8 Benefits of PEX Piping for Your Home

If you’re looking to repipe your home, you may have heard of options like copper piping and PEX piping. PEX is a fairly common plumbing solution. Created in the 1960s for European markets, it started being used extensively in the 1980s in the US and is still used to this day.

Today, we’ll look at seven reasons why plumbers and homeowners alike choose PEX piping for their plumbing repipe projects.

What is PEX Piping?

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is being used in 49 of 50 states for home piping. Many homeowners and plumber choose PEX because it is cheaper than copper, it is resistant to corrosion and acidic water, freeze resistant, and flexible for many applications. PEX is also more heat conductive than copper. This piping is mostly used for indoor plumbing because it can degrade over time with exposure to sunlight or UV light.

Now that you know what PEX piping, lets look at the benefits of using PEX.

1. Faster Installations

One of the unique features of PEX piping is the ease and speed of installation. Because PEX is a flexible piping system instead of rigid metal piping, it can be placed through tight spaces and set up quickly.

Because it is not made from metal, there is no need for elbows, pipe fittings, and soldering, making installation much quicker. No soldering is required. The pipes are color coded, red for hot water, blue for cold water, which makes it simpler to track. Fewer connections and pipe fittings mean a faster installation time.

2. Longevity and Durability

PEX piping lasts about 50 years, making it a good choice for longevity. Considering 35% homeowners stay in their house for about 15 years, this makes PEX a solid choice for home resale value.

Unlike some other piping, PEX is corrosion-resistant, making it extremely durable. PEX also recovers from kinks very well, so it is less susceptible to leaks. PEX-B is a specific variation that is resistant to chlorine, which is good for neighborhoods with chlorinated water. Another advantage of PEX is it does not rust like galvanized steel or copper. Also, because PEX is made from cross-linked polyethylene, it is not prone to cracking like CVPC.

3. Freeze Resistant

PEX is known for its ability to withstand freezing temperatures without bursting. It expands without bursting in freezing conditions, unlike copper or steel. Unlike rigid metals, there is the ability to expand and contract in cold weather to prevent burst pipes. It also performs as well in high temperatures as it does in cold weather. This makes it an ideal choice for locations with cold winters.

4. Flexibility and Versatility

PEX is manufactured with uniform cross-linking, which makes it flexible, and able to bend easily around spaces that rigid metallic pipes cannot. There is no need for elbow fittings or soldering, which is very convenient. PEX is versatile for numerous types of indoor plumbing applications. Because the material itself is flexible, it is not prone to dents, which could cause punctures in copper or galvanized steel pipes. PEX also lends itself to retrofit projects where metallic pipes can be combined with PEX if needed.

5. Easy to Retrofit

In some plumbing jobs, there may be instances where only part of the piping system needs to be replaced. One large advantage of PEX is it can be added to metal piping systems where it is needed. This allows homeowners to gradually replace their entire piping system over time as needed at a lower cost.

The flexibility of PEX is perfect for retrofitting older homes. The piping can be interlaced through walls without extensive construction, allowing the pre-existing beauty of the home to stay intact.

6. Corrosion Proof

PEX piping does not corrode, which both copper and galvanized steel are prone to. When metal pipes corrode, it can contaminate the water supply. This does not happen with PEX.

7. A More Affordable, Cost Effective Solution

Some homeowners are working on a budget but still need a home repipe. For these clients, PEX is a perfect solution. PEX generally costs less than copper pipes or galvanized steel. Metal pipes also cost more because the fittings and elbows must be threaded and soldered, so PEX help save on labor costs too.

Copper often has a fluctuating price, so using PEX is a more economical choice that doesn’t sacrifice quality

8. Noise Reduction

PEX piping can help reduce noise in your plumbing system, due to the type of material. Copper and steel pipes are prone to water hammering, which is the noise made when the running water stops suddenly in metallic pipes.

Because it is made of less rigid material, PEX absorbs the sound of running water, and reduces the banging noise where the pipes run through the walls. With PEX, there are no rattling and banging sounds when you shut off water at the valve.

Need Your Sacramento Area Home Repiped?

Wise Monkey Repipe & Construction can help you repipe your Sacramento area home quickly and efficiently. We’ve done dozens of homes and we specialize in repiping. Contact us today or call (916) 304-7629 to get more information. Financing is available!