PEX Questions

19 years ago

1) Is PEX a generic name or brand name. When I search under PEX, I do not find a manufacturer PEX. If a generic name, what brand is recommended.

2) If running PEX through walls, when you come out the wall to a sink, is there a transition to chrome nipples, or does the flexible PEX need to actually come out the wall. This may not look to nice on a a pedestal sink with red and white tubes showing?

3) If redoing a kitchen and bathroom, for example, can I make a connection from the existing 3/4" copper "main line" to a PEX manifold, and then from the manifold I can run individual 1/2" PEX to the kitchen and bathrooms? Or does it make more sense to just cut off the existing feeds to those rooms and replace with PEX and do not use a manifold to save money.

4) Besides the flex PEX tubing, it appears I need a criming tool and connectors. Am I missing something else? Does the PEX tubing need to be "stapled" to studs, or can it "flop" around behind the wall.

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Comment (1)

Joseph
19 years ago
1) PEX is a generic name. PEX stands for cross-linked (X) polyethylene (PE). I don't know of any specific brand that is generally recommended, but it is good to know that there are three main types of PEX: PEX-A, -B, and -C. The ABC designation refers to the method by which the cross-linking is done - not the quality or rating of the tubing. Each cross-linking method produces different characteristics within the tubing. For example, if kinked or crushed, PEX-A has the ability to regain its shape through the application of heat.

2) Yes, there are several different transtions available. One that comes to mind that is readily available in my area is a piece of copper pipe, bent in a 90Â° sweep, with a PEX nipple on one end. The other end is sealed and can be cut off after drywall is up. You can then install whatever type of stop you want.

3) You can use either method. Any distribution system is acceptable as long as it meets code and supplies water to all your fixtures with sufficient volume and pressure. Other factors worth considering are the costs and benefits of a trunk and branch system vs. a manifold system vs. some combination of the two. There are many other threads on this forum that cover that discussion.

4) Yes, the PEX should be supported in accordance with your local codes. It's quite tough, and would be fine in most situations just flopping behind the wall, but it's cheap, quick, and just good practice to support the pipe in the wall.
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