Homeowners in Tampa Bay often don’t pay much attention to plumbing until something goes wrong. It’s easy to understand why a 
slow revolution in the world of interior plumbing has gone largely unnoticed. Since its introduction to the Tampa Bay region in the early 1990s, PEX piping has been transforming the plumbing installation process and has become the material of choice for both commercial and residential plumbing applications. Keep reading to learn more about PEX and why you should consider it for your next interior pipe installation or plumbing replacement project.
What is PEX?
PEX is a simple acronym. However, PEX isn’t like most acronyms, where each letter stands for a word. Instead, PEX is a bit fancier — X stands for cross-linked, while P and E stand for polyethylene. In the cross-linking process, polyethylene molecules are bonded together to produce a stronger material that can better withstand heightened pressures, temperatures and resistance.
How is PEX Made?
PEX is cross-linked polyethylene. What this means is that chains of polyethylene are chemically altered and bonded with each other to produce high-density polyethylene, which is then melted down and formed into a durable, flexible tube. There are three types of PEX piping available on the plumbing market: PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C, which are used for different applications. PEX is a resilient material and generally comes with a warranty lifespan of 25-30 years.
How PEX is Used
One of the biggest advantages PEX pipes have over metal or plastic pipes is that PEX is flexible. This means it’s an ideal product for retro-fit and remodel projects since it’s able to easily handle corners, be fed through walls, and maneuvered around obstacles. Unlike rigid pipes, PEX also doesn’t require any sort of glue or bonding agent, but rather uses proprietary fittings, valves, manifolds, and connectors to create a watertight system. This type of installation can translate into higher quality work in unconventional applications and quicker turnarounds for contractors and owners alike.
PEX can be used for a variety of applications in the home, including water supply lines and radiant (or hydronic) heating systems. Depending on the type, PEX pipes can withstand water temperatures as hot as 200° F. Thanks to its flexibility, PEX is also able to better handle cold temperatures than many of its rigid counterparts. In the event water freezes in the pipe, PEX can expand, meaning it’s much less likely to burst than metal or plastic.
Some important things to be aware of are that PEX is not rated for use outdoors nor is it approved for continuous UV exposure. However, these limitations are generally not of major concern for most standard building projects, where pipes are hidden away in the walls or under floors.
Want to Learn More PEX plumbing in Tampa Bay?
If you need to upgrade your plumbing or are building new construction, you should consider making the switch to PEX piping. Contact the experts as Cass Plumbing to discuss your plumbing needs and we’ll help you find the best solution for your Tampa Bay plumbing project. We have proudly served Tampa Bay region over 2 decades, have thousands of 5 star reviews and we turn plumbing into cash rewards! Call us today at 813-265-9200 and discover the Best Plumber in Tampa Bay.
