What is the difference between PEX and PEX-AL-PEX?

What is the difference between PEX and PEX-AL-PEX?

The main and most distinctive feature of PEX-AL(Aluminum)-PEX is the internal layer of aluminum, “sandwiched” between two layers of PEX. Aluminum layer also provides an oxygen diffusion barrier with no need for additional coatings. Pressure ratings of PEX-AL-PEX are also higher than that of the regular PEX.

What does PEX-AL-PEX mean?

PEX-AL-PEX piping is a coextruded crosslinked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive.

Can you use SharkBite on PEX-AL-PEX?

SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.

Can PEX-AL-PEX be used for potable water?

PEX-AL-PEX got its start in North America in radiant heating systems. It is an excellent material for this application, since the pipe retains its shape. PEX-AL-PEX is currently permitted for potable water in the International Plumbing Code.

What is Alupex pipe?

ALUPEX is a multilayer piping system that includes multilayer pipes and brass press fittings. It is suitable for drinking water applications and heating solutions.

Can I use PEX-AL-PEX for drinking water?

PEX-AL-PEX has the same material exposed to the water as PEX. Hence, it would only be natural that if PEX is acceptable for potable water piping systems, so is PEX-AL-PEX. The plumbing codes are finally catching up to this concept. PEX-AL-PEX is currently permitted for potable water in the International Plumbing Code.

Does PEX-AL-PEX expand?

Elongation (linear expansion) For every 10°F temperature increase in water temperature, PEX-AL-PEX will expand (increase in length) by about 0.3″ for every 100ft.

Can you use PEX-AL-PEX for potable water?

Can you use SharkBite fittings on PEX A?

SharkBite push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe.

What is PEX-AL-PEX tubing?

What is PEX-AL-PEX Tubing? Multi-layer PEX or PEX-AL-PEX, as the name implies, is a tubing where an aluminum core layer is sandwiched between 2 layers of PEX. This feature allows it to expand less at high temperatures and hold its shape better than regular PEX.

How to install PEX tubing?

How to install PEX tubing – making a crimp connection. 1 Step 1: Cut the PEX tubing. To ensure you have a smooth and even cut, position the cutter at 90 degrees to the tubing. 2 Step 2: 3 Step 3: 4 Step 4: 5 Step 5:

What is PEX-C?

This process, which is called PEX-c, delivers the highest quality PEX tubing available today, while reducing the use of chemicals. NIBCO®PEX is a Complete System

Does PEX need to be crimped?

The process of installing PEX tubing installation with a crimp method is the same for both Oxygen Barrier PEX tubing and Non-Barrier PEX types. PEX crimp connection method described in this tutorial is suitable for all types (A,B,C) of PEX tubing, regardless of brand or color.