PEX piping is made from flexible plastic and is an alternative to copper or steel water supply pipes. PEX pipes were initially used for radiant heat flooring, but have since become extremely popular for plumbing projects, due to their flexibility and ease of installation. In fact, it has made it possible for many people to perform DIY plumbing fixes in their homes or businesses. Also, PEX piping does not corrode as copper and steel pipes do, so leaks and water contamination aren’t an issue.
Benefits of Using PEX Piping in Business or Work:
- Cost-Effective: In comparison to copper or steel, PEX piping is generally more affordable, leading to reduced overhead costs for businesses.
- Easy Transportation: Due to its lightweight nature, transporting PEX piping to job sites is a breeze.
- Durable: PEX pipes resist both freezing and high temperatures, making them ideal for various environments.
- Quick Installation: Its flexible nature allows for faster installations, saving time and labor costs.
- Reduced Maintenance: With no corrosion issues, businesses face fewer replacements and repairs, ensuring long-lasting performance.
For professionals in the construction and plumbing sectors, integrating PEX piping into their services has offered a competitive edge. Its adaptability means it can be used in intricate building designs where traditional pipes might not fit. Moreover, for businesses that focus on green construction and sustainability, PEX pipes offer an eco-friendly alternative as they require less energy to produce and result in fewer waste products.
There are 3 different kinds of PEX pipes – each with its own benefits. They are as follows:
- PEX-A – This is the most flexible of the 3 and can be used for all types of indoor plumbing. It expands the most when water freezes, so it is the most resistant to cracking in frigid temperatures. PEX-A is also the easiest to work with.
- PEX-B – PEX-B is slightly stiffer than PEX-A, and it has a distinct coil “memory” that makes the tubing want to return to its original coiled state. It also expands to the greatest degree when the water freezes, so it will also resist cracking. PEX-B is generally a bit less expensive than PEX-A.
- PEX-C – This is the stiffest version, which makes it a bit difficult to work with. However, it is the most economical of the 3 and is well-suited for short repairs where bending around sharp corners isn’t necessary.
| Feature/Parameter | PEX A | PEX B | PEX C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | Engel Method | Silane Method | Irradiation Method |
| Flexibility | Most flexible | Moderate flexibility | Least flexible |
| Memory Feature | Has shape memory (can return to its original shape after expansion) | No shape memory | Limited shape memory |
| Burst Pressure | Highest | Moderate | Lowest |
| Resistance to Chlorine | Good | Better | Good |
| UV Sensitivity | Very sensitive (should not be exposed to sunlight for long durations) | Less sensitive than PEX A, but still should be protected | Similar to PEX A, should be protected from prolonged UV exposure |
| Cost | Typically more expensive | Generally less expensive than PEX A | Varies, but typically less popular and harder to find |
| Ease of Installation | Easier due to flexibility | Moderate | More rigid, might be a bit harder |
There are also special tools and connectors needed to work with and install PEX tubing. These include items such as PEX crimper, PEX expander tool, a PEX cutter, and more. Oftentimes, though, you can get PEX piping kits that contain the tubing and the tools and accessories you’ll need for your project.
PEX Pipe and PEX Tools for Your Business
Whether you own a plumbing business or are a DIYer wanting to tackle a plumbing project, consider plumbing with PEX. It’s a great alternative to metal pipes and will last longer. Below is our list of some great PEX pipe and PEX tools we found on Amazon. Check out our 15 picks for help with your search for PEX plumbing supplies.
EFIELD 1/2-inch PEX-A Tubing/Pipe Kit
This kit from EFIELD contains 2 rolls of 100 ft PEX-A tubing, one red and one blue. You also get 30 1/2-inch PEX brass expansion fittings, 100 1/2-inch expansion rings, and a pipe cutter.
(All in One) EFIELD 1/2-inch Pex-A Tubing/Pipe
Supply Giant PEX-A Tubing Pipe 2 Rolls
You get 2 100 ft. rolls of 1/2 inch tubes. One tube is red, the other blue. The piping meets or exceeds ASTM F876, F877, F1807, F1960, F2023, F2080 and F2169 standards.
