Written by PEX is a water plumbing scheme manufactured from high density polyethylene tubes. specific PEX fittings are utilized to link up PEX tubing. PEX tubing is a resilient material that is easier and less pricey to put in, is resistant to corrosion and needs less fittings than older plumbing schemes.
The resilient pipes are not made brittle by low temps. Polyethylene tubes are less pricey than metal pipes and are simpler to put in because they do not use as many fittings as metal or rigid plastic arrangements. Since soldering is not utilized with PEX systems there are no nasty fumes or the risks associated with using a torch.
PEX tubing is wrapped in reels. Because spools 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 less expensive when it does not involve the running of pipe.
There are a number of connection systems some of which are patented. But basically the fitting is inserted either over or into the tube and a ring is crimped over the tube or fittings. Rings can be built of plastic, copper or stainless steel. There are proprietary connection methods which require specific tools and fittings.
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 variety of main crimping tools available which can crimp 1/2″ or 3/4″ tubes. A de-crimping tool is used to remove the copper crimp ring from the tube and fitting.
The most popular material employed to make fittings for PEX plumbing is brass. However, you can find fittings made from different metals and even plastic. Fittings have ridges that when pinched make a high-pressure seal.
It is clear that utilizing PEX tubing with PEX fittings has important advantages over metal and rigid plastic systems. It costs less. It is simpler and faster to put in. Its resistance to erosion and scale makes it last longer.
