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 manufactured from a high-density polymer, which is incredibly strong and flexible. This is why it is so popular for use with radiant heat flooring. It can be bent at right angles without needing a elbow connector. It also resists crushing and crimping. You can see how this flexibility would make it preferable to rigid pipes for almost any application.

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 has several environmental advantages. It conserves energy by minimizing heat lost through the material. Plus, other types of plumbing requires the use of solder and flux to make the necessary connections. This leaches lead and acids into the water and and surrounding soil. The fact that PEX pipe requires no flux or solder means there are no dangerous chemicals introduced into the environment.

Another money-saving aspect of PEX plumbing is that it prevents expensive repairs later on. Any time you have to add a connection to a plumbing system, you introduce the possibility of a leak. The cost of repairs to both the plumbing and the secondary damage to floors, walls and the foundation can be huge. The minimal connections required with PEX means lower probability of these problems down the line.

If you plan to use PEX for radiant heat flooring applications, there is something to be aware of. Materials in the flooring can begin to corrode when exposed to oxygen. For this reason there is a special kind of oxygen-barrier PEX that is recommended for use with flooring. Check with your contractor to be sure they are using the correct type.

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!

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