Imagine building your dream home or tackling a major renovation. You want everything to be just right, especially when it comes to the hidden systems that keep your water flowing. But when it comes to plumbing pipes, the choices can seem overwhelming. Have you ever wondered what makes one pipe better than another, or why some materials are used more often than others?
This is where PEX pipe comes in. You might have seen it, or perhaps your plumber has mentioned it. PEX, which stands for cross-linked polyethylene, has become a popular choice for many plumbing jobs. However, choosing the *right* PEX pipe can still feel like a puzzle. There are different colors, sizes, and types, each with its own pros and cons. It can be confusing to know which one will work best for your specific needs, and picking the wrong one could lead to problems down the road, like leaks or a system that doesn’t perform as well as it should.
Don’t worry, though! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what PEX pipe is all about. We’ll break down the different kinds of PEX, explain why certain colors matter, and help you figure out which type is the perfect fit for your project. Get ready to become a PEX pipe pro!
Our Top 5 Pex Pipe Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Pex Pipe Detailed Reviews
1. PEX Pipe 1/2 Inch 100ft 2 Rolls PEX Tubing EVOH Pex-B Pipe Non Oxygen Barrier Durable Leakage-Proof Flexible for Residential Water Lines in Homes pex Radiant Heat Tubing(Red+Blue)
Rating: 9.2/10
Looking to upgrade your home’s water lines or heating system? This PEX Pipe 1/2 Inch 100ft 2 Rolls PEX Tubing EVOH Pex-B Pipe is designed for durability and ease of use. It’s a flexible and reliable solution for various plumbing needs in your home.
What We Like:
- This PEX tubing is made from high-quality PEX material. It resists cracks and leaks, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance.
- Installation is super easy! You don’t need any special tools like welders. It works with many different connectors, and one person can get the job done.
- The tubing is very flexible, making it easy to bend around corners and different spaces. It can handle both hot and cold temperatures without getting damaged.
- You get a pipe cutter and two tube clamps with the package. This makes cutting and installing the tubing even simpler.
- It’s great for many uses, like radiant floor heating, bringing water to your home or camper, and hot or cold water systems.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it comes with some accessories, you might need to buy additional fittings depending on your specific project.
- The color coding (Red+Blue) is helpful, but for some very large or complex projects, more distinct color options could be beneficial.
This PEX tubing offers a strong and flexible solution for your home’s plumbing needs. It’s a dependable choice for both DIYers and professionals.
2. EFIELD 1/2 inch 2 x100 ft Pex-b Pipe/Tubing
Rating: 9.0/10
The EFIELD 1/2 inch Pex-b Pipe/Tubing is a fantastic choice for your plumbing and heating projects. This kit comes with 200 feet of Pex-b tubing, split into 100 feet of blue and 100 feet of red, making it easy to identify your hot and cold water lines. It’s NSF certified, meaning it’s safe for drinking water. Plus, it’s resistant to chemicals like chlorine, so it will last a long time. You also get a handy pipe cutter to make your installation even easier. This tubing works with common Pex fittings, like crimp and push-fit types, giving you flexibility in how you connect your pipes.
What We Like:
- It’s NSF certified, so it’s safe for drinking water.
- The tubing resists chemicals like chlorine, which helps it last longer.
- It comes with a pipe cutter, which is a nice bonus for your project.
- You can use it with different kinds of Pex fittings, like crimp and push-fit.
- It’s made by a big manufacturer of Pex systems, so you can trust the quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be a little clearer for beginners.
- While it’s great for most jobs, it might not be the best for extremely high-pressure situations.
This EFIELD Pex tubing kit offers great value and reliability for your plumbing needs. It’s a solid choice for both DIYers and professionals looking for quality materials.
3. SharkBite 1/2 Inch x 100 Feet Blue PEX-B
Rating: 8.9/10
The SharkBite 1/2 Inch x 100 Feet Blue PEX-B pipe is a flexible tubing that makes plumbing jobs much easier. This blue PEX-B pipe is great for both hot and cold water. It’s designed to handle freezing temperatures and is tough enough for different uses. You can even bury it underground or under concrete. This makes it a versatile choice for many home projects.
What We Like:
- The long coils mean fewer connections, which saves time and reduces the chance of leaks.
- It’s freeze-resistant, so it won’t burst when water freezes inside.
- Installation is super fast thanks to the push-to-connect design.
- It’s approved for burial and can be used for municipal water lines.
- It has good resistance to chlorine and UV rays.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum working pressure drops significantly at higher temperatures.
- While easy to install, it requires specific SharkBite fittings, which can add to the overall cost.
This SharkBite PEX pipe offers a convenient and reliable solution for your plumbing needs. It’s a smart choice for DIYers and professionals alike.
4. EFIELD 1/2 Inch 2 x100 ft Pex-b Pipe/Tubing(200 Ft)
Rating: 9.4/10
The EFIELD 1/2 Inch Pex-b Pipe Combo Kit is your all-in-one solution for plumbing projects. This kit gives you everything you need to connect hot and cold water lines. It includes plenty of Pex-b tubing, all the necessary brass fittings, and the tools to make secure connections. You get two 100-foot rolls of Pex-b tubing, one blue and one red, perfect for distinguishing your hot and cold water lines. This tubing is safe for drinking water. The kit also comes with 15 lead-free brass fittings like couplings, elbows, and tees. For making connections, you get a Pex cinch clamp tool and 50 stainless steel cinch clamps. A steel pipe cutter is also included to make clean cuts on the tubing.
