Crosslinked polyethylene, also known as PEX, is a common component of water supply systems. It has significant advantages over conventional metal pipes like copper, iron, or lead piping. It can also substitute for hard plastic pipe systems like PVC, CPVC, and ABS. PEX has been used with success in European countries for almost forty years, and has been used in the U.S. since about 1980.

PEX has a number of advantages. It resists corrosion and the build up of scale and chlorine, and it also won't develop pinholes. It requires fewer connections and fittings than other piping systems, making it much faster to install than metal or rigid plastic systems. PEX tubing is typically used for hydronic radiant heat systems and home water pipes. It's a good alternative to PVC and copper piping, which are most often used in home building applications or upgrades and repairs to existing water systems.

PEX can be used for both hot and cold water lines. It is available in color coded piping, with red to identify hot water piping and blue for cold. This is a convenience and precautionary measure that is not strictly necessary. It also comes in standard white. One more advantage of PEX tubing is that water flows quietly through it, in contrast to the water hammer noise that is characteristic of copper pipe systems.

There are fittings that can adapt PEX to existing copper pipes, including such standard fittings as elbows, shut-offs, and couplings. Do it yourself enthusiasts are fond of PEX piping because of its great flexibility. This eliminates the need for a number of fittings, making installation easier and reducing the chance of leaks. Every fitting provides an opportunity for a leak to develop at the joint; reducing the number of fittings reduces the risk of leaks.

Because PEX is unrolled from a spool, it is easy to install in long runs, and eliminates the need for couplings. It can easily be bent at a 90 degree angle, making the need for elbow fittings obsolete. By spending less time cutting pipe and installing fittings, the installation process is made much faster.

Apart from its incredible flexibility, it can also expand and contract. This greatly reduces the likelihood that PEX will burst or break. PEX does resist freeze damage much more effectively than other types of piping, but there is no tubing that can withstand a freeze one hundred percent of the time. PEX should be installed according to local installation requirements in your area, just as you would with any other type of plumbing system. In case a repair becomes necessary, there are repair kits available to simplify the process.

PEX is a great alternative to conventional water piping systems. It won't corrode, it resists scale and chlorine build up, it doesn't spring pinhole leaks, and is quick and easy to install. The next time you install a water system, consider using PEX to make your work easier and prevent the need for costly and frustrating repairs down the road. Give it a try, and see for yourself just how easy it is to use PEX piping.