There are quite a ton of plumbing pipe types that you can install in your home or commercial business establishments, from the most common option, PVC, to the most sophisticated but quite an expensive alternative, stainless steel. Moreover, if flexibility, leak-free, and low maintenance are the essential features you’re looking for in a plumbing pipe, the PEX piping material will suit you best. 

You can refer to this blog post as your guide, as we’ll share four vital PEX pipe size factors that you must learn about, so you can wisely decide what’s best fitting for your area. But before we tackle each of them, you need to know the basics of PEX pipes, their types, and proper usage, along with some reminders. 

Essential things about PEX pipes  

Recently, PEX piping has been gaining massive popularity among home and business owners, especially over its close competitor, copper pipe. Mainly because of the plastic pipes’ significant advantages, such as leak reduction, corrosion resistance, and the minimal maintenance it demands.  

Hence, many now claim PEX pipes as the best water supply plumbing pipe. The first thing you need to consider when installing PEX plumbing pipes is the specific product type you’ll install. Overall, there are PEX pipes that have more than 20 varieties. Each uniquely differs in the advantages and disadvantages they offer. 

However, experts classified PEX pipe products into four categories for much easier understanding, namely: 

• PEX-A:

  Out of all the PEX piping categories, PEX-A is the most impressive as it offers the most robust flexibility and durability power. Therefore, it’s also the most popular, although it is expensive. 

• PEX-B:

  The PEX-B pipe, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly version of PEX-A piping, recommended explicitly for projects that incorporate straight and long plumbing operations. 

• PEX-C:

  The PEX-C piping category presents similar features as PEX-B. However, this pipe appears much softer, making it more prone to bend.

• PEX-AL-PEX:

  Lastly, the PEX-AL-PEX pipe is for users with more budget as it’s the most expensive among all PEX piping categories. Its plumbing pipes contain an aluminum layer—which is vital in maintaining the tubing shape and preventing bent issues.

A little reminder: 

• For outdoor areas, PEX piping isn’t a suitable location to install these pipes as UV rays can damage its plastic layer. However, if you’re willing to invest in a steel insulated access door, it’s a reliable panel with which you can entrust your plumbing PEX pipes.
• Check your local area’s guidelines before attaching PEX pipes, as this piping type only applies to specific locations.

After profoundly learning about the basics of PEX pipes, you can now take note of the different PEX pipe size factors you should watch out for: 

1. Diameter 

When purchasing PEX, always check the product’s nominal size, as it’s a valuable indication if the pipe you’re eyeing is compatible with the exact fitting dimensions. The PEX pipes can go from 3/9″ to 1″ in diameter for house applications.  

2. Water Pressure  

If you want your bathtub, washing machine, or dishwasher to fill with water quickly in less than a few minutes, apply a tube with a minimum of 1/2″ tube line. For sinks, showers, and commode tanks, on the other hand, a 3/8″ tube lines is more efficient to attach. 

3. Water Supply Manifold Systems  

The PEX plumbing system runs from a central water supply manifold to each fixture connected. Oft-times, plumbers install valves in contrasting colors to help the household easily distinguish the hot and cold water lines. Furthermore, the recommended installation arrangement should start from wider tubing down to the narrower tube pipes. Keep in mind that the larger the manifold’s distance to the tube fixture, the more massive the PEX pipe you should get. 

4. Pressure drop  

If your water supply line is up to 250 feet, the 3/9″ PEX pipe is already suitable to grant sufficient water pressure. Meanwhile, for a 350-feet line, the 1/2″ tubes are the best fitting, and for a 500-feet line, a 3/4″ PEX piping will perform much better. 

PEX pipes: A handy piping alternative 

PEX pipes have a fair share of pros and cons. Hence, it’s up to you to weigh the benefits you’ll gain once you install it as your plumbing tube system. Refer to the information, tips, and factors we shared, so you can guide yourself accordingly and make the best decision for your plumbing mechanism or call a local plumber to assist you with pipe sizing.