Plumber Tips: Everything You Need To Know About PEX Piping | Granbury, TX
Traditional plumbing uses copper pipes that are configured in a trunk-and-branch system. While copper is strong, it’s also difficult to install. Metal pipes are also more expensive. To save energy and money, we recommend that you install PEX piping in your home’s plumbing. We’ll talk about the different types of PEX piping and their advantages in this article. For installation, please make sure that you only work with a licensed plumber in Granbury, TX.
Types of PEX Piping
PEX is an affordable type of plastic that provides more flexibility and resistance to scratches. It features a cross-linked cellular structure that makes it easier to install and retrofit. There are four different colors of PEX ping: the blue pipe carries cold water while the red pipe carries hot water. Gray and white pipes can carry either cool or hot water. Below are the different types of PEX piping.
PEX-A – One of the easiest to work with is PEX-A which is manufactured in peroxide, making it the most flexible and durable. PEX-A also features the ability to recover from kinks that can severely restrict water flow and burdens the water pump. By using a heat gun, a plumber can expand the pipe and resolve kinks issues. Always work with a licensed plumbing company in Granbury, TX, to ensure professional installation of PEX piping.
PEX-B – They are more affordable than PEX-A and are slightly stiffer. If you have swimming pools in your home, consider getting PEX-B as it features increased resistance to chlorine. If you need assistance with installation, please don’t hesitate to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today. Our plumbers are licensed and highly experienced with PEX piping installation.
PEX-C – If you want the cheapest PEX piping, then go with PEX-C. However, take note that they are the stiffest and also the hardest to maneuver with. Contact a plumber to help you make an informed decision on the type of PEX piping suitable for your home.
Advantages of PEX Piping
Do you know why PEX piping is the best option if you’re planning to get pipe replacement? Below are some of its advantages. Should you decide to get a replacement, please only work with a licensed plumber to ensure professional installation.
Not Likely to Burst
When the temperature reaches below zero, exposed pipes must be insulated so that the water inside them doesn’t freeze. Copper pipes are likely to freeze if not protected at below-zero temperatures. When the water freezes, the copper pipes can expand and burst. The severity of the damage can range from an annoying leak to flooding in your home. You’d want to avoid flooding or it’s going to cost you a fortune in repairs and restorations. If you want to prevent bursting pipes in the winter, we highly recommend that you switch to PEX piping.
PEX pipes are flexible and expand with the frozen water. They can also withstand below-freezing temperatures, which means you don’t have to worry about pipes bursting or flooding in your home as PEX pipes are unlikely to freeze and burst. However, we do still recommend that you insulate them especially if you live in an area that gets the coldest winters. For installation though, please ensure that you only work with a licensed plumber in Granbury, TX.
Non-Corrodible
Sediment build-up and high levels of salt can cause corrosion in copper piping. Old metal pipes can also get rusted from the inside after several years. They will begin to break down and burst or leak. Remember, a burst pipe can lead to serious water damage that may cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Flooding can also damage the structural foundation of your home.
You can remedy this problem by installing PEX piping instead. Compared to copper, PEX pipes are not likely to corrode, which means minerals don’t build up and lead to rusting. As a result, it adds a level of durability to your pipes. For installation of your PEX pipes, please contact a trusted and reliable plumber in Granbury, TX.
Flexibility
Metal pipes are so rigid it requires a lot of straight lines for installation. Imagine how long it would take when a plumber is working on bigger projects. In addition, it’s also inconvenient when you’re installing metal pipes in tight spaces or buildings with less space. PEX is bendable, making it an excellent choice for any kind of plumbing project. Also, its flexibility can help increase water pressure in your pipes. With traditional piping, the elbow joints can cause turbulence which results in low water pressure. Are you thinking of replacing your plumbing pipes? Contact one of our plumbers to help you install PEX piping.
Easy to Install
One of the reasons plumbers prefer PEX materials is because they are quicker and a lot easier to install compared to copper. The pipes are more flexible and don’t require a lot of fixtures during installation. With PEX, you can easily place the pipes together and use an adjustable wrench to keep them connected. Metal pipes, on the other hand, require a plumber to torch the pipes together to make a connection. Remember, some plumbers in Granbury, TX, may charge less if the task doesn’t take a lot of time. Choose PEX piping if you want to save money on your plumbing and enjoy its other benefits.
More Affordable
Homeowners want to save money on their plumbing and you can accomplish this by installing PEX over copper pipes. They are 60 percent more affordable than metal pipes. So if you want the more cost-effective option, then we recommend that you contact a professional today to help you install PEX piping.
