Whether you’re working on a re-pipe or building a new home, freeze resistant pipes are a must. Frozen or bursting pipes can cause project delays and extra expenses that impact your bottom line. Luckily, pex water pipe is increasingly replacing copper as the go-to piping material. It’s affordable, easier to install than traditional metal piping and has excellent freeze resistance.
When choosing between PEX A and PEX B, look at the maximum temperature and pressure ratings. Both have good freeze resistance, but PEX A is more flexible and can better resist damage from cold temperatures. PEX A also has a higher resistance to chlorine in the water supply.
Another benefit of PEX is its easy connections. Unlike traditional metal pipes, which require a torch to solder and messy glue to make connections, PEX is connected using compression fittings that easily tighten with an adjustable wrench or pliers. This reduces installation time and labor costs.
If you’re installing PEX in an area that will be visible, like under a wall-hung sink, consider running a one-half inch copper stub-out to the shutoff valve (right). You can then connect your fixture supply lines with a compression-type shutoff valve, which will give you the appearance of a full copper piping system while still providing easy access for future repairs. You’ll need to take care to install a water pressure gauge to monitor the PEX tubing’s performance. The pressure gauge should be installed in a location where it won’t be subjected to direct sunlight, as the tubing degrades under UV rays. pex water pipe