PEX Plumbing
PEX is the industrial name for a form of plastic plumbing lines that is widely used to supply water to new homes. This durable plastic, appropriately named cross-linked polyethylene, created by a special manufacturing is perfect for water supply lines. PEX is created by a process that permanently linked molecules of high density polyethylene into a strong plastic by a method called cross-linking.
According to the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing as posted in their website, Toolbase.org, the applicability of PEX tubing for water supply lines is remarkable for “in parallel layouts where supply lines are dedicated to one fixture, only two fittings are used. It lowers the labor costs compared to rigid piping system installations.”
PEX tubing exhibit better performance compared to the heat loss signature of metallic pipes. This particular class of tubing allows less water to be wasted in parallel installation, for the small diameter of the tubing permit only small amount to be delivered on demand.
PEX tubing is rapidly becoming the standard in the plumbing industry, proving itself the better-quality product compared to the competition. Aside, it is also important to note that it meets the strict US product standard regulations.
In usual supply lines installation where copper is use, the tubing is placed under the slab foundation. Over time copper reacts with concrete and corrodes, but this is not the only problem, comes repair time when the line develops a leak, it is not unusual to use a jack hammer to access the faulty line, if you can locate it. Usually plumbers put a sleeve over the copper tubing to protect it from the corroding action of the concrete, but this is not an assurance that the set-up will not be compromise.
The solution? Use PEX tubing. It could easily be adopted for in-slab installation without the use of cumbersome sleeves because PEX tubing does not react with concrete. Another alternative installation method for PEX is to mount it overhead. Personally, our house does not have supply lines installed below the foundation floor. For in this manner you have to factor the protection from freezing the lines when installed in that way. But in our house this does seem to pose a problem for the attic is insulated by applying insulation beneath the roof (see my article, "Nothing Insulates Like Insulation").
Installing a manifold inside our house provides benefit to PEX. It allows water to be turned off to any fixture that you want to access. When you need to repair a certain fixture or replace an old one, simply turning the handle should cut the water supply off.
For every new product there is always the unassuming drawback. In the case of PEX, it requires a degree of know-how in its proper installation. Be certain that your plumber is familiar and qualified to work with PEX. With the use of videos, technical documents and good old hands on demonstration the manufacturers of PEX have their field representatives available to plumbers to train them on its correct use and installation.