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When we mention PEX pipes, many questions may pop up in our minds. For example, what is PEX pipe? What types of PEX pipes are there? What are the advantages of PEX pipes compared with traditional iron pipes and copper pipes? In today's article, we have systematically summarized 20 common questions about PEX pipes, hoping to solve everyone's doubts. It takes about 8 minutes to read the full article.

20 FAQ for PEX

What is Pex made of?

PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is a type of plastic material used predominantly in water supply piping systems. It's made through a chemical process that creates connections between the polyethylene molecules, resulting in a highly flexible, durable, and freeze-resistant material. These unique characteristics of PEX make it a preferred choice for various plumbing applications.

What is the difference between Pex A and Pex B and Pex C?

These are categorized based on the method used to cross-link the polyethylene molecule chains, which gives PEX its flexibility and durability. Each type has its own unique properties. For more details, you can visit this article What’s the difference between Between PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C Pipes?

What is the working temperature and pressure for pex pipe?

The working temperature for pex pipe is -40 to 95℃，and working pressure is 6bar. So the pex pipe can be used for hot water system.

Is the pex pipe different in red, blue, white, gray and orange color?

Usually for hot water we use red color, and cold water in blue. And natural white color is normal color, and some customers may request grey, orange or purple color, but it does not signify any specific use or make difference in its function. Different colors are just based on different market usage habits.

How long can the pex pipe last?

The life span for pex pipe can be 50 years. However, the actual service life of PEX piping can be influenced by a number of factors, including the quality of the pipe, the quality of the installation, water quality, and the pipe's exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

What is the standard for pex piping system?

The standard for pex is different from different area. In the US, Canda, and some area of Mexico, it based on the standard

•NSF/ANSI 14 plastic piping system components and related materials and the standard

•NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects

•NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 drinking water system components – lead content (complies with the lead-free requirements of the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act).

•ASTM F877 standard specification for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) hot- and cold-water distribution systems

•ASTM F876 standard specification for crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing.

In Europe and most other countries around the wold, based on the Europe standard

•ISO 15875-1:2003-Plastics piping systems for hot and cold water installations-Crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X)

Can pex pipe be used for drinking water?

According to the above standard NSF14/61, NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 and ISO15875, the pex pipe can be used for drinking water.

What size we have for pex pipe?

Standard	Pipe Size	Fittings	Main Country
NSF 14/61, ASTM877/876	1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4",1 1/4", 1 1/2", 2"	Push fit fittins, pex crimp fittings, pex expansion fittings	US, Canada, Mexico
ISO 15875	16x2.0, 20x2.0, 25x2.5, 32x3.0	Pex Compression fittings, Pressing fittings	US, Australia, and countries in Europe, Africa, Mid East
ISO 15875	16x1.8, 20x1.9, 25x2.3, 32x2.9	Pex Sliding Fittings (Barbi Sytle)	Spain,Portugal, France, Italy, Brazil, Argentian, Chile, etc
ISO 15875	16x2.2, 20x2.8, 25x3.5, 32x4.4	Pex Sliding Fittings (Rehau Sytle)	Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Australia, etc

Is PEX UV resistant?

Yes, Vpexco PEX-b has a designation of 5306, which denotes a six-month UV resistance, the highest rating available, according to ASTM F2657 testing and ASTM F876 evaluation criteria. And usually the color for pex with anti-UV layer is black, because the raw materials for the anti-UV is carton black.

Why we need Pex with Oxygen barrier?

The Pex with Oxygen barrier or called Pex with EVOH, is usually used in heating applications like radiant floor heating, hydronic baseboard heating, and snow-melt systems. The oxygen barrier is crucial in these applications because it prevents oxygen from penetrating the pipe and entering the water stream. And this barrier stops the oxygen from mixing with the water inside the tubing, extending the life of heating and cooling equipment and improving system performance.

How many types of brass fittings for pex pipe connection?

For a better answer for this question, you can visit this article How many types of brass fittings for pex pipe connection?

Can pex pipe be burried underground?

Absolutely, PEX pipe can be buried underground! But, it should be done in proper guidelines to ensure the longevity of the pipe.

Although PEX pipes are highly durable, mechanical fittings may need additional protection. You might consider using protective conduit piping for these places. When you're backfilling the trench, ensure that there are no sharp stones or objects that can damage the pipe.

How to Prevent PEX Pipes From Freezing?

For an answer with details, please visit 6 Tips to prevent the pex pipes from freezing and what can we do for the frozen pex pipes?

Can you use compression fittings on pex?

Sure, the pex compression fittings is a popular connect fittings in pex system, especially in Europe, Mid-East, and Africa.

Can pex a be crimped?

Yes, PEX-A pipe can indeed be crimped. One of the advantages of PEX-A pipe, or crosslinked polyethylene, is its flexibility and ability to be fitted using different connection methods, and one such method involves crimping.

Can you use pex b fittings on pex-a？

Yes, the pex b fittings, such as the pex crimp fittings, push fit fittings, pex sliding fittings, pex compression fittings, press fittings can be used on pex a in the same sizes. But the pex expansion fittings for pex a is not sutable for pex b pipe.

Pex vs copper pipe, what are the advantages of Pex pipes over copper pipes?

For a better answer, you can visit this article PEX vs. Copper Pipes: Which One Should You Choose For Your Home?

What’s the difference between CPVC pipe and Pex pipe?

#	Factor	CPVC Pipe	PEX Pipe
1	Material	Made from thermoplastic derived from PVC.	Made from cross-linked HDPE (high-density polyethylene).
2	Flexibility	Rigid and less flexible.	Very flexible, can be bent around corners.
3	Installation	It is installed using glue and it needs more joints which takes more time.	It uses fewer fittings and is faster to install due to it's flexible nature.
4	Cost	Generally cheaper in terms of material cost.	More expensive materials but it can be cheaper due to faster installation times.
5	Temperature Resistance	CPVC can handle higher temperatures up to 200°F.	PEX can handle temperatures up to 180°F.
6	Chemical Resistance	Highly resistant to many types of chemicals.	Has fewer reactions with water and other substances.
7	Lifespan	Approximately 40-50 years.	Approximately 40-50 years.
8	UV Resistance	Can degrade when exposed to sunlight for long periods.	Also sensitive to UV exposure, should not be left in the sun for extended periods.

Pex vs pex al pex pipe, what’s the difference?

Pex pipe is single layer, while pex al pex is 5 multilayer with glue. Working pressure for pex is 6bar, but pex al pex can be 10 bar.

Where to find a reliable manufacturer for pex a and pex b piping system?

There’re many good manufacturers for pex pipe around the world, like Italy, Turkey, America, Brazil, UAE, China and so on.

As China's production technology continues to improve, more and more customers choose to purchase PEX pipes and pipe fittings from China. As a professional manufacturer with more than 20 years of experience, Vpexco is your wise choice as a trustworthy supplier.