PEX is a water plumbing system fabricated from high density polyethylene tubes. particular PEX fittings are utilized to link up PEX tubing. PEX tubing is a pliable material that is simpler and cheaper to install, is resistant to corrosion and necessitates fewer fittings than older plumbing systems.

The supple pipes are not made brittle by low temperatures. Polyethylene pipes are less expensive than metal pipes and are easier to install because they do not use as many fittings as metal or rigid plastic systems. Since soldering is not employed with PEX schemes there are no nasty fumes or the risks associated with using a torch.

PEX tubing is wrapped in spools. Because reels weigh less than cut metal or plastic pipes, they are simpler to store and cost less to ship. Tubing can be unwound from the reels with no demand for coupling fittings. Installing is much quicker and less expensive when it does not involve the installation of pipe.

Connecting the tubes is done by placing a fitting into or over the pipe and then pinching a ring laid over the pipe or fitting. There are a few different joining methods. Some use copper crimp rings and others utilize crimp rings constructed of plastic. One arrangement uses a stainless steel clamp. Most fittings are brass although some are built of other metals or plastic. Because PEX tubing is resilient and can be flexed to a 90 degree angle elbow joints are not needed.

The tools you will use when installing PEX are a PEX pipe cutter, a main crimping tool and a de-crimping tool. The PEX pipe cutter comes in different sizes for 1/2″ and 3/4″ size pipes. Rings are crimped using the crimping tool. The de-crimping tool is used for removing rings from tubes or fittings.

Fittings are commonly made of brass, although there are some constructed of bronze, copper and engineered plastic fittings for PEX plumbing. There are typical ridges on the “insert” part of the fitting. The ridges, the PEX pipe and the pinched metal ring all work together to form a high-pressure seal.

Water plumbing arrangements that take advantage of PEX tubing and PEX fittings have distinct benefits. The materials are less expensive than metal and plastic pipes. Less fittings are necessary. The Installation process is simpler and quicker. Your system will never corrode or crack so it will last longer with less potential troubles.