FAQs About PEX Tubing: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Buy the best quality hdpe pipe,hdpe pipe fittings,hdpe butt fusion fittings,multilayer pipe,pex-al-pex pipe,pex-al-pex pipe fittings  from Sunplast now. Top quality, great selection and expert advice are our characteristics, you can rest assured to buy the products with our factory. And we will offer you the best after-sale service and timely delivery.PEX, also called crosslinked polyethylene. It is a improve of polyethylene material to make it be high temperature resistance.

PEX can be manufactured & divided into 3 types: PEX-a, PEX-b, PEX-c, which is defined according to the degree of crosslinking.

SUNPLAST PEX pipe is normally made by PEX-b material, whose degree of crosslinking is about 65%~75%.

20 FAQ for PEX

What is Pex made of?

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a type of plastic material used predominantly in water supply piping systems. It's made through a chemical process that creates connections between the polyethylene molecules, resulting in a highly flexible, durable, and freeze-resistant material. These unique characteristics of PEX make it a preferred choice for various plumbing applications.

What is the difference between Pex A and Pex B and Pex C?

These are categorized based on the method used to cross-link the polyethylene molecule chains, which gives PEX its flexibility and durability. Each type has its own unique properties. 

What is the working temperature and pressure for pex pipe?

The working temperature for pex pipe is -40 to 95°C, and working pressure is 6bar. So the pex pipe can be used for hot water system.

Is the pex pipe different in red, blue, white, gray and orange color?

Usually for hot water we use red color, and cold water in blue. And natural white color is normal color, and some customers may request grey, orange or purple color, but it does not signify any specific use or make difference in its function. Different colors are just based on different market usage habits.

How long can the pex pipe last?

The life span for pex pipe can be 50 years. However, the actual service life of PEX piping can be influenced by a number of factors, including the quality of the pipe, the quality of the installation, water quality, and the pipe's exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

What is the standard for pex piping system?

The standard for pex is different from different area. In the US, Canda, and some area of Mexico, it based on the standard

NSF/ANSI 14 plastic piping system components and related materials and the standard

NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects

NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 drinking water system components - lead content (complies with the lead-free requirements of the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act).

ASTM F877 standard specification for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) hot and cold-water

distribution systems

ASTM F876 standard specification for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.

In Europe and most other countries around the wold, based on the Europe standard

ISO 15875-1:2003-Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations-Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X)

Can pex pipe be used for drinking water?

According to the above standard NSF14/61, NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 and ISO15875, the pex pipe can be used for drinking water.

Why we need Pex with Oxygen barrier?

The Pex with Oxygen barrier or called Pex with EVOH, is usually used in heating applications like radiant floor heating, hydronic baseboard heating, and snow-melt systems. The oxygen barrier is crucial in these applications because it prevents oxygen from penetrating the pipe and entering the water stream. And this barrier stops the oxygen from mixing with the water inside the tubing, extending the life of heating and cooling equipment and improving system performance.

Can pex pipe be burried underground?

Absolutely, PEX pipe can be buried underground! But, it should be done in proper guidelines to ensure the longevity of the pipe.

Although PEX pipes are highly durable, mechanical fittings may need additional protection. You might consider using protective conduit piping for these places. When you're backfilling the trench, ensure that there are no sharp stones or objects that can damage the pipe.

Can you use compression fittings on pex?

Sure, the pex compression fittings is a popular connect fittings in pex system, especially in Europe, Mid-East, and Africa.

Can pex a be crimped?

Yes, PEX-A pipe can indeed be crimped. One of the advantages of PEX-A pipe, or crosslinked polyethylene, is its flexibility and ability to be fitted using different connection methods, and one such method involves crimping.

Can you use pex b fittings on pex-a?

Yes, the pex b fittings, such as the pex crimp fittings, push fit fittings, pex sliding fittings, pex compression fittings, press fittings can be used on pex a in the same sizes. But the pex expansion fittings for pex a is not sutable for pex b pipe.