Posts Tagged pex

PEX TOOLS

August 4, 2009 at 11:28 am · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , ,

PEX or cross-linked polyethylene is an entity of water supply piping systems. It has been described as a breakthrough and revolutionizing substitute for other metal pipe alternatives used in plumbing and water supply systems.

PEX is used in variety of places like domestic water piping, insulation for high-tension electrical cables, natural gas and offshore oil applications, chemical transportation, transportation of sewage and slurries. Now after it advantages are widely recognized, the PEX has become an alternative for PVC and other copper pipe systems that are used domestically as well as otherwise.PEX tools

When one decides to use PEX for doing the plumbing in the house or any other place, one has to have right kind of PEX tools for the various actions that may be necessary to carry out in the plumbing process. There are varieties of PEX tools available according to the role each tool performs in the plumbing process.

Few tools that might be required are:

  • Tubing cutter
  • Ring crimper
  • Go/No go gauge
  • Fittings
  • PEX tubing
  • Crimping removal tool

Your PEX plumbing project might require variety of tools depending on the stage of the project you are in. For e.g. below is a sample GO-NO GO tool which is used to test a crimp while plumbing and making changes in the head sizes.

These plumbing tools can be expensive depending on the quality of tools one is looking for and the frequency with which one might be using the tools. Although one would advise to rent the tools as and when required, it might not be a good idea to return them if one uses it frequently and one also might be attached to those tools, so returning them may not be such a good experience. The tools are freely available online on many websites (yes for rental also) and general plumbing stores.

PEX tools make the plumbing experience using PEX very easy and fun. The various tools are available for performing almost any kind of task. That is why there is no need for any expert help whenever there is any need of plumbing repairs or help using PEX. PEX tools also prove to be the most affordable solution one has right now, if one doesn’t want to spend lot of money on the labor costs that accompany plumbing.

So are you heading for the nearest PEX stores for your choice of PEX tool? Beware that here are many companies that sell PEX tools and call themselves the best in the industry, be sure to check up on the manufacturer before going for a product.

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PEX Tubing Vs Copper Piping

July 27, 2009 at 11:49 am · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , ,

If you’re new to plumbing world, you would probably not know much about PEX and copper tubes, forget about which one is better and such things!! So we are new, but we want to know why use PEX (what is it?), when to use copper tubing, what is the difference between using PEX and copper for plumbing. Even if one is not intending to do plumbing job himself/herself (I am not gender biased), it helps to know about these things before going for a plumber who does the job for you.

Now you wonder what PEX is, it is this. As mentioned above, PEX is a good plumbing material because it is flexible and yes, the plumbers like it because it is easy to install. PEX doesn’t break in cold weathers, has fewer joints, as said, easier to install so brings the costs down.

Well, copper piping has been around for decades, it is very durable and flexible, and is not that difficult to install also, compared to the iron counterparts. Also, the corrosion reactions are less on the copper surfaces, since it discourages the growth of bacteria on its surface.

So if one asks you “which one would you go for? Copper plumbing or PEX plumbing?” well lets compare them in a sequence and then let your intuition do the work for you.

Advantages of using PEX:

  • Highly adaptable and easy to use plumbing system.
  • Can be used both with hot water and cold water systems
  • Because of the flexibility, PEX pipes can be bent and moved around the house to fit your needs without any coupling or fitting (not many at least)
  • PEX can be configured to have a balancing system.
  • PEX has very few fittings, so it can be installed very quickly
  • Can be used in conjunction with metal and PVC.

Few disadvantages (just in case you want to know!!)

  • Probably the biggest disadvantage is that it cannot be used outside. Not really a disadvantage because it wasn’t designed for such use.
  • PEX cannot be recycled.
  • PEX is a impermeable membrane which can be penetrated by pollutants and lead to contamination of water

Lets consider few things about copper, because it has been around for a while and one might consider using that.

