The Numerous Advantages Of Using 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.
It is made from a high-density polymer. This makes it very flexible. This flexibility means that it can be bent around corners without crushing it, and without the need for for a right angle connection. Its ability to bend without needing connectors is what makes it a top choice for radiant heat flooring.
The incredible flexibility of this product has many advantages. It takes far less time and effort to install, which means your project will get done more quickly and cost less than if you used traditional plumbing pipes. It can also be made in a long, continuous roll, much like a hose. This makes it less expensive to produce and ship. The savings will be passed on to the consumer.
There is also an environmental advantage to using this type of tubing. Other types of plumbing require acidic flux and lead solder to make the connections. PEX pipe does not require any flux or solder, so there is no toxic chemicals or lead leached into the water or soil. There is also minimal heat loss with this tubing, which conserves energy.
Another money-saving aspect of PEX plumbing is that it prevents expensive repairs later on. Any time you have to add a connection to a plumbing system, you introduce the possibility of a leak. The cost of repairs to both the plumbing and the secondary damage to floors, walls and the foundation can be huge. The minimal connections required with PEX means lower probability of these problems down the line.
If you plan to use PEX for radiant heat flooring applications, there is something to be aware of. Materials in the flooring can begin to corrode when exposed to oxygen. For this reason there is a special kind of oxygen-barrier PEX that is recommended for use with flooring. Check with your contractor to be sure they are using the correct type.
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.