PEX vs Copper for Whole House Repiping

Dec 28, 2022
5 min read

PEX pipe is a reliable and durable material for piping in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Homeowners, realtors, community association managers and other professionals should be aware of the benefits that PEX pipes offer compared to copper pipes. This blog post will discuss why PEX pipe is an excellent choice for plumbing systems due to its superior installation process as well as advantages over traditional copper piping. We'll also cover maintenance tips for PEX pipe systems and common uses so you can get the most out of your investment. By exploring these topics together we hope to provide valuable insight into how this versatile product can meet all your needs!

Benefits of PEX Pipe

PEX pipe is a popular choice for plumbing and heating applications due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. This article will discuss the advantages of using PEX pipe over other materials, such as copper pipe.

Durability: PEX pipes are made from cross-linked polyethylene which makes them extremely durable and resistant to damage from freezing temperatures or high pressure. Additionally, they are less likely to corrode than traditional metal pipes like copper. The material also has an excellent resistance to chemicals. This means that it won’t degrade over time like other types of piping materials can.

Cost-Effectiveness: One of the biggest benefits of using PEX pipes is their affordability compared to other materials such as copper or CPVC piping systems. They require fewer fittings and they come in coils and straight lengths making installation much faster and easier than with traditional methods. In addition, since they don’t need soldering or welding during installation there are no additional costs associated with these processes either saving you money on labor costs as well as material costs when having your system installed.

Another advantage of using PEX pipes is their flexibility which allows them to bend around corners without needing any extra fittings or elbows, making them ideal for tight spaces where traditional metal piping may not fit properly or be installed at all. Additionally, this flexibility also helps reduce noise levels by absorbing sound vibrations more effectively than rigid metal pipes do, allowing for quieter operation overall throughout your home's plumbing system.

PEX pipe offers many advantages over traditional piping materials, such as its durability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. As a result, it is becoming increasingly popular for plumbing applications. Now let's look at the installation process for PEX pipe.

Key Takeaway: PEX pipes are a great choice for plumbing and heating applications due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. Key advantages include:

- Durability - resistant to freezing temperatures, high pressure and corrosion

- Cost-Effectiveness

- Better flow - fewer fittings needed during installation and no additional costs associated with soldering or welding

- Flexibility - can bend around corners without extra fittings or elbows making them ideal for tight spaces

Installation Process for PEX Pipe

Preparation and Planning: Before beginning any installation, it is important to plan out the layout of the pipes. Additionally, it is important to consider any potential obstacles or obstructions that may interfere with the installation process. This is why it is recommended to have a professional like Repipe Experts install your piping system.

Connecting the Pipes: PEX-A is assembled using cold expansion meaning it is expanded to allow the fitting to be inserted. PEX-B are often connected together by pushing them into one another until they fit snugly and then using a clamping ring to hold it in place. It’s important to make sure that there are no leaks at any connection points before moving on to testing the system.

After all connections have been made, air testing ensures proper installation of your PEX pipe system. If everything looks good then you can move forward with finishing touches such as insulation and covering exposed piping with protective sleeves if necessary before putting your new plumbing system into use.

Installing PEX-A pipe is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to have a professional take the necessary precautions. The advantages of using PEX over copper pipe make it an attractive option for homeowners and realtors alike, so let's look at those now.

Advantages of PEX Pipe Over Copper Pipe

PEX pipe offers several advantages over copper pipe when it comes to plumbing and heating applications. Corrosion resistance is one of the primary benefits of using PEX pipe instead of copper. Copper can corrode over time, leading to leaks and other problems in your plumbing system. PEX pipes are made from a plastic material that is resistant to corrosion, so they will last longer than copper pipes without any issues.

Temperature resistance is another advantage that PEX has over copper. Copper pipes are rigid and can’t expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can cause them to break or become damaged over time. PEX pipes are much more flexible and able to withstand extreme temperatures without breaking or becoming damaged. This makes them ideal for use in areas where there may be large fluctuations in temperature throughout the year such as basements or attics.

Finally, installing and repairing PEX piping systems is much easier than dealing with traditional copper piping systems due to its flexibility and ease of installation compared to rigid materials like metal piping systems which require soldering, glues or solvents.

PEX pipe offers a number of advantages over copper, including corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and easier installation and repair. With proper maintenance and preventative measures in place, these benefits can help extend the lifespan of PEX pipe systems.

Common Uses for PEX Pipe Systems

This article will discuss the common uses of PEX pipe systems in detail.

Plumbing Applications: PEX pipes are commonly used in residential and commercial plumbing systems. They can be used for both hot and cold water lines. The flexible nature of PEX makes it easier to install than traditional copper piping, which is often rigid and difficult to maneuver around tight corners or other obstacles. Additionally, since PEX does not corrode like copper does over time, it is an ideal material for long-term use in plumbing applications.

Radiant Heating Systems: Radiant heating systems use hot water that is circulated through a series of tubes beneath the flooring or walls of a home or building. This type of system requires durable tubing that can withstand high temperatures without cracking or leaking over time; this makes PEX an ideal choice for radiant heating systems because it can handle temperatures up to 200°F (93°C). Additionally, since the tubing must be able to bend around corners easily during installation, its flexibility also makes it an attractive option for these types of projects.

