What is the difference between PEX and PEX-AL-PEX?

What is the difference between PEX and PEX-AL-PEX?

PEX-AL-PEX also has less expansion than standard PEX with the layer of aluminum assuring that it keeps its shape. PEX-AL-PEX is frequently used in outdoor heating applications, warmboard systems and for high temperature systems like baseboard and fan coils.

Can you crimp PEX-AL-PEX?

The al-pex is a different size than straight pex. Crimp fittings and tools are available for pex al pex. However the sizing is different than for pex. You cannot use pex crimping tools or fittings on pex al pex.

What does PEX-AL-PEX mean?

PEX-AL-PEX piping is a coextruded crosslinked polyethylene composite pressure pipe with a welded aluminum tube reinforcement between the inner and outer layers. The inner and outer crosslinked polyethylene layers are bonded to the aluminum tube by a melt adhesive.

Can you use PEX fittings on PEX-AL-PEX?

These fittings are made to ASTM F1281 standard and are compatible with all types and brands of PEX-AL-PEX tubing made to the same standard (Everhot, Watts, Uponor, etc.). These fittings are not lead-free and are approved only for non-potable water applications.

What PEX system is the best?

PEX-A, which has the most flexible tubing and best freeze- and kink resistance, is ideal for use with kitchen and bath fixtures. PEX-B is slightly less flexible and less freeze-resistant.

Does PEX-AL-PEX use different fittings?

Another question on contractors’ minds is, “How do we join the pipe?” There are two popular methods of joining PEX-AL-PEX. One method uses a crimp fitting, the other a compression fitting. Both fittings are insert-type fittings.

What fittings work with PEX-AL-PEX?

To install a PEX-AL-PEX compression fitting, a pair of adjustable crescent wrenches or pliers is needed. These fittings are made to ASTM F1281 standard and are compatible with all types and brands of PEX-AL-PEX tubing made to the same standard (Everhot, Watts, Uponor, etc.).

Can you use crimp fittings on PEX-A?

Crimp fittings require copper or stainless steel crimp rings and a PEX crimp or clamp tool. Some manufacturers use O-rings on their metal fittings (manufactured to ASTM 2434 standards) to make the seal with the tubing. Crimp fittings are compatible with all types of PEX tubing, except for PEX-AL-PEX.

Which PEX is expandable?

Flexibility – PEX-A is the most flexible, allowing for it to be fastened by cold expansion, which allows the end to be fluted prior to inserting the fitting. PEX B is not expandable and you should never expand the end of a PEX-B pipe. Kink-Resistance – PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest.

Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?

If you are looking for a fast and more secure connection that will stand the test of time, crimp tools are your better option. But if you want more flexibility without working more, go for PEX clamps.