Advantages of using copper:

  • Durable and flexible (the timeless advantage!!)
  • Can be recycled
  • Resistant to bacteria and corrosion
  • Unaffected by UV rays, so can be used outside, unlike PEX
  • Coppers resists burning

Few disadvantages:

  • It has become relatively expensive
  • The water can sometimes taste metallic due to some corrosion
  • Copper can break and freeze with cold water

To conclude one can use either of the two depending on the preferences. But PEX is slowly gaining popularity and is excellent for internal house piping.

Happy plumbing!!

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How to Install PEX ?

July 24, 2009 at 11:55 am · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , , ,

PEX (X stands for cross linking) or cross-linked polyethylene is an entity of water supply piping systems. It is seen as a breakthrough and revolutionizing substitute for other metal pipe alternatives used in plumbing and water supply systems.

PEX is used for various kinds of plumbing purposes, ranging from household to industry piping purposes.

Ever since its introduction, PEX has been very popular. The installation of PEX is so easy that many people use it for plumbing purposes without any external help. PEX is widely used in many countries for building water supply systems.

So you have decided to do your household plumbing by yourself.

How to install PEX?

Here’s a start:

Tools that you might need are:

  • Tubing cutter
  • Ring crimper
  • Go/No go gauge
  • Fittings
  • PEX tubing
  • Crimping removal tool

Measure out the length of PEX you will need for installation and cut it with the PEX tubing cutter.  These pliers are especially designed for PEX and should always be used. Make sure that PEX is straight when you are cutting it.

After cutting PEX to length, slip a copper crimp ring onto the pipe.
Insert the tube into the piper fitting.  The tube should bottom out approximately on the shoulder of the fitting. Now, slide the copper crimp ring up so that it is exactly 1/8″ to 1/4″ away from the tubing.

Crimp the copper crimp ring with the ring crimper tool. Please ensure that the crimper is at approximately 90 degrees angle from the crimp ring.  After that close the crimp tool entirely, so that it is fully rests on the crimp ring.

Now, test the crimp with the Go/No-Go gauge. It is advised that the Go-gauge slides into the fitting with ease.  Although, it is possible that the Go-gauge is tight at places where the crimping tool has marked the crimping surface during the crimping operation.  The No-Go gauge should not slide over the fitting. The tubing should be re-cut and the joint should be made again if that happens.

Happy PEX plumbing!!!

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The Power of PEX Tubing

July 17, 2009 at 2:27 pm · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , , ,

PEX (cross linked polyethylene) is material used in building entities for water supply systems. It is tested and accepted by many users to be the most advanced material that is available in the market for building water supply systems as well as accessories. Mostly, it finds applications in Radiant floor heating systems and PEX plumbing systems.

It is gaining popularity because it is considerably easier to install than its other counterparts. Also, the durability of PEX tubes and systems is very large, since it is resistant to majority of the factors that cause degradation in the pipe.

PEX tubing is used to distribute heat through water in radiant and Hydronic water systems. It is due to these heating systems that the PEX tubing systems are highly insulated. pex tubing

Most of the heating systems need PEX tubing with an oxygen barrier. The oxygen barrier is used so that oxygen doesn’t escape from the tubes. Further, if the oxygen barriers are not used, and the material used in the tubing systems are iron/ferrous, then there is high probability that the tubes will form rust over a period of time (remember the inorganic chemistry lesson!!!)

PEX tubing is used for variety of plumbing applications, depending on the needs of a particular system; various components are used to form the system.

PEX tubes or PEX pipes are used interchangeably, however the manufacturers distinguish between two according to the outer diameter of the two entities. The common PEX tubes are available in 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4” and 1” inches respectively.

The common PEX tubing colors used are natural (hazy and pigmented), white, black, red and blue. The red and blue colors are used to distinguish between hot and cold supply water lines, usually used as a demarcation technique by the house owners as well as the plumbers.

There are various PEX tools available for making various PEX fittings and plumbing joints which can be used situational, whenever needed. They basically fall under the category PEX crimping tools, sometimes also called as PEX extensions.

