The Rewards Of Utilizing PEX Tubing
If you plan on remodeling your home, doing new construction, upgrading your existing plumbing system, or installing a radiant heat floor, you will want to check on the possibility of using PEX tubing for your project. It should not be hard to find. PEX plumbing materials are rapidly replacing other materials like lead, copper, iron, and PVC pipes. This is because it has many advantages over the products traditionally used in plumbing.
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.
Its flexibility has other advantages. It can be produced, rolled, and shipped in long lengths. This means it costs less to ship. Because it comes in a long, continuous tube, it does not require a lot of connections to get it to the required length. It takes less time and work to install. The job can get done faster and cost less than using other types of plumbing materials.
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.
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.
So for your next construction project, definitely look into the advantages of PEX tubing. Chances are it will be less expensive, both to purchase and install, than rigid pipes. You will also greatly reduce the risk of costly problems later on.