Snow melting systems are designed to keep driveways and sidewalks free from snow by circulating heated water through buried pipes beneath them. Since these pipes must be able to handle extreme temperature changes without cracking or bursting due to freezing conditions outside, they require materials with superior strength such as PEX piping - which has been proven effective at preventing damage caused by temperatures down into -40°F (-40°C). In addition to its durability benefits when exposed to cold weather conditions like those found during winter months in some areas across North America; its flexibility also allows for easy installation even under concrete surfaces where space may be limited due to existing structures already present on site prior any work being done on top soil level above ground surface area.

Overall, there are numerous advantages associated with using PEX pipe systems compared to traditional copper piping options; making them a great choice for homeowners looking for reliable solutions that won't break the bank either.

Key Takeaway: PEX pipes are an ideal choice for many plumbing and heating applications due to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. They can handle temperatures up to 200°F (93°C) and down into -40°F (-40°C), making them suitable for radiant heating systems, snow melting systems, hot water lines, cold water lines and drain lines. Additionally, they are easier to install than copper piping due to their flexibility which allows them to be maneuvered around tight corners or other obstacles.

FAQs in Relation to PEX Pipe

Is PEX pipe better than CPVC?

PEX pipe is a newer type of piping material that has become increasingly popular for residential and commercial plumbing applications. It offers many advantages over traditional CPVC pipes, including increased flexibility, easier installation, improved durability, and greater resistance to corrosion. PEX also requires fewer fittings than CPVC due to its ability to bend around corners without additional connectors. Additionally, PEX can withstand higher temperatures than CPVC and is less prone to bursting in cold weather conditions. For these reasons, many experts believe that PEX is the superior choice when it comes to plumbing projects.

Is PEX pipe good for plumbing?

Yes, PEX pipe is a great option for plumbing. It is durable and flexible, making it easy to install in tight spaces. Additionally, it has excellent resistance to corrosion and freeze-thaw cycles, meaning it can last longer than other types of piping materials. Furthermore, PEX requires fewer fittings compared to copper or CPVC pipes which reduces installation time and cost. Finally, the material is lightweight yet strong enough for both hot and cold water applications as well as radiant heating systems. All of these features make PEX an ideal choice for plumbing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PEX pipe is a great option for homeowners, realtors and community association managers looking to replace their plumbing systems. It is easier to install than copper pipe, requires less maintenance and offers numerous advantages over traditional copper piping. With its durability and flexibility, PEX pipe can be used in a variety of applications ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings. As long as proper installation techniques are followed PEX pipe can provide years of reliable service with minimal effort or expense.

Are you tired of dealing with plumbing problems caused by your outdated pipes? Look no further than Repipe Experts! We specialize in replacing old, worn out piping systems with modern PEX pipe. Our experienced technicians will make sure that the job is done right and quickly so that you can have peace of mind knowing your home's plumbing system is safe and efficient.

Contact us today to get started on giving your home a reliable repiping solution!

Schedule your FREE Consultation

Repipe Experts can help assess what needs replacing, provide quality materials, and complete your project in a timely manner with minimal disruption.

White Repipe Experts truck parked in front of a house for a whole house repipe with PEX

Related Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is PEX pipe superior over Copper Pipe?

PEX pipe offers several advantages over copper pipe when it comes to plumbing applications. Corrosion resistance is one of the primary benefits of using PEX pipe instead of copper. Copper can corrode over time, leading to leaks causing flooding and property damage. PEX pipes are made from a plastic material that is resistant to corrosion. Temperature resistance is another advantage that PEX has over copper. Copper pipes can expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can cause them to break or become damaged over time. PEX pipes are much more flexible and able to withstand extreme temperatures without breaking or becoming damaged.

Learn more: PEX vs Copper for a Whole House Repipe

Why is PEX pipe superior over CPVC pipe?

PEX piping is a popular choice for home construction projects due to its superior temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and longevity. It is constructed from cross-linked polyethylene which makes it more durable than CPVC pipe. PEX also requires fewer fittings than CPVC pipe which makes it easier to install. Due to its strong construction and chemical resistance properties, PEX piping has a much longer lifespan than CPVC pipes. The cross-linked polyethylene construction of PEX gives the material superior chemical resistance when compared with CPVC pipes. This means that PEX can withstand exposure to acids, alkalis, oils and other chemicals without corroding or degrading over time like some other materials would do in similar conditions. Also, PEX does not require glue or solvents to combine them like CPVC.

Learn more: PEX vs CPVC for Whole House Repipes

Should I Repipe if I have older galvanized steel pipes?

YES! If your home has older galvanized steel pipes then it may be time for a whole house repipe solution in order to replace them with more modern materials such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping which is much more durable than traditional copper piping. A full house repipe will provide better water flow throughout the entire home while also reducing the risk of future leaks due to corrosion from age or wear-and-tear on the existing pipes.

What brand(s) of PEX Piping does Repipe Experts use?

Repipe Experts use PEX-A and PEX-B pipe manufactured in the USA. Our PEX pipe is manufactured using a quality management system which has been certified to the latest version of ISO 9001.