How much PSI can PEX handle?

Knowing the durability and pressure resistance of a PEX pipe is important for you to make plumbing connections and pipe fittings. A PEX pipe is known as a cross-linked polyethylene pipe used mainly for water supplies in bathrooms, kitchen sinks, radiating systems, heating, and snow-melting systems. There are three main types of PEX Pipe based on the method of manufacturing which are mentioned below.

• PEX-A
• PEX-B
• PEX-C 

All these types hold some specific features and have some same standards but some features vary. They are all used for water supply but PEX-A is mainly used for hot water as it is the most flexible pipe and bears the highest temperature in heating systems. PEX-B is used for cold water and PEX-C is used for both cold and hot water. 

The manufacturing process of PEX-A is through the peroxide method and in this method, the polymer is melted due to which the cross-linking occurs between the molecules at a very high temperature. The PEX-B is made from the silane method using a catalyst in an extrusion process. The pipe is formed through the steam bath to the PEX material.

The third type PEX-C is made through the radiation method also known as Cold- Cross linking. The pipe is exposed to electronic radiation that follows up with the cross-linking of molecules.

How much PSI can each PEX can handle?

The results obtained from most of the tests including the Hydraulic Pressure Test show that PEX-A holds the highest- pressure resistance in some cases they say that PEX-B is more pressure resistant but the stiffness of PEX-B makes it kink and break without repairing. PEX-A can get back in shape after forming kinks with the help of a heat gun. 

The PSI also depends on different brands of PEX like the Uponor PEX can endure 500-600 Psi in a Hydraulic Test. The Viega PEX has a bit more higher-pressure endurance than the Uponor but the Shark bite PEX-B has a psi of more than 1000 pounds. 

PEX-A is used in extremely cold temperatures and PEX-B in extreme cold temperatures. Now comes the price factor, in terms of price the PEX-A is the most expensive and high-quality material in plumbing projects while the PEX-B is a type that is less expensive and affordable for plumbing and water fittings, especially in cold climate conditions.

 PEX-B is also resistant to leaching chemicals with a noticeable coil memory. When it comes to PEX-C it is environment friendly but least resistant to kinks. The pressure endurance also depends on the thickness, ID (Inside Diameter), and OD (Outside Diameter) along with the wall thickness of the PEX. 

The PEX tubing sizes vary are 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1 in inches, and for every tubing size, there is a difference in a certain pressure drop value which allows it to hold or expand with pressure. Similarly, it has a different radius and diameter for a different tubing size. 1 foot of head has about a pressure of about 0.434 psi for fresh water. 

What are the other types of Tools Required with these types of PEX?

There are different crimping and fixing rings to connect PEX with valves and Copper Pipes. Also, you need the expanding gun which makes an expansion in pipes for fittings to join two or more pipes at one time. The rings and coupling tool help to make a connection with leakage in the system at also help in enduring pressure during the water supply.

 These types of tools are useful in making connections, especially in narrow spaces and slant angles which are otherwise difficult to connect directly without joints. You should not cut the PEX with a saw or a blade but there are special cutters to cut the pipe so that it does not lose its shape. Moreover, when joining pipes and making fittings through joints at the end you should not fit the pipe more than twice or thrice otherwise they have a great chance of leakage when they are joined with the clips and other pipes. The correct way is to use a special so that when you remove the pipe from the fittings it does not deform.

How to Pressure-Holding test in Homes and buildings while fixing pipes?

For checking the pressure hold and leakage in any of the PEX you should test them before the final fittings and installations in your spaces. For that, you need first to seal all the pipes with stoppers and clips and fill them with water from one end to see that the water does not come out from any end. For the air test, you should fill the air in the pipes through the pressure gauge up to 100 psi along with the tights clipping to seal the pipe like Sharkbite clippers to make sure that the air pressure is built in the pipe.

 As soon as the pressure is built notice that there is no leakage or any hissing sound which may be due to air leakage from the PEX.  Air pressure is recommended other than water pressure test because in cold climates the water freezes in the pipelines building pressure with the pipes causing them to burst.

If none of these conditions occur your fittings are ready to go but if there is leakage or any noticeable sound then reconsider your connection by applying proper fittings and clips in your connection especially at the joints to make the connection secure. For more Important details on how to do pressure tests while fixings PEX do consider a professional builder who can identify the proper issues and possible damages. Also do remember to put clamp rings at the front while joining the pipe with the gauge so that the air does not leak while checking the pressure. 

You can buy all good-quality PEX brands along with the pressure test kit at Amazon. They have the entire range from fittings to pipes and gauges for testing. Other brands like EFIELD and VEVOR are also considered for pipe fittings and PEX pipes. 

One thing important to mention here is that PEX pipe is not for outdoor use as it is not resistant to ultraviolet radiation and will crack in a short time. 

Advantages of PEX pipes

Cost-effective 

To build copper and other metals a lot of materials and resources are required with a lengthy manufacturing process that is costly but making the PEX materials is not that expensive and less energy consuming process.

Durability 

PEX pipes are durable and are not exposed to rust or any corrosion due to the polyethylene material used in them which is environment-friendly. Rust and harmful chemicals can get mixed with the water too. 

Flexible 

Its flexible and light material allows it to bend at a certain radius which is useful in making connections in different angles at narrow spaces which is otherwise not possible with copper pipes.

Low Maintenance

The copper pipes wear out easily and are costly to change and repair while you can easily get PEX replacement according to your requirements.

All these factors make PEX pipes a suitable and worthy option than copper pipes for plumbing projects and fixation of water supply at any cost with proper pressure testing and sealing of pipes.