Install Instructions

Manufacturing Methods
There are three primary methods for producing PEX tubing.
PEX-A
The “Engel” or peroxide method.
Peroxide is added to the base resin and through a
combination of pressure and high temperature the
cross-linking takes place as the tubing is produced.
PEX-B
The “Silane” method.
Silane is grafted to the backbone of the polyethylene.
The grafted compound is combined with a catalyst
through the Sioplas or Monosil methods. Extruded
tube is exposed to steam or hot water to complete
the cross-linking reaction. The resultant link is three-
dimensional in nature whereby the bunch-like bond
is not unlike a trellis.
PEX-C
Electron Beam method.
Very high-energy radiation is used to initiate molecular
cross-linking in specialty high-density polyethylene.
Tube is extruded (generally as HDPE), routed through
an E-Beam facility and rotated under a beam in the
accelerator where it is dosed with a specic amount
of radiation to release the hydrogen atoms and cause
polymer chains to link to the open carbon sites.
The resultant link is planar in nature and a carbon to
carbon bond.
This section explains PEX Tubing, including manufacturing
methods, PEX tube markings, product standards and
model codes and material properties.
Additionally, some common installations utilizing PEX
tubing are listed by installation application.
1
What is PEX Tubing
PEX is cross-linked polyethylene. Through one of several
processes, links between polyethylene molecules are
formed to create bridges (thus the term “cross-linked").
This resulting material is more durable under temperature
extremes, chemical attack, and better resists creep
deformation, making PEX an excellent material for
potable water and other applications. The physical
properties of PEX tubing make it ideal for use with
various mechanical connection systems.
PEX Tubing Applications
PEX is ideally suited for potable water plumbing
applications. It is exible, making it easy to install
and service. PEX is able to withstand the high and
low temperatures found in plumbing and heating
applications and is highly resistant to chemicals found
in the plumbing environment.
Common Application Types:
Water service
Potable water plumbing
Hydronic / radiant cooling
Hydronic / radiant heating*
Snow / ice melting systems*
Turf conditioning systems
Permafrost systems
Water reclamation
Fire suppression**
Mixed (plumbing + re suppression, etc.)
No Lead systems
Geothermal
Dezincication resistant systems
Special system component consideration and elimination
of ferrous components must be made for radiant or snow
melt systems when using non-barrier tubing.
Check with local codes and applicable requirements.
Tubing
Explaining PEX Tubing
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