For starters, let’s understand what Pex means. Pex stands for: Polyethylene Crosslinked. Like drainage pipe, we use its abbreviated title. The name is a mouthful, but this water supply system represents the standard for waterline installation in modern plumbing. Pex mixes flexibility and toughness without the weight of older water supply materials. It also offers longer lifespan than older systems. This system overtook the industry by offering speed, quality, and price. But how did it start?
The Beginning
When PEX pipe made its way into plumbing it was over in Europe. In Germany, Viega created a Pex system that used copper rings which crimp around connections using a hand operated crimping tool (AKA: Crimpers). As in all things European, for every Ferrari there is a Lamborghini. Every good idea inspires a rival, and this new material and system were no different.
A Finnish Pex system called Wirsbo (now Uponor) attacked the issue of connecting fittings by tweaking the formulation of the pipe slightly so it could stretch and snug around inserted fittings without using crimp rings. Because the pipe wants to contract back to its normal size, it seals around the Wirsbo fitting. However, Wirsbo required an expansion tool and the fixtures and material were expensive compared to competitors. In using the system, I also noticed that it takes longer for connections to seal when it gets cold. When deadlines pressed, we would use a heat gun to gently warm the pipe and fittings to overcome this weakness. But this also highlights a hidden cost to using the system. As employees, we just saw it as part of the job, but plumbing company owners might see this as a red flag before adopting the system across the board. My personal use of these competing methods put aside, both share traits worth mentioning and understanding before choosing to use them.
The Plumbing Benefits of Pex
I’ve talked about the freedom of Pex but I also believe there are other benefits. If you’re all about doing your own home repairs, repairing a damaged Pex line is easier and costs less (despite the price big box home improvement stores charge for the fittings) than running copper lines. It doesn’t require that you know how to solder or own the equipment. Where I can’t rent a soldering torch, I can rent a crimping tool. Plus, it’s tough to start a fire with one. (Just sayin’) But nothing is perfect.
The Cons of Pex Systems
To me, the ultimate test of a plumbing system is a remodel. Unlike new construction, I must figure out how to navigate new pipe around what exists in a joist space. Typical obstacles include wiring, duct work, old plumbing, and of course… Unrealistic customer expectations. These obstacles make Pex the clear choice except for one specific application. Shower valve assemblies need to be done straight so the shower head, valve body, and floor are aligned. Otherwise, it looks trashy. Using Pex to connect the valve body to the drop ear 90 (that’s the fitting your shower head connects to behind the wall) adds one more thing that flops around. Using copper to hook up these two parts is awesome because once soldered, mounting the valve right is cake! The other bummer of Pex is that it’s soft and flexible nature makes it catnip for sheet rocker screws and kinks. Once the damage is done, you have to cut out the damaged section in order to restore the system.
The Verdict
Smart things and dumb things win popularity. The invention of Pex to be not only smart but world changing. While no system is perfect the pros vastly outweigh the cons of the system. Pex lets a person with soldering skills run water into new fixtures while countering space restrictions at a fraction of the time of copper. It’s cheaper and less risky thanks to solder-free connections. Whether you are a veteran Plumber on the job site or a homeowner that wants to do a DIY remodel, supplying water to fixtures takes less time and money thanks to Pex.
-The Lakeview Crew