The acronym PEX stands for “cross-linked polyethylene.” Typical polyethylene is the main ingredient in many plastic products, including packaging and shopping bags. The manufacturing of cross-linked polyethylene alters the material’s molecular structure, lending it elasticity and high temperature resistance.
Formed into tubing, PEX can carry residential water supply, both hot and cold.
What Is PEX?
Manufacturers physically or chemically link the molecules of standard polyethylene to create PEX. The link between molecules is permanent and transforms the polyethylene into a “thermo-set” plastic, a plastic that will not melt or reshape and exhibits higher resistance to chemicals than standard polyethylene. As a thermo-set plastic, PEX is highly flexible, resists punctures and notches and carries higher temperatures than standard polyethylene. For residential plumbing purposes, PEX pipe is available in flexible tube form.
Ease of Installation
Whereas copper and PVC plumbing systems require messy, labor-intensive soldering and gluing, PEX plumbing pipe uses a slip-fitting and crimp system to connect lengths of tube. To install PEX, a plumber slides a PEX crimp connector over the tube, slips a fitting into the tube’s opening and crimps the connector over the fitting. Installing PEX requires less skill and time than installing traditional copper and PVC plumbing systems.
