March 2
How PEX Fittings Are Applied In Plumbing Systems
The flexibility and strength of tubing built of high density polyethylene material and coupled by PEX fittings provides many advantages over plumbing arrangements utilizing metal or rigid plastic pipes. PEX tubes do not corrode and withstand cold temperatures without becoming brittle. They cost less than copper or plastic piping. They are much easier to install because they are stored in reels and need less fittings.
In cold temperatures PEX pipes retain their flexibility and do not become delicate and burst. Unlike metal pipes, PEX tubing will not rust and will not develop scale. PEX tubing is energy cost-efficient as well because they do not conduct heat.
PEX tubing is stored on spools. Reels weigh less than copper or rigid plastic pipe making them less pricey to ship and easier to store. When employed in an Installation, PEX tubing can be wound off directly from the reel and does not require coupling fittings. This saves the time and expense of running pipe. PEX tubing can be turned 90 degrees doing away with the need for elbow fittings. PEX tube does not need to be soldered so there are no unhealthy fumes and risks posed by using a torch.
There are a mixture of connection methods utilized in installing PEX arrangements. Some of these techniques are proprietary and some require specific tools. Basically, the fitting is set over the tube or in the tube and then a clamp is pinched around the pipe or fitting making a tight fit. The rings can be constructed of various metals or plastic depending on he connection method.
The tools you will use when installing PEX are a PEX pipe cutter, a main crimping tool and a de-crimping tool. The PEX pipe cutter comes in different sizes for 1/2″ and 3/4″ size pipes. Rings are crimped utilising the crimping tool. The de-crimping tool is employed for removing rings from tubes or fittings.
Fittings are normally made of brass, although there are some constructed of bronze, copper and engineered plastic fittings for PEX plumbing. There are characteristic ridges on the “insert” part of the fitting. The ridges, the PEX pipe and the crimped metal ring all work together to form a high-pressure seal.
It is clear that using PEX tubing with PEX fittings has significant advantages over metal and rigid plastic schemes. It costs less. It is simpler and faster to put in. Its immunity to erosion and scale makes it last longer.