In an era when plumbing systems are continuing to advance from metal to plastics, contractors are speculating which plastic piping system is best. The right answer can be found by learning some technical facts about crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe — a flexible, durable, plastic piping material that has been used for decades in plumbing and heating applications worldwide.
While all PEX pipe must adhere to specific standards for temperature and pressure ratings and pipe-wall thickness, many variables in the manufacturing methods of PEX affect pipe performance. This article will address four technical attributes of PEX to guide you in choosing the best plumbing system for a structure.