Advantages Of PEX Plumbing

A plumbing project is only as good as the materials that go into it!  With that in mind, we love sharing what makes our list of favorite supplies.  First and foremost on that list is the piping material that we prefer – PEX plumbing piping, or cross-linked polyethylene pipe.  Why is this at the top of our must-haves?  PEX plumbing is superior to the alternatives, including copper and CPVC for several reasons, some of which include:

Low Maintenance: PEX plumbing systems are immune to corrosion and mineral buildup, unlike metal alternatives.  PEX is also resistant to freeze damage, because it expands and contracts as water freezes and thaws inside the tubing, avoiding costly ruptures.

Easy To Install: PEX plumbing installations require fewer fittings to install and does not require soldering.  In addition, because PEX plumbing is flexible, the tubing can turn 90 degree corners without the need for elbow fittings.   PEX doesn’t require glue, which means you don’t have to work in well-ventilated spaces or wear a respirator.  Easy installation typically results in lower costs for the homeowner as well!

Efficient and Quiet: Because PEX plumbing does not transfer heat as much as copper, this plumbing material retains more heat in hot-water lines and resists condensation on cold-water lines.  As an added bonus, water flows more quietly through PEX tubing than it does through copper, eliminating the characteristic “water hammer” noise of metal pipe systems.

Affordable: PEX is cheaper than copper. Half-inch PEX tubing costs about a third of the price of copper!  Plus, because PEX is flexible, it can be shipped and stored on spools, where rigid plastic or metal piping must be cut to some practical length for shipping and storage. This leads to lower shipping and handling costs.

While PEX piping does have a few disadvantages – for example, it cannot be used outside – they are, in our opinion, outweighed by the piping’s many perks!