Supply Giant PARB12100 Pex A Tubing Pipe
PEX GUY 3/4″ x 300 Ft Blue PEX
PEX GUY offers your choice of thickness in a 300 ft PEX-A tubing roll. You can also choose between blue or red.
Blue PEX For Potable Water Domestic Water – PEX GUY
SharkBite 3/4 Inch White PEX-B
SharkBite offers 300 ft of 3/4 inch PEX-B tubing in white. This portable PEX pipe is certified to meet ASTM F2023 oxidative-resistance requirements for continuous hot water recirculation.
SharkBite 1/2 Inch x 300 Feet White PEX-B, PEX Pipe Flexible Water Tubing for Plumbing
PEX-B Pipe 1/2 Inch Flexible Water Pipe
Here you get 2 rolls of 1/2-inch PEX-B in blue and red. Each roll is 100 feet.
PEX Pipe 1/2 Inch Flexible Water Pipe 2 Rolls
EFIELD Blue & Red 1/2 inch PEX-B Pipe/Tubing
Another value set by EFIELD, this one includes 2 300 ft rolls of NSF-certified PEX-B pipe. Also included is a free pipe cutter.
EFIELD Pex-b Pipe/Tubing (NSF Certified) Blue & Red
IWISS® F1807 Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit
This kit includes a built-in 1-inch crimper with interchangeable jaws, Go-No-Go Gauge, hex spanner, and PEX cutter.
WISS® F1807 Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit
iCRIMP Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool with Removing Function
The unique design of this tool allows it to function as a multi-purpose tool. It can cinch clamps and remove the clamps from the pipe, allowing it to be reused. Also included are a PEX cutter and 30 clamps.
CRIMP Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool with Removing function
Full Port Water Stop Shut Off PEX Brass Ball Valves
This is a good value if you need valves. You get 10 1/2” PEX brass ball valves, all made from lead-free DZR forged brass.
Full Port Water Stop Shut Off, 1/2” PEX Brass Ball Valve
SHALL PEX Pipe Fitting Crimper Tool Kit
This kit from SHALL contains a crimper tool, a cutter, 20 1/2 inch stainless steel clamps, 10 3/4 inch stainless steel clamps, a calibration tool, and 2 pairs of PVC gloves.
SHALL Pex Crimping Clamp Cinch Tool and Pipe Hose Cutter
100pcs PEX Cinch Clamp Rings
Choose between several different sizes and get a pack of 100. These clamp rings are made from stainless steel and are safe for potable water and radiant heat flooring.
100pcs 1/2 Inch PEX Cinch Clamp Rings, 304 Stainless Steel Cinch Crimp Rings
IWISS PEX Expander Tool
This is a PEX-A expander. It comes with 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ heads, tool lubricant, and a sturdy carrying case.
IWISS PEX Expander Tool with Expansion Heads for Uponor ProPex Expansion Sleeves
Milwaukee PEX/Tubing Cutter
Milwaukee’s PEX cutter tool has replaceable blades for increased tool life and a double ground V-shaped blade for cleaner cuts. It also features a rework groove for correcting mistakes and a one-handed locking mechanism.
Milwaukee 48-22-4200 Pex/Tubing Cutter
Redford Supply Co. 2 Inch Pipe Insulation Tape
Although PEX piping is resistant to cold, it never hurts to add insulation. This insulation tape comes in an 11 ft roll and is suitable for all kinds of pipes.
2 Inch Pipe Insulation Tape – Weather Resistant Water Pipe Wrap Tape
PEX GUY 1/2″ Brass PEX Fittings
This kit includes ten 1/2″ PEX elbows 90s, ten 1/2″ PEX tees, and ten 1/2″ straight couplers. All pieces are brass and can be used with any kind of PEX piping.
Brass PEX Fittings for 1/2 inch PEX Pipe (10 – Elbow
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This article, “Pex Pipe and Pex Tools: Picks for Your Business” was first published on Small Business Trends