March 7, 2025
Not All PEX is Created Equal: Why Choosing the Right Type Matters
By Alex Gross
PEX (an acronym for crosslinked polyethylene) is a popular, high-performance piping solution for residential and commercial applications. However, the assumption that all PEX is created equal is not true and can lead to costly mistakes. Using inferior PEX can result in troublesome issues, requiring expensive repiping efforts that can also damage your reputation with customers.
Uponor AquaPEX® is PEX-a pipe, which stands apart from PEX-b and PEX-c pipe due to its superior Engel-method manufacturing process that boasts an impressive 80% crosslinking, significantly increasing strength, flexibility, and resiliency in freeze/thaw cycles.
This high degree of crosslinking is what differentiates Uponor PEX-a from the other PEX types. PEX-b and PEX-c both utilize cold crosslinking manufacturing methods, resulting in lower crosslinking percentages of 65-70% and 70-75%, respectively. These lower percentages, combined with their different extrusion methods, contribute to poorer performance, higher instances of microcracking, and less flexibility compared to PEX-a.
In addition to the greatest flexibility, PEX-a is the only PEX type that can repair kinks in pipe with a simple shot of heat from a heat gun. Repairing a kink with PEX-b or PEX-c pipe is not an option, so the only solution is to cut in a fitting, adding labor and material costs to a project.
Beyond the pipe, the Uponor ProPEX® ASTM F1960 connection system further enhances the quality of a residential or commercial project. ProPEX offers a simplified installation process, leveraging the shape memory of PEX-a pipe to create strong, permanent connections with clear visual verification, while eliminating the need for open flames or hot work. This leads to significant savings in installation time and overall construction costs while also providing jobsite safety. Best of all, Uponor ProPEX connections cannot be dry fit and continue to get stronger over time, helping ensure the highest level of quality and reliability.
Additionally, because the pipe in an Uponor AquaPEX plumbing system must first be expanded before inserting a ProPEX fitting, the connection provides higher flow rates compared to standard PEX insert fittings that use crimp rings around the outside of the pipe.
So, when your next residential or commercial plumbing need arises, ensure you’re choosing an Uponor AquaPEX plumbing system with ProPEX fittings to promote a quality install designed and manufactured to last the life of the structure.
Uponor AquaPEX® is PEX-a pipe, which stands apart from PEX-b and PEX-c pipe due to its superior Engel-method manufacturing process that boasts an impressive 80% crosslinking, significantly increasing strength, flexibility, and resiliency in freeze/thaw cycles.
This high degree of crosslinking is what differentiates Uponor PEX-a from the other PEX types. PEX-b and PEX-c both utilize cold crosslinking manufacturing methods, resulting in lower crosslinking percentages of 65-70% and 70-75%, respectively. These lower percentages, combined with their different extrusion methods, contribute to poorer performance, higher instances of microcracking, and less flexibility compared to PEX-a.
In addition to the greatest flexibility, PEX-a is the only PEX type that can repair kinks in pipe with a simple shot of heat from a heat gun. Repairing a kink with PEX-b or PEX-c pipe is not an option, so the only solution is to cut in a fitting, adding labor and material costs to a project.
Beyond the pipe, the Uponor ProPEX® ASTM F1960 connection system further enhances the quality of a residential or commercial project. ProPEX offers a simplified installation process, leveraging the shape memory of PEX-a pipe to create strong, permanent connections with clear visual verification, while eliminating the need for open flames or hot work. This leads to significant savings in installation time and overall construction costs while also providing jobsite safety. Best of all, Uponor ProPEX connections cannot be dry fit and continue to get stronger over time, helping ensure the highest level of quality and reliability.
Additionally, because the pipe in an Uponor AquaPEX plumbing system must first be expanded before inserting a ProPEX fitting, the connection provides higher flow rates compared to standard PEX insert fittings that use crimp rings around the outside of the pipe.
So, when your next residential or commercial plumbing need arises, ensure you’re choosing an Uponor AquaPEX plumbing system with ProPEX fittings to promote a quality install designed and manufactured to last the life of the structure.