Re: PEx-a PVC plumbing alternative

[Alan Muller <amuller@dca.net>]

At 04:17 AM 11/15/99 -0500, Tony Tweedale wrote:
>sorry to post so much promotional literature from one company, but it is
>fairly informative stuff.  

There are quite a few makers of PEX and associated systems for connecting it up into plumbing and heating systems.  (I'm plumbing my own house with it and so far have had only good results.)

Wirsbo uses a system wherein the tubing is stretched and then allowed to contract over the fitting.  Most other companies use a system where the tubing is clamped to a hose barb type fitting with a copper ring.  Both of these are a problem for do-it-yourself because the tool for stretching or crimping is expensive.  (I had to buy three crimpers a $100 each.)  There are also heat fusion and compression-nut type fittings.

PEX has been seen in the US market as a replacement for polybutylene tube, a (usually) light grey tube installed similarly which sometimes leaked and has generated massive class action litigation.

PEX is generally non UV resistant and cannot be left exposed to sunlight.  Some makers say even indirect sunlight is no good.

Most PEX fittings are brass or copper.  Some are plastic.  I'm not totally happy with the brass fittings as I think they will eventually fail from "dezincification" in acidic waters.

Polyethylene itself should prolly not be a health hazard (?).  I haven't gotten totally clear answers to whether PEX water tube has additives--plasticisers, UV inhibitors (presumably not?) or other potential bad actors.

Overall, PEX is looking like possibly the most inert material for domestic plumbing but is not without questions and concerns.

Alan
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