Until recently, plumbing remodeling was never an easy task for average homeowners. Traditional galvanized pipes are heavy, and cutting new threads on these pipes was another daunting task on its own.
Later lighter and easy-to-cut copper pipes were introduced; however, the need to sweat the copper joints with a torch was intimidating and discouraged the use of copper pipes. But the introduction of plastic PEX pipes and connectors that are easy to attach to the PEX tubing has made bathroom plumbing remodeling accessible to most plumbing-averse homeowners.
However, many do-it-yourself homeowners have questioned the use of PEX for showerheads. This article attempts to clarify the misconception behind PEX and its use in the bathroom setting.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a new and trendy type of flexible plastic pipe, perfect for showerheads. It is the function of the I.D. of the PEX tubing to adequately restrict the water so that it will fill the riser to the showerhead and drip out. PEX pipes are more straightforward to work with and suitable for showerheads.
What is a PEX pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a new standard of flexible plastic water pipe that is gradually replacing traditional galvanized steel, and copper has the most preferred water supply lines in both new construction and remodeling plumbing projects.
PEX quickly became most homeowners’ water supply lines’ favorite due to its price, performance, and flexibility. PEX pipes are a product of polymer molecules in polyethylene. This makes them unique, flexible, and durable.
PEX can be twisted, bent, or crushed to return to its original shape. In addition, with the use of push or clamp fit connectors, enthusiastic DIYers can replace their leaking copper pipes with PEX pipes.
What are the different types of PEX?
PEX-A Pipes
PEX-A is considered the superior type of PEX because it is the most malleable. PEX-A pipes are expensive and extremely flexible because they are assembled with peroxide.
Crosslinking takes place during the manufacturing process when the polyethylene is at the melting point. Most professional building contractors will recommend PEX-A because it can withstand the effects of freezing temperatures throughout the winter season.
PEX-B Pipes
PEX-B is less superior to PEX-A; hence it’s categorized as “B.” PEX-B piping is less flexible than PEX-A, but they are designed to withstand deterioration as a result of minerals like chlorine.
Therefore, PEX-B pipings are the best option for homes in suburbs and cities that get a large supply of chlorine in their water. PEX-B pipes are more popular because more plumbing renovations happen in the suburbs and cities, and they cost less than PEX-A.
PEX-C Pipes
PEX-C pipes are the least flexible and the least expensive, and PEX-C tubing are suspensible to holes and crack during the winter season.
They are designed for ordinarily utilized for small maintenance projects in buildings in areas with moderate climates. If you stay in the far north and experience below-freezing temperatures in the winter, don’t invest in PEX-C pipes; instead, go for PEX-A or PEX-B.
PEX pipe vs. copper for shower head
PEX pipes are superior and easier to use and maintain than copper pipes. PEX pipes are much more frost resistant, immune to corrosion and mineral build-up, and are not affected by electrolysis that may cause hole leaks in the copper pipeline.
PEX pipe is more resistant to bursting during winter than metal piping. In addition, the prices of PEX showerheads are cheaper, durable and they necessarily don’t require the services of professionals to install them, making them the favorite option for most enthusiastic DIYers and industry standards.
Can I use PEX pipe for hot and cold water?
PEX plumbing pipes are flexible and can contrast or expand to withstand cold and mild hot water. However, the PEX water lines should not be connected to the house water heater.
The temperature of the supply from the water heater ranges between 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and PEX pipes are not designed to withstand this type of heat. In addition, there are blue and red color coding to distinguish between cold and hot water pipes.
How to connect PEX pipe to shower?
PEX pipes are easy to connect to the shower; however, it is important to make sure the connections are watertight during fitting. Some of the common methods of ensuring watertight connection include
- Expansion connection
- Compression fitting
- Push-fit connections
- Expansion connection
What PEX size is good for a shower?
There is actually no limit to what size to use, but 1/2-inch main lines are usually sufficient to get the water flowing into the showerhead. The standard plumbing rule is to simply replace the old water supply lines using PEX that is the same size.
This means when you are replacing an old water supply line with new PEX pipes, you should use the old standards as a starting place.
Can you use PEX from valve to showerhead?
You can use PEX pipes for the pipeline connection between the valve and showerhead. Given the numerous advantages of PEX pipes, using PEX pipes for your home plumbing work will suit your plumbing in the long run.
Using PEX pipes from the valve to the showerhead completely eradicates the complications that may arise due to the usage of hot and cold water. It is equally important to watch out for the fittings to ensure they are watertight.
Does PEX reduce water pressure?
PEX plastic pipes have a much superior flow rate than copper. But PEX fitting I.D. is smaller than the other pipes of similar size. Therefore, it actually reduces water pressure, but it does at an insignificant rate, so it’s nothing to be worried about.
Conclusion
If you have followed this article carefully up until now, the information provided should have answered your questions and cleared every misconception regarding using PEX pipes in bathroom plumbing renovation. Plumbing is an essential element in a bathroom
. Suppose you’ve ever experienced a pipe bursting before. In that case, you are likely to be curious about the right instruments to use to avoid paying a high fee associated with water damage repair projects again. PEX pipes are great for showerheads and if you are still in doubt, seek professional help.