PEX is used in variety of places like domestic water piping, insulation for high-tension electrical cables, natural gas and offshore oil applications, chemical transportation, transportation of sewage and slurries. Now after it advantages are widely recognized, the PEX has become an alternative for PVC and other copper pipe systems that are used domestically as well as otherwise.

PEX Tubing has revolutionized the Radiant Heat market. The combination of strength, flexibility, and memory make PEX the perfect product for Radiant Heat Installations.

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Advantages of PEX Tubing

July 14, 2009 at 2:34 pm · Filed under Home Improvement ·Tagged , , ,

PEX (X stands for cross linking) or cross-linked polyethylene is an entity of water supply piping systems. It vows to replace metal pipe alternatives (copper, iron, brass) and the like (PVC, PE and other plastic materials). PVC still dominates in terms of usage of material for making pipes and pipelines. PEX fits in where other alternatives start wearing. So why PEX? Sounds like an obvious question.

PEX Female Threaded Adapter

Why PEX :

  • It fulfills the first criteria that any plumbing/piping material has to fulfill—It doesn’t corrode as quickly as other materials in the same category do.
  • Compared to manufacturing techniques used to build pipes, PEX tubes are drawn out using process of extrusion, which offers significant advantages by reducing shipping, storage as well as handling costs.
  • Workers in the area of plumbing and fittings can start to smile now, flex completely removes the risk of health hazards that are common place when performing activities like soldering, forming fluxes etc, which are usually part of installation and fitting operations when using other materials.
  • Flexibility is one area where all the other competitors of PEX don’t compare at all. The numerous fittings, joints that are needed to get the whole piping working can lead to quite a lot of work. Hurrah! Not any more, PEX tubes turn and twist like snakes (exaggerating), which allows a long run of pipe in your place to be finished by using just a couple or no fittings.
  • Zero decibels; yes, that is the amount of noise to expect from the water flowing through PEX tubes, affinity of water for PEX is great.
  • Cost, A struggling market needs products like these, PEX is relatively low priced than all the other “equivalent” alternatives.

The X factor in PEX: As mentioned before, X is cross-linked, i.e. PEX uses cross linked polyethylene, cross linking makes PE more durable, and resistant to cold temperature cracks, X is the magic behind the show, well almost.

Various manufactures offer variety of tools, which help in establishing the plumbing process when using PEX. Selecting such tools depends on the kind of task at hand. These tools can be a bit expensive for ones liking, but as they say –“You reap what you sow”, so investing in PEX might not be a bad idea after all.

Do think about this great alternative next time when you are doing your basement.

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How to Install PEX plumbing

July 7, 2009 at 1:04 pm · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , ,

Since its first use in the Europe in 1960 PEX has remained a preferred choice among plumbers and residents. In many countries ad hotels it is the main material used to build water supply. That is why it is very important that people keep on getting a regular supply of PEX.

The continuous use of PEX plumbing has also encouraged many PEX manufacturers to enter the market with their unique products. It is the various usage of PEX plumbing that has helped the manufacturers to devise so many PEX items.

The presence of many players in the PEX manufacturing market creates a great competition that helps in keeping the price quite reasonable. That is why householders can think of installing one in their houses without spending a large fortune. PEX stands for crosslinked polyethylene. This is molecule that has some properties unique to itself and thus making it stronger and safer than other metals used in building pipes.

GTGlobe Industries is one of the top most organizations that manufacture and supply PEX for various purposes. There are other PEX manufacturers as well who make life comfortable for the people of Europe and America. Ningbo Amico Plastic Co., Ltd., Tubomart Trading Co., Ltd., and Sure Union International Limited.

Many American households have renovated their old plumbing system to use PEX plumbing. This is to make their water fitter for drinking. Right now various Asian countries too are trying to enter this PEX manufacturing market and China is one of them. It has obviously seen the profitable nature of the huge PEX market in Europe and America.

Modern day construction is, in fact, incomplete without the use of PEX plumbing. That is why in case you are planning to build a new house pay due attention to the plumbing and use PEX without hesitation.

