The latest plumbing technology will save you money
Plumbing is a core technology that has not been ignored by business innovators. There are better ways to keep your home functional and dry when it comes to choosing a plumbing system. Although plumbing is a behind the scenes system, some methods are better than others. Here are some ways the newest technology can save you money and make your life easier.
PEX vs. metal tubing
PEX is a catchy title for a cross-linked polyethylene pipe. Polyethylene is a plastic material that is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This high-density element is safer, easier to use, and more stable than metal tubing.
The high density proposal results from a method called crosslinking. Think of crosslinking like the bond created when heavy whipping cream is folded into pound cake batter, only much stronger. The crosslinking method gets its strength from a chemical bond. Polyethylene molecules are linked by crosslinking reagents. Reagents are molecules that have two reactive ends that can join plastics together, thus solidifying the shape, strength, and structure of PEX through a covalent chemical bond.
As a result, PEX is strong and flexible. Compared to something like PVC, PEX is a super plastic. Although PVC is a distant cousin, it tends to be brittle and lacks flexibility. PEX shares a similar strength to PVC, but it won’t rust or invite organic matter like metal pipes do. Because PEX is more sterile, it is safer.
How are the cheapest PEX?
PEX offers cheaper plumbing for several reasons. First, PEX is lighter, allowing companies to ship material more easily and cheaply. Cheaper shipping means you pay a lower markup. This fact also makes PEX plumbing easier for your plumber to handle during installation, allowing you to pay fewer labor hours.
Second, PEX are very flexible. PEX can make twists and turns in your home and allows plumbers to move faster with the installation. Metal pipes, on the other hand, require elbow joints with every twist and swing. Fewer accessories mean fewer cuts and also reduce the chances of potential leak points.
Finally, PEX only requires three basic tools for installation: a pipe cutter, a crimping tool, and an unclipping tool. This means your plumber will travel lighter and faster. Other required materials are secure brass or steel fittings used to join pipes where cutting is required. In general, PEX is a simpler technology that uses a strong, more flexible product and makes plumbing for new construction or renovation easier, faster, and cheaper.