Easier to Retrofit
If some parts of your copper piping are damaged or no longer work well, contact a plumber so they can retrofit the old copper pipes with the PEX. However, please don’t wait for a plumbing emergency before replacing the pipes. Get a plumbing inspection so that a professional plumber can thoroughly inspect your plumbing system. Our team will let you know if it’s time to get a pipe replacement.
Disadvantages to PEX Piping
PEX piping is not designed for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or it can damage it eventually. While they are safe to use in your home, PEX piping may be more vulnerable to moisture and bacteria than copper pipes. Should you decide to install PEX piping in your plumbing, so make sure to follow recommendations on how to properly maintain them to avoid issues down the road.
To extend the lifespan of your PEX pipes, do make sure that your home isn’t infested with rodents as they can damage the material eventually.
Other Types of Plumbing Types
Below are the different types used in plumbing. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today if you don’t know which type of pipe to install for your home.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride pipes, or PVC, are commonly used in the toilet, sink, or shower drain line. They can handle water pressure, and are extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. Compared to galvanized pipes, PVC pipes are a lot easier to work with and contain a smooth inner lining, protecting it against sediment build-up that can lead to drain clogs.
Disadvantages include concerns about toxicity and their inability to withstand hot water. They are not ideal for your water heater pipes ā contact us to help you decide what plumbing pipes are best for your home.
Copper Pipes
They can last up to 50 years and are commonly used in showers, tubs, and sinks. Copper pipes can handle high water pressure and can also tolerate cold and hot water temperatures. You can also recycle them, making them a good alternative if you’re environment-friendly.
Disadvantages include the cost and how difficult it is to work with when compared with PEX piping. If you want to save money, you may want to install PEX piping instead of copper pipes.
ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS is easy to install but it can warp when exposed to sunlight. These types of pipes are mostly used for drain lines or vents.
Galvanized and Cast Iron Pipes
While they can be extremely durable and heat-resistant, galvanized pipes can corrode and be prone to rust. You will only find galvanized pipes in older homes as they are not recommended for new constructions.
Limitations of PEX Tubing
PEX pipes should be installed only in approved locations and must not be in close contact with extreme heat or flame. Also, ensure that they are not directly exposed to sunlight. Otherwise, prolonged exposure can damage the pipe material over time.
To avoid damage to the pipe fittings, please make sure that you don’t install PEX pipes in contaminated soils or use oil-based products that can damage the pipe. Most importantly, don’t install PEX piping near petroleum storage tanks or waste disposal sites.
Common Questions About PEX Piping
Want to know more about how PEX piping works. Read the FAQs below. If you have other concerns, please contact a plumber in Granbury, TX.
Can we also use PEX piping outside our home?
We highly recommend that you avoid installing PEX piping for your outdoor plumbing as they are not approved for prolonged exposure to UV. Also, they should be stored away from direct sunlight. If you want to know more about PEX piping, please feel free to contact one of our plumbers. We are more than happy to discuss how PEX piping works.
Are PEX pipes freeze-resistant?
Yes, they are making them an excellent choice if you live in an area that gets freezing temperatures during the winter. PEX piping will expand when the water is frozen and contracts to its shape when thawed by a plumber.
Is PEX better than copper?
They are easier to install compared to a rigid copper pipe. Also, it’s available in long coils, which eliminates extra fittings. PEX pipes are highly flexible and extremely durable. Compared to metal pipes, PEX can resist corrosion and mineral build-up.
Can you use PEX under a concrete slab?
Yes, you can install PEX piping under a concrete slab or encase it within a slab. However, when it penetrates a concrete slab, you must use the nonmetallic sleeve to protect the pipes.
Where can we use PEX piping?
PEX is approved for both residential and commercial use, radiant panel heating systems, municipal water service lines and building services pipes.
Can you save money with PEX piping?
Yes, you can save more money with PEX piping compared to copper and other types of pipes. PEX uses a manifold system so that the water runs directly from the source to your home’s fixture. Because hot water gets to your tap faster, that means that you don’t waste water, saving you more money. Also, you have the ability to turn off just one fixture without turning off the main valve. If the faucet in the laundry room breaks, there is no need to turn off the main water supply.
Is it safe for drinking water?
In general, PEX piping is good for the plumbing system but you may want to take extra precautions if you’re using it for your drinking water. We highly suggest that you get in touch with a licensed professional instead. They can better inform you on what type is suitable for your need. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for we have a team of licensed professionals highly knowledgeable about PEX piping and anything about plumbing. Call us if you need help with installation or repair and we’ll quickly dispatch a plumber to your home or business.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth
Do you need a plumber in Granbury, TX, today? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We are available 24/7 and are fully insured and licensed. We are an established plumbing company dedicated to providing high-quality plumbing services to all homeowners and businesses. We offer a wide range of plumbing services including commercial plumbing. Get in touch with us today for an appointment.