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 California
is the last state in the union to accept PEX as
a viable product for repiping a home because of
our stringency in codes. PEX has been used all
over the U.S. as well as the world for many
years. As the environment is effected by pollutants more and more, many parts of the country are adding more chemicals to the water supply to disinfect and try and combat the damage the pollutants are doing to the pipes that carry it.
In addition, airborne chemicals are starting to make copper less effective in several parts of the country.
PEX stands for "cross-linked polyethylene". Polyethylene is the raw material and the X refers to the cross linking of the polyethylene across its molecular chains.
Simply put, through one of several processes, links between polyethylene molecules are formed to create bridges (thus the term "cross-linked) which gives it extreme durability and longevity.
The resulting material is more durable under temperature extremes and chemical attack making PEX an excellent material for hot water and other applications.
PEX And Pricing
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PEX
can be installed much faster because of the
options available in the fittings. Whether you
choose the fastest method of cut, push and done
fittings or any of the crimp on fittings which
take just seconds longer, PEX can be installed
very quickly. Keep in mind that the push on
fittings can only handle up to 200psi but most
homes water pressure is less than 80psi.
The
crimp on fitting can handle more. Regardless of
the fitting type that you choose, in comparison
to the time it takes to cut, de-burr, sand, flux
and solder a copper fitting, the time savings
are large but not only that but trying to get
copper through the holes that must be measured
and almost perfectly straight or you must drill
larger holes in your studs if they are off by
too much which weakens your home's stability and
strength.
