PEX plumbing was developed in the 1960s and is more formally called ‘cross-linked polyethylene’. This kind of plumbing is relatively new to the American market. One thing that it is good for is the installation of radiant heat systems.

PEX is a bendable plastic pipe that has been toughened by a special chemical process that gives strength to the polyethylene. This product has been swiftly gaining popularity to serve as a supply pipe for plumbing use in residential areas. It is able to withstand a wide temperature range all the way from subfreezing to 180 degrees F. The installation of PEX tubing is relatively inexpensive so you can kiss that high plumber’s bill good-bye! PEX pipe is much quieter in operation than the traditional materials that are used in pipe manufacture. You can connect PEX rather easily, and it can be bent in order to follow corners in much the same manner as when you use a water irrigation system. It is also commonly used in many European countries as well as in the United States for snow melting application and radiant heating.

PEX can be used ideally in hot as well as in cold water systems. It is also used in ice skating rinks and refrigeration warehouses. It is best to check with your local authority if you want to install PEX, as some building codes have not been changed to use this product. PEX is not suitable for outdoor, above ground use because it has to be kept out of direct exposure to sunlight.

PEX requires fewer directional fittings; therefore, it is quicker and easier to install this than other products. A great deal of plumbing problems will occur at the joints. However, with PEX this will occur in fewer places in the system.

Installing PEX plumbing

You install PEX by a crimp-ring system. It will help to make tightly sealed connections that are permanent and leak proof. Strong brass fittings are put into one end of the PEX pipe. Now make use of a crimp tool that has a positive interlocking jaw action, crimp a copper ring onto the pipe.

Tools

You should have the following tools on hand:

• Full-circle crimping tool
• Utility knife
• Copper manifolds
• PEX crimp fittings
• Shutoff valves
• Flexible tubing cutter
• Go/Go-go gauge
• PEX supply pipe
• Transition fittings
• Copper and plastic hangers

Connecting Pipes

• First thing to do is to measure and cut tubing. Take care that you create NO burrs (if you have a good cutting tool, this will help prevent these). Ineffective tools cause improper connections.
• Fit a crimp ring onto the tubing. Do NOT use a hose clamp!
• Insert fitting into the tubing all the way to the fitting shoulder. Place crimp ring approximately 1/8 to ¼ from end of tube. Weak connections will result from improperly positioned rings
• Now make use of the crimping tool and completely cover crimp ring by the jaws of the tool. Make sure you maintain a 90-degree angle, and close ring completely.

PEX tubing is very easy to install by homeowners that do small jobs around the house. Be sure to use quality tools that are in very good condition so that you will have an efficient end result.

Inspect Your Work

You should use a bit of finesse to inspect your job. It is quite important that you finish the joint job correctly. Here are some things you should look for:

• The ring has been crimped over the tubing’s end. Not enough ribs are covered.
• Crimp tool is not at a 90-degree angle. The plastic has been dented and there the ribs have not been covered adequately.
• The copper crimp ring has not been completely covered by the crimping tool. The ring is distorted with a crimp that is not uniform.
• The tubing has not been squarely cut. It doesn’t cover the ribs of fitting.