You can install this plumbing without much difficulty because there are very few joints and this is another specialty of PEX plumbing. You will need some cutting tools, “GO/No Go” gauge made of steel, and crimp ring removal tools for this purpose.

While cutting the tubes after measuring them make sure that you don’t create any burr. Use a copper crimp ring and fasten it with the crimping tool onto the pipe. Make sure its is well positioned. Ideally it should be 1/8’’ to 1/4’’ away from the end of the tube. Finally, make sure that the ring is completely closed.

Try out and you will see that it is quite simple. However, you can also seek the help of a professional plumber if you prefer.

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How to Use PEX Tubing

July 7, 2009 at 1:00 pm · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , , ,

The word PEX has now become quite common among people who are into plumbing and tubing. This is an acronym that means crosslinked polyethylene. It is one of the most secure and long lasting materials that can make your home a better place to live in. Apart from homes PEX tubing is used in various offices as well. This material is also resistant to chlorine thus making drinking water really safe. That is why it is used in many homes in Europe and in the US.

These days tube makers are using PEX instead of other tube constructing materials like copper, iron, plastic, and lead. PEX tubing happens when High Density Polyethylene polymer is used making the tubes even stronger and giving them longevity. Its strength is unmatched even by copper or iron tubes.

In addition to this strength what makes this kind of tubing more popular is the flexibility and safety attached to it. This material does not get corrupted easily. It is also immune to scaling. That is why in many house PEX tubing is used to supply water. It keeps the water clean and drinkable.

PEX tubes come in various sizes but the most popular among them is CTS-OD. In case you want to make your PEX tubes look colorful there are several varieties to choose from. In some houses or institutions red and blue colored pipes are used to signify hot and cold water systems.

The use of PEX tubing is pretty common in those countries where temperatures remain below zero most of the times. It is so sturdy that it can also be used in those places where temperature often reaches up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 93.3 degrees Celsius. That is why it is used in hydronic radiant heating system, and in slow melting apparatuses. In fact ice rinks and refrigeration warehouse too have PEX tubing.

This particular flexibility of use can be achieved due to the easy expansion and contraction of the molecules that make this chemically made tubes. The use of PEX tubing is also increasing because it is also environment friendly.

Moreover, PEX tubing also decreases the total number of fittings that is done in a residential house in order to build a supply lien for waters. This whole process definitely saves a lot of energy from being wasted. The less the fittings the lesser time you will have to spend waiting for the water reaching to the shower from the tap.

These usages only prove the high efficiency of PEX.

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HDPE Pipes Have a Great Future

June 9, 2009 at 2:30 pm · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , ,

What is it that makes High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes such a craze among pipe manufacturers? Answer to that question is this material increases the longevity of the pipes. It protects them from corrosion and makes them absolutely immune to aging. That is the reason the history of the usage of these HDPE pipes is 49 years old.

These pipes were first used in various countries in all over Europe. However, the kind of HDPE that is used these days is far more sophisticated and has better resistance against corrosion. It is seen that a pipe that was buried since 1982 was protected from aging thanks to what some industry experts call second generation HDPE.

The PEX pipes that have this kind of polyethylene not only last longer than ordinary metal pipes but preserve all kinds of antioxidants has made these pipes so unique. They have a great resistance towards water pressure.

This is the reason that most of the house owners are now a days going for plastic pipes. Apart from their practical purpose these pipes also have an economical side as well. These pipes are not at all expensive and thus will help you save some money.

These HDPE pipes are also very easy to install. You will not have to have a Herculean strength to install them. They are very lightweight, which makes it easier also to carry them. These qualities definitely make these pipes ideal for homes as well as business houses. Polyethylene pipes are better from pipes that are made of steel or concrete. It can be said that this kind of pipes have taken construction to a new level and they are the latest trends of the day.

In 2008 when the pipe industry saw a decline of about 15 percent in the United Sates the sales of HDPE pipes also came down but they stayed ahead in comparison to that of PVC pipes. This shows the kind of favorable image this kind of pipes have. Moreover, according to a survey it is very much expected that the market of these HDPE pipes will see an increase in demand by at least 10 percent. The corrugated HDPE pipe market too is expected to rise by 15 percent.

