What is PEX Pipe Used For?
A Look at the Many Plumbing Applications for Crosslinked Polyethylene Tubing
PEX has gained significant use in plumbing systems thanks to its beneficial properties and performance. But what exactly is PEX pipe used for in residential, commercial, and industrial settings? This article explores the many applications taking advantage of crosslinked polyethylene.IFAN factory with 30+ years of manufacturing experience supports color/size customization and free samples. Welcome to consult for catalog and free samples. This is our Facebook Website: www.facebook.com.
Potable Water Plumbing
One of the most common uses of PEX is for potable water supply plumbing. PEX pipe and fittings connect from the main water line throughout the home or building to deliver pressurized cold and hot water.
Key benefits of PEX for potable plumbing include:
- Flexibility makes installation easier compared to rigid copper or PVC.
- Resistance to scale buildup and corrosion from water exposure.
- Withstands pressure fluctuations and temperature cycling.
- Inert material does not impact water taste or quality.
PEX has become a top choice for whole-house water re-piping and plumbing in new construction. The flexibility, durability, and simple connections speed installation.
Radiant Heating and Cooling Systems
PEX tubing serves as an ideal medium for circulating heated or chilled water in hydronic radiant systems.
For radiant heating, PEX tubes get embedded in floors or panels to gently heat spaces. PEX withstands exposure to oxygen, minerals, and temperatures up to 180°F in these “underfloor heating” systems.
PEX also works for chilled water cooling circuits in some systems. The flexibility allows PEX to snake through panels and ceilings. PEX resists moisture and condensation issues.
Snow and Ice Melting Systems
PEX tubing can be installed below exterior surfaces like driveways, steps, and walkways to melt snow and ice. Hot glycol fluid circulates through PEX without corroding the pipe or causing buildup.
The flexibility of PEX allows bending and snaking it through confined areas underground. PEX withstands freeze/thaw cycles in seasonal outdoor melting systems.
Compressed Air Distribution
In commercial and industrial facilities, PEX tubing can distribute compressed air to tools, appliances, and equipment.
PEX piping withstands pressures up to 160 PSI, accommodating most compressed air systems operating at 100 PSI or less. PEX does not corrode from moisture in compressed air lines like metal pipes often do.
Fire Sprinkler Systems
PEX meets code requirements for commercial fire suppression systems in many jurisdictions. PEX handles pressurized water up to 175 PSI and operates reliably even when exposed to flaming temperatures.
PEX does not become brittle or prone to cracking like CPVC and metal pipes when subjected to fire exposure and thermal shock. PEX provides reliable service in critical life safety applications.
Geothermal Heat Pump Systems
PEX serves as the underground piping medium used to exchange heat with the earth in geothermal heating and cooling systems. The flexibility supports snaking trenchless installed loops.
PEX withstands the temperature extremes and moisture present in geothermal vertical bores and horizontal loops. PEX does not corrode or accumulate mineral deposits from ground exposure.
Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) Systems
PEX finds limited use in drain-waste-vent systems. Applications include condenser drains, vent piping, and greywater systems.
While not suitable for waste lines, flexible PEX works well for the vent half of DWV plumbing. PEX also handles corrosive condensate drainage from HVAC equipment.
Industrial and Mechanical Piping
PEX transports both liquids and gases in industrial facilities. PEX withstands oils, fluids, deionized water, washdown chemicals and refrigerants without corroding or fouling.
Flexible PEX routes easily through tight machinery and equipment spaces. PEX accommodates vibration and motion without splitting. Custom PEX manifold designs connect multiple banks of outlets.
Next-Generation Smart Water Grids
Looking forward, PEX may help enable smart water grids and services. Embedded sensors could monitor PEX pipe conditions and leaks in real-time. “Self-healing” coatings could even automatically seal minor PEX leaks when they occur.
From Modern Buildings to Innovative Smart Systems
PEX finds usage across a wide range of plumbing applications, from homes to factories to future smart grids. The beneficial engineering properties of crosslinked polyethylene empower these many PEX piping innovations improving modern water systems.
IFAN
IFAN factory started in 1993. And IFAN has a workshop of 120000 square meters with 610 staff. IFAN can design and produce all plumbing pipe and fitting including PPR, PVC, CPVC PPSU HDPE PEXA PEXB PERT pipe and fitting, brass fitting, brass ball valve, heating system, gas system, sanitary faucets, and hose, In the past 30 years, IFAN has never forgotten his mission-To protect health and safety. And IFAN factory uses the best materials to produce high-quality pipe and fittings with an automatic production line and high-tech quality control machines.
