The Rewards Of Employing PEX Tubing
PEX tubing is rapidly beginning to replace all other types of plumbing materials in new construction. This is because it has many huge advantages over traditional materials. If you are planning to build or remodel, install radiant heat floors, or upgrade your current plumbing, you will probably come across this type of tubing.
It is manufactured from a high-density polymer, which is incredibly strong and flexible. This is why it is so popular for use with radiant heat flooring. It can be bent at right angles without needing a elbow connector. It also resists crushing and crimping. You can see how this flexibility would make it preferable to rigid pipes for almost any application.
The incredible flexibility of this product has many advantages. It takes far less time and effort to install, which means your project will get done more quickly and cost less than if you used traditional plumbing pipes. It can also be made in a long, continuous roll, much like a hose. This makes it less expensive to produce and ship. The savings will be passed on to the consumer.
There is also an environmental advantage to using this type of tubing. Other types of plumbing require acidic flux and lead solder to make the connections. PEX pipe does not require any flux or solder, so there is no toxic chemicals or lead leached into the water or soil. There is also minimal heat loss with this tubing, which conserves energy.
Another positive thing about PEX plumbing is that fewer connections means fewer places where the plumbing can develop leaks. This can save the homeowner a lot of hassle and expense down the line. Money is saved on both plumbing repairs, and possible costly repairs of the damage caused by any leaks within the walls or foundation.
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!