Pex tubing are made with High Density Polyethylene or HDPE granules that are melted during the manufacturing process and pressed in a die to create pex piping. At some point in the extrusion process, HDPE are cross-linked to create better performing and stronger yet compliant pipes.
Before you shop for pex pipes, know that there are three main types of pex piping to choose from, A, B or C. Contrary to popular believe, these letter do not refer to the performance level of each pipes, rather, they are used to denote the type of manufacturing process that the pex plumbing underwent.
Type A: This type of pipe is created using the peroxide method wherein free radicals are formed when the polymer is melted and cross-linked. The temperature during which this type of pipe was created goes beyond the breakdown temperature of the HDPE.
Type B: This type of pipe used the moisture cure method wherein the tubes form molecular links after the extrusion process. After this method, the tubing is exposed to water.
Type C: This type of pipe are formed using electronic irradiation method where the pipes are exposed to an electron beam which in turn, breaks down any existing molecular links in the polymer and starts another cