The Numerous Rewards Of Using PEX Tubing
PEX tubing has many advantages over copper, lead, PVC plastic, and iron pipes. It is quickly starting to replace other piping in plumbing applications. If you are installing radiant heat flooring, building or remodeling your home, or upgrading your current plumbing, you will probably see this type of tubing used.
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.
There are other advantages to its flexible nature. Because it can be make in a continuous roll, it costs less to produce, store and ship. The installation job itself also will cost less because there are few connections. This means less labor and less time to get it installed.
PEX tubing is also better for the environment than traditional options. Rigid plumbing requires acidic materials or lead solder to make necessary connections. This introduces dangerous chemicals into the soil and water. PEX pipe requires no chemicals to create connections. Another advantage is that there is reduced heat loss with this type of tubing. Reduced heat loss translates into less energy consumption.
PEX plumbing is also a money-saving option. Every time you introduce a connection into a plumbing system, it creates the chances of a leak. Fewer connections means lower risk of leaks later on. This will save you repair costs to the plumbing and also costs to repair any secondary damaged caused by those leaks.
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 make sure to check on the possibility of using PEX tubing for your next project. It will most likely be less expensive in the short term. It will definitely less expensive in the long run!