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Is all Pex the same quality??

Kungur
Kungur Member Posts: 49
in Radiant Heating
As I shop around for 1/2" pex with an O2 barrier I see quite a price range. So I am wondering is there a quality difference? Is one brand better than another?

Comments

  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    Same Quality

    PEX is just an acronym for cross linked polythene. There are 3 types of Pex.

    PEX A, PEX B and PEX C. This does not mean A is better than B or C. It designates how the PEX is made. Technically PEX A's crosslinking is more uniform/consistent than the others but they all will out last our lifetime. I would be more concerned with the fittings and the fitting system versus the tubing itself. There have been some issues with certain manufactures fittings.

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  • Kungur
    Kungur Member Posts: 49
    Is all Pex the same quality??

    Are fitting interchangeable from one brand of pex to another? Or do I need to buy the same brand fittings as the pex?

    Thanks
  • CMadatMe
    CMadatMe Member Posts: 3,086
    edited January 2010
    Fittings

    You should use the same fittings that the manufacture of the tubing sells. If you use another manufactures and there is an issue you may own the issue.

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  • Mark Eatherton
    Mark Eatherton Member Posts: 5,858
    SDR9 tubing....

    SDR9 tubing all has the same ID and OD dimensions.



    Numerous manufacturers make manifolds and other components that are SDR9 compatible, (Sioux Chief) however, as has been pointed out, if there are ever any "issues", you are the holder of the bag.



    ME

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  • bb_5
    bb_5 Member Posts: 15
    PEX is PEX

    All PEX meets the same standards and undergoes the same testing for its approvals.



    The difference is the fittings.  If you read the print line on the pipe it tells the story of the pipe.  The important part is what fittings have been approved for use with that pipe.  Some fittings are easier to work with than others.



    There are other things to consider as well.  Is the product in stock locally or does it need to be special ordered.  If you run short on the job how long will that hold you up?  Will you need to buy in bag quantity?  What tools are required to install the fittings?  Do they need to be calibrated during it's use?



    bb
  • heatboy
    heatboy Member Posts: 1,468
    In a word.......

    ......maybe.  They all pass SDR9 standards and all hold water.  There is a very big difference in the tubes when it comes to workability.  PEX a is king when it comes to actually working with the pipe.  I started out installing PEX a, then switched to PEX b for a while and finally, PEX c, before I switched back to PEX a.  All were well known brand names and high quality, but PEX a is, by far, my fav. 

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