewer connections means lower risk of leaks later on. This will save you repair costs to the plumbing and also costs to repair any secondary damaged caused by those leaks.
If you are considering radiant heat flooring there is something to note. You will need a special kind of PEX that has an oxygen barrier property. Some materials in flooring can corrode with exposure to oxygen, so a variation of tubing was created to eliminate this problem. Be sure your contractor is using an oxygen-barrier PEX for any walkway or floor applications.
As you can see, this tubing is something worth investigating. The chances are very good that PEX tubing will be less expensive than traditional rigid piping, both in initial costs and installation costs. Plus, you will avoid costly repairs years later. It is definitely worth considering for your next construction project!