Pipe fittings are key components in any home or business. They ensure smooth and efficient operation by connecting, directing and controlling the flow of water or gas in piping installations. Sourcing fittings in the right materials provides increased durability with longer lifespans and reduced maintenance needs and improved flexibility when upgrading and branching installations in renovations.
Besides traditional choices like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) in drainage and cold water systems, and more durable and aesthetically pleasing (but costlier) copper fittings in older cold and hot water installations, new homes are seeing an uptick in Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipe fittings. The material compares favourably to PVC, with improved performance in temperature fluctuations, simpler installation, and improved corrosion resistance among other advantages. Reasonable pricing and lower installation costs, especially when compared to full copper fittings, are other reasons for choosing fittings PEX in pipe installations.
PEX Basics
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| source: manomano.com |
PEX piping is created by chemically and physically linking high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer chains into stronger, more resistant, flexible 3-dimensional networks. The process involves extruding polyethylene using high heat and pressure, while introducing additives like silane and peroxides to build stronger cross-linked bonds and enhance thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. Cooled piping is then ready for use.
The Advantages for Homeowners, Businesses and Plumbers
The plumbing industry is moving away from older, rigid systems such as copper and galvanised steel in water supply. PEX fittings in this context provide multiple benefits:
- Flexibility and expansion: PEX fittings can seamlessly bend and accommodate expanding or contracting piping. This ensures fewer leaks, reduced noise and vibrations, lower wear and a steady water supply.
- Corrosion and chemical resistance: Unlike metal, fittings PEX won't corrode or cause mineral buildup, leading to cleaner, potable water and consistent pressure.
- Durability and strength: PEX fittings are less prone to cracking and bursting, especially in lower temperatures. While these are rare in Australia, PEX better handles temperature fluctuations than copper and PVC fittings.
- Fewer parts and quick installation: Flexible PEX tubing and fittings adjust to irregular shapes and corners to significantly reduce the need for elbows, sweeps and other specialised fitting types. This reduces installation times and overall costs. Unlike metal variants, they also skip soldering and brazing, reducing labour costs and the need for special tools.
- Cost-effective: While slightly costlier than comparable PVC fittings, PEX connectors, tees, elbows, couplings and reducers are considerably cheaper than copper offerings.
- Quality and industry compliance: The growing number of local producers means fittings that meet strict industry standards, ensuring reliability and longevity in typically harsh Australian conditions.
Common Uses
Besides cold and hot water systems where they provide leak-free pipe connections for showers and bathroom and kitchen taps, PEX fittings are also seen in underflooring heating systems, in gas installations, and when connecting colour-coded PEX piping used in rainwater and recycled water systems.
Key Types
Crimp PEX Fittings
These are affordable plumbing connections that are used to join PEX pipes with crimp rings or cinch clamps compressed around the pipe and fitting with crimping tools. These are used with different PEX pipe types (PEX-A with high flexibility and kinking resistance, silane-enhanced PEX-B for higher stiffness and chlorine and UV resistance and affordable PEX-C, with good flexibility). With easy installation, they provide longevity in hot and cold water residential water supply, durable, leak-free connections in gas installations and the ability to connect to existing piping in varied materials, including steel, copper and brass, for instance in piping extensions and renovations.
Push-to-Connect
These provide speedy installation without specialised tools in residential and commercial builds. The fitting use internal spring-loaded collets to grip the pipes as it is pushed into the fitting, and O-rings to create a secure, leak free seal against the pipe's external walls, This fitting types is commonly used in repairs when fixing leaks, new connections, in pipe transitions to join PEX and copper, PVC or CPVC piping and when connecting appliances such as washing machines and ice makers.
Expansion Fittings
Expansion PEX fittings work by using the natural 'shape-memory' of PEX-A piping. Pipes are expanded with expander tools and large-diameter fittings inserted. The pipe material quickly shrinks back to its original size, gripping the fitting and creating a secure leak-resistant joint. The fitting rea used in areas requiring high flow and pressure, including potable water, underfloor heating, and gas and compressed air applications (with fitting meeting industry regulations).
PEX Press Fittings
These use a hydraulic press tool to mechanically press a metal sleeve around a PEX pipe. Internal fittings deform the pipe wall against the fitting O-ring to create a durable secure and sealed connection. They are used in hydronic systems (such as central heating), secure connection in gas lines with increased safety eliminating the need for brazing or soldering, and quick upgrades and repairs.
Buying Considerations
Pipe compatibility, connection methods, and sizing fittings accordingly are the key buying considerations. Consider PEX fittings designed for the specific pipe type (PEX-A, PEX-B, or PEX-C). These will also have suitable connection connection types, with crimping common in PEX-B and PEX-C pipes, while expansion fittings are more suitable for PEX-A piping. All aim to create a watertight seal. Lastly, match PEX fittings with the pipe diameter, with 16mm and 20mm fittings the most common in residential and commercial use.
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