How PEX Fittings Are In Use In Plumbing Schemes
PEX is a water plumbing system manufactured from high density polyethylene pipes. specific PEX fittings are employed to join PEX tubing. PEX tubing is a supple material that is easier and less expensive to put in, is resistant to corroding and needs less fittings than older plumbing systems.
In cold temps PEX pipes retain their flexibility and do not become brittle and burst. Unlike metal pipes, PEX tubing will not corrode and will not build up scale. PEX tubing is energy efficient as well because they do not conduct heat.
PEX tubing is wrapped in spools. Because spools weigh less than cut metal or plastic pipes, they are simpler to store and cost less to ship. Tubing can be wound off from the spools with no need for coupling fittings. Installing is much quicker and less pricey when it does not involve the running of pipe.
Connecting the pipes is done by placing a fitting into or over the tube and then pinching a ring put over the pipe or fitting. There are a few different connection methods. Some use metal crimp rings and others employ crimp rings constructed of plastic. One system uses a stainless steel clamp. Most fittings are brass although some are made of other metals or plastic. Because PEX tubing is supple and can be flexed to a 90 degree angle elbow joints are not needed.
Three basic tools are required for the standard crimping method when working with PEX: a main crimping tool, a pipe cutter, and a de-crimping tool. The pipe cutter tool cuts the tube before putting it into the fitting. There are a mixture of main crimping tools available which can crimp 1/2″ or 3/4″ pipes. A de-crimping tool is employed to remove the copper crimp ring from the tube and fitting.
Fittings are usually built of brass, although there are some built of bronze, copper and engineered plastic fittings for PEX plumbing. There are typical ridges on the “insert” part of the fitting. The ridges, the PEX tube and the pinched copper ring all work in concert to form a high-pressure seal.
Employing the system of PEX fittings along with PEX tubing has distinct advantages over metal and plastic piping. It is less costly than rigid plastic and copper piping . It can be installed right from the spools. It involves less fittings. It last longer because it is not susceptible to corroding.
This entry was posted on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 5:08 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.