Many homeowners have begun replacing traditional copper pipes with PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene. This type of pipe is popular for its durability and safety features. It is flexible, which means that it can easily curve around any obstacles in its path, such as other pipes or drywall. This flexibility also helps increase water pressure. In contrast, copper pipes tend to experience turbulence at each elbow joint, which can result in lower flow rates and weak water pressure in sinks, showers, and toilets.
The first step in installing PEX piping is to find a licensed professional with experience working with this type of system. Since PEX is a flexible tubing system, it requires different installation techniques than rigid piping systems. After the manifold or water supply line is installed, it is then necessary to run one-half inch hot and cold lines to each fixture in your home.
It is important to note that the amount of organic compounds able to migrate from PEX-a material into drinking water depends on the stagnation time in the pipe. The results of OIT-testing for ethyl tertiary butyl ether (ETBE) and methyl tertiary butyl ethylene (MTBE) have shown that the longer the stagnation time, the higher the migration rates.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while PEX is a durable plastic, it is not designed to be exposed to the outdoors. This is why it must be properly insulated before being used in outdoor plumbing projects. This can be done by using a foam gasket that fits over the pipe, or by attaching a stainless steel ring to the end of the pipe. pex pipe