Considering all these scenarios the suppliers and manufacturers of HDPE pipes have enough reason to even in this tough financial time. This is a technology that really has a very bright future.

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PEX Makes Radiant Heating Possible

June 9, 2009 at 2:28 pm · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , ,

Cross-linked polyethylene, better known as PEX, plays an important part in the radiant heating system. This system is the basic reason that many of the European households can enjoy warm room temperature even during freezing winter months. Radiant heating is a trend that is present in this continent since the 1950s. Right now at least 70 percent of the heating systems used in various residential and official places are based on radiant heating.

Most of the radiant heating systems are done through under floor heating. The success of this under floor heating depends on the quality of the pipes. It is here that PEX comes into play. Most of the pipes used for this purposes are made by PEX. This material is flexible and long lasting. It can also withstand a great deal of temperature.

Right now the US too has its kind of radiant heating system. However, this system is not as sophisticated as those seen in Europe. On the other hand Europe has to make its radiant heating system full proof because many of its countries fall in the arctic zone and that is why have a severe cold temperature. This system helps the residents keep a comfortable temperature in their home.

Choosing the best quality PEX Tubing pipes help in making the floor warmer for a long time. The pipes are then covered by concrete. In case you are using a copper pipe there are risks that the pipe will suffer corrosion. This is something that you will never have to face if you use PEX pipes.

In addition PEX is more cost efficient. It also helps the users to save energy. It is seen that by using this radiant heating system fuel consumption can be brought down by 15 to 20 percent. The idea of safety, and comfort that are related to this heating system has made it very popular. It is also believed that this is also quite natural and never adversely affects the health of the users.

Radiant heating will also keep your home free of air-contaminants, bacteria, dust, and cold spots. In a room that has radiant heating you will feel that the heat is equal to your body temperature thus making it very comfortable.

Without the use PEX this radiant heating system, especially the floor heating one would be impossible to achieve. So, if you have planned to install this heating system in your home then pay close attention to the quality of the PEX pipe that you are buying and also towards its fitting.

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PEX—Ideal for All Kinds of Climates

June 9, 2009 at 2:23 pm · Filed under Home Improvement, pex ·Tagged , , ,

No matter where you stay, under what type of climate, your plumbing can be safe. All you will need to do is to make sure that you use pipes made by PEX. This is one material that makes pipes strong and secure. But at the same time your pipes will be flexible enough that you can use them the way you please.

PEX can protect your plumbing any keep out all types of dusts, rains, and other kinds of environmental hazards that can destroy the safety of your room water. This is the reason that there are companies that manufacture special PEX products that would keep out such unhealthy things from the user’s plumbing installation.

It is also seen that in cold climates where water run the risk of freezing the use of PEX makes sure that the water remains in its natural state. This is because the material protects the water from the outside influences.

At the same time PEX pipes are also used to transfer cold water to those countries that have hot climates. In this case too PEX protects the water from being influenced by the outside temperature. It keeps the water cold and provides some relief to the people of those hot nations.

The special quality of the material PEX makes it the ideal component to help in the transportation of water in various countries. That is why many countries make sure that their water pipelines are made of PEX.

This shows how much technological progress is made in this plumbing equipment market. After the invention of PEX this market has moved ahead in leaps and bounds. Still there are some experts who say that it is better not to use this technology to install pipes outside. It is also believed that the progress in the field of polymer has made it easier to make PEX so efficient.

Indoors is the best place to use this technology. It will be safer and will also help you to get good attention and publicity. This facility is also in demand in various sports complex.

PEX have very few joints and that means you will not have too much plumbing problems. The reason is maximum of the plumbing related problems are connected to the number of joints and that is why it is also less vulnerable in too hot or too cold climate.

So, you can definitely buy PEX pipes and tubes that will make your home look a sweeter and cozier place.

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