How to Join PEX Pipe to Your Home Plumbing System

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) plumbing is a high-performing, durable plastic pipe. It is used in residential construction to provide potable water distribution and radiant heating systems. It is also used for gas transmission and in some medical applications. Unlike copper, it doesn’t corrode and won’t leach chemicals into drinking water. In addition, it’s safe for underground piping.

The pliable nature of pex pipe means it can bend around tight corners and into cramped areas, which helps reduce the number of joints that can fail in your home. This can save you money, as well as the headaches that come with plumbing failures like leaking and water damage.

This type of plumbing system is also much quieter than traditional copper piping because PEX has less movement. The flexibility of PEX also helps prevent pipes from breaking if they freeze, and it makes it easy to replace damaged sections of your home’s water line with new PEX tubing.

In order to join pieces of PEX pipe together, there are several types of fittings available. They include push-fit, crimp, and clamp. These fittings allow you to join the PEX pipe with little or no tools, and they also don’t require soldering, which can pose a fire risk.

The most popular size for PEX pipes is one-half inch. This size is ideal for branch lines that supply water to sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers. Since PEX tubing expands and contracts more than copper, it is important to leave a loop at the end of each run, so that the pipe can relax into place. pex pipe