The PEX, XPE or XLPE pipe is a thermoplastic pipe made by cross-linking of high-density polyethylene polymer which is cheaper, tougher and better than PVC or copper.
These pipes are the modern era in the plumbing system owing to their flexibility, resistant to freezing, temperature changes, UV rays, chlorine, corrosion, etc.
Easy installation makes them more convenient. Installation does not require any extra chemicals or solvent. So, for the potable water supply, they are best both in health and safety side
The pipes are freeze and damage resistant as they expand if frozen. But revert to their original shape when thawed.
These pipes are cheaper than copper pipe. They cost a third of the price of copper. Also, the copper price fluctuates so pipe too but the PEX is usually fixed.
Also, they last longer than copper and other plastic pipes. Most of the manufacturer provides around 25 years warranty
In a Rush?
Here’s our top 3 products that thought you would be interested in…
The Best PEX Pipes for Any Pipework Systems
1. SharkBite Flexible PEX Pipe for Potable Water
| Non Barrier | Oxygen Barrier |
| 1 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, 3/8 inch | Orange |
Brand: SharkBite
Weight: Depend on the size & Length
Size: 1″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 3/8, and 5/8
Type: PEX-B
Color: White, blue, red & orange
Warranty: 25 Years
- Resistant to freeze and cracks
- Universal push to connect
- Temperature changes and freeze resistant
- Chlorine and UV resistant
- Standards for commercial and residential use
- Made in USA
One of the best pipe for residential and commercial pipework from the best brand. For a healthy, safe, versatile, dependable and cost-effective plumbing system, we recommend SharkBite PEX pipe.
Regarding your health and safety issue, we are here to assure you that they don’t require glue, solvent or solder to make a connection. Because the installation process is a simple push to connect that ensure the supply of potable water.
SharkBite made four colored PEX pipe for identification purposes. They colored white for either hot or cold water lines, red for hot water lines, blue for cold water lines and orange for radiant floor and hydronic heating applications.
Note: These colors are just identification purpose to make it easier to tell which one hot or cold water. You can use any one for any purpose.
As we know, ferrous metal or iron turns into hydrated iron oxide (rust) when it comes in contact with oxygen. If you use any ordinary pipe for radiant floor and hydronic heating, they diffuse oxygen and rust will form. Ultimately lead to corrosion of ferrous metal parts of your project.
To prevent this corrosive hazards, SharkBite made orange oxygen barrier pipe. This pipe acts as a barrier for oxygen diffusion to the heating system. Thus prevents corrosion of iron metal parts.
The tubings are flexible so they require fewer fittings. So they can expand and contract with temperature changes. Flexibility minimizes noise caused by water hammer.
The SharkBite pipes are freeze and damage resistant owing their flexibility. They also stress resistant up to 630 psi at 73 degrees F.
Anyone can make a connection easily with push-to-connect, plastic barb and brass barb fittings without having any previous knowledge about plumbing.
You can keep your trust on SharkBite company. They make the pipe more than 35 years with over 12 Billion feet of pipe installed by their customers.
SharkBite pipes are cheaper nearly a third of the price of copper. So you can get hazards free plumbing system within a low budget.
The pipes are perfect for both above and underground. But you cann’t use them outside due to continuous sunlight exposure.
2. VIVO Pex Tubing for Barrier & NonBarrier Plumbing
| Non Barrier | Oxygen Barrier |
| 1 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch | 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch |
Brand: VIVO
Weight: Depend on the size & Length
Size: 1″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 5/8″
Type: PEX-B
Color: Blue & red
Warranty: 25 Years
- ASTM standards
- Standards for residential and light commercial applications
- Compatible with most of the crimp & cinch connection
- Pressure ratings: 160psi at 73F & 100psi at 180F
VIVO is a Chinese manufacturer produces almost all the plumbing fittings. They made two types of pex pipes which are non-barrier and oxygen barrier. Both of them are PEX type-B.
These pipes are best for safe water made from cross-linked polyethylene. They are resistant to temperature changes so that they can handle both hot and cold water.
Also, they are freeze resistant owing to their flexibility up to 5 radius.
VIVO pipes are ASTM F876, ASTM F877, CSA B137.5, and ANSI/NSF 61-G, NSF-pw certified.
The tubings are available in multiple sizes such as 1, 1/2, & 3/4 inch. But they don’t have 3/8 inches pipe. They can handle 100psi at 180 degrees F and 160psi at 73 degrees F. So you can use them for your pressure tank and well pump without being worried.