What We Like:
- This kit provides all the essential parts for a plumbing job.
- The Pex-b tubing is safe for drinking water and flexible.
- You get a good variety of brass fittings to handle different connections.
- The included tools are easy to use and make secure connections.
- It’s a great value for money, especially for DIYers.
- Directly from a major Pex system manufacturer ensures quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions could be clearer for beginners.
- More variety in fitting types might be useful for complex projects.
- The pipe cutter, while functional, could be more robust.
This EFIELD kit simplifies your plumbing needs with its comprehensive collection of tools and materials. It’s a solid choice for anyone tackling a home plumbing upgrade.
5. SharkBite 3/4 Inch x 300 Feet Blue PEX-B
Rating: 9.3/10
The SharkBite 3/4 Inch x 300 Feet Blue PEX-B tubing is a top-notch choice for your plumbing projects. It’s made right here in the USA and designed for both hot and cold water. This flexible pipe makes jobs easier and faster.
What We Like:
- It’s super flexible, so you can bend it around corners easily without needing extra fittings. This saves you time and money, and means fewer places for leaks to start.
- Installation is a breeze. You don’t need special tools for many connections.
- This pipe is tough. It’s made from cross-linked polyethylene, which means it can handle being bent and even resists kinks.
- It’s freeze-tolerant. If it freezes, it can expand a little and then shrink back when it thaws, which helps prevent damage.
- You can use it for direct burial, even under concrete.
- It’s UV-tolerant for up to six months, so it can handle some sun exposure.
- It works with different types of PEX fittings, giving you lots of options.
- It’s made in the USA, which many people prefer.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s freeze-tolerant, extreme or prolonged freezing could still pose a risk.
- The UV tolerance is limited to six months, so it’s not meant for long-term outdoor exposure without protection.
This SharkBite PEX-B tubing offers a flexible, durable, and user-friendly solution for your plumbing needs. Its American-made quality and versatile compatibility make it a reliable choice for many water system projects.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best PEX Pipe
PEX pipe is a popular choice for plumbing. It’s flexible and easy to install. This guide helps you pick the right PEX pipe for your project.
Key Features to Look For
Durability
Good PEX pipe lasts a long time. Look for pipes that resist cracking and bursting. This means fewer leaks and repairs later.
Flexibility
Flexibility makes PEX easy to work with. You can bend it around corners. This saves you time and fittings.
Temperature and Pressure Ratings
Check the pipe’s limits. It needs to handle hot and cold water. Make sure it can take the pressure in your home’s water system.
Color Coding
PEX pipes often come in colors. Red is for hot water. Blue is for cold water. White or clear can be for either. This helps avoid mistakes.
Important Materials
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. This is a special type of plastic. It’s strong and can handle high temperatures.
There are a few types of PEX:
- PEX-A: This is made using a chemical process. It’s very flexible and strong.
- PEX-B: This uses a different method. It’s also strong but a little less flexible than PEX-A.
- PEX-C: This is made with radiation. It’s durable but can be more brittle.
Most homes use PEX-A or PEX-B. They are good choices for most jobs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Manufacturer Reputation
Choose pipes from well-known brands. These companies usually have good quality control. They stand behind their products.
Certifications
Look for certifications like NSF/ANSI 61. This means the pipe is safe for drinking water. It shows the pipe meets safety standards.
Installation Method
How you connect the pipes matters. Use the right tools and fittings. Improper installation can lead to leaks. This lowers the quality of your system.
Exposure to UV Light
PEX pipe can break down in sunlight. Always cover it if it’s exposed to UV rays. This keeps the pipe strong.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many homeowners and plumbers like PEX. It’s lighter than metal pipes. It doesn’t corrode. This means cleaner water.
PEX is great for:
- New Home Construction: It’s fast to install.
- Remodeling Projects: Its flexibility makes it easy to run through walls.
- Radiant Heating Systems: It carries hot water efficiently.
- Potable Water Supply: It’s safe for drinking water.
Some people worry about plastic pipes. But modern PEX is very reliable. When installed correctly, it lasts for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PEX Pipe
Q: What is PEX pipe?
A: PEX pipe is a flexible plastic tubing used for water supply lines in homes. It’s made from cross-linked polyethylene.
Q: Is PEX pipe safe for drinking water?
A: Yes, when certified (like with NSF/ANSI 61), PEX pipe is safe for drinking water. It doesn’t add harmful chemicals to your water.
Q: What are the different types of PEX?
A: The main types are PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C. PEX-A is the most flexible, PEX-B is also very good, and PEX-C is durable.
Q: Can I use PEX for hot and cold water?
A: Yes, PEX pipe is designed to handle both hot and cold water. Red pipes are usually for hot water, and blue pipes are for cold water.
Q: Is PEX pipe difficult to install?
A: PEX is easier to install than metal pipes. Its flexibility means fewer fittings are needed, and it’s lighter.
Q: What tools do I need to install PEX?
A: You’ll need PEX crimp tools or expansion tools, depending on the fitting system you choose. You also need a pipe cutter.
Q: How long does PEX pipe last?
A: PEX pipe can last 50 years or more when installed correctly and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Q: Can PEX freeze?
A: PEX can expand slightly when water freezes inside it, making it more resistant to bursting than rigid pipes. However, it’s still best to protect it from freezing.
Q: Does PEX corrode?
A: No, PEX pipe does not corrode like metal pipes. This helps maintain water quality.
Q: Where is PEX pipe commonly used?
A: PEX pipe is used for water supply lines, radiant floor heating, and snowmelt systems in homes and buildings.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.