The pipes are compatible with crimp, compression & cinch connection system. They fit with every SharkBite fittings and all other standard fittings.
VIVO also comes with the oxygen barrier (EVOH) pipes which are best for floor heating applications.
Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) acts as a barrier to defuse elements such as oxygen which slowly corrodes metal parts.
They come with a standard 25-year manufacturer warranty. Both of the pipes are great in quality and cheaper.
3. Pexflow PEX Potable Water Tubing
| Non Barrier | Oxygen Barrier |
Brand: PEXFLOW
Weight: Depend on the size & Length
Size: 1″, 1/2″, 3/4″, and 3/8
Type: PEX-B
Color: White, blue & red
- Robust performance
- Quiet water flow
- Resistant to freeze and cracks
- Long lasting pipe
These pipes are PEX type-B, comes with multiple diameter 1, 1/2, 3/4 & 3/8 inch multiple length 100, 300, 500, 1000 & 1200 ft. They are available in three solid colors white, blue and red for identification purpose. They fit most of the SharkBite fittings.
Pexflow tubings are lead-free, ASTM F2023 standard and ANSI/NSF certified for potable water. They also made oxygen barrier PEX pipe which is for the hydronic heating system.
The pipes are freezing resistant, like plastic pipes they don’t bust in the winter season. You can use them on 80psi at 200F, 100psi at 180F, 160psi at 73F without being worried about safety.
For long term uninterrupted water supply, these pipes are a great choice.
3. Happybuy PEX Oxygen Barrier & Non-Barrier Tubing
| Non Barrier | Oxygen Barrier |
| 1/2 inch 3/4 inch | 1/2 inch 3/4 inch |
Brand: Happybuy
Weight: Depend on the size & Length of the pipe
Size: 1/2″ and 3/4″
Type: PEX-B
Color: White, blue & red
- Durable
- Freeze protection
- Wide range of application
- EVOH Oxygen Barrier pipe
Happybuy is a new company in comparison with other mentioned above. Though they are new in the industry, the pex pipes are great in quality.
The tubes are of high quality and durable. They have both oxygen barrier and non-barrier pex pipe.
The company made 1/2″ and 3/4″ pipes for wide application. The pipes are PEX-B type and resistant to all necessary things which make a pex connection perfect for all situations.
Buyer’s Guide
Before making any purchase, you have to consider a variety of criteria. Some of them may be product related and others may be your demand.
In the case of purchasing a pex pipe, you have to first consider your demand and then the product details.
Barrier or Non-Barrier: The first thing is where you want to use the pipe. If you want to use it for the radiant floor and hydronic heating applications, take the oxygen barrier pipe. Or choose non-barrier for potable water.
Size: Choose wisely according to your plumbing requirement. Don’t buy the wrong one otherwise, it will make a mess. Although all the brand we reviewed provide return facilities. Check out the pex pipe size chart:
| Tubing size (Nominal/CTS) | 1″ | 3/4″ | 5/8″ | 1/2″ | 3/8″ |
| Outside Diameter (OD) | 1.125″ | 0.875″ | 0.750″ | 0.625″ | 0.500″ |
| Inside Diameter (ID) | 0.875″ | 0.681″ | 0.584″ | 0.485″ | 0.360″ |
| Wall thickness | 0.125″ | 0.097″ | 0.083″ | 0.70″ | 0.70″ |
| Bend Radius | 9″ | 7″ | 6″ | 5″ | 4″ |
| Volume Gal/100ft | 3.03 | 1.83 | 1.34 | 0.92 | 0.50 |
Standard & Certification: The pipe should be tested by ASTM and ANSI/NSF certified. Don’t buy anyone which is not ASTM standard.
Temperature & Pressure Rating: PEX pipes temperature and pressure rating are inversely proportional. When the temperature rises the maximum operating pressure drops. The ASTM F877 standard rating are:
- 80 psi at 200 degree F
- 100 psi at 180 degree F
- 160 psi at 73 degree F
Warranty: Must check warrant before buying. Although all PEX pipe comes with 25 years warranty. So, don’t worry about their life expectancy.
Make a Push-to-Connect Connection
The process of making a push to connect connection is very simple. You don’t need to be professional. All you need is a PEX cutter, push to connect fitting and the pipe.
- Cut the tube square through pre-printed insertion depth markings.
- Remove debris if any presents.
- Make sure your pipe is liner.
- Insert the pipe into the fitting.
Last update on 2020-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
why would they have to be visual in the home and not covered?
You can cover them or keep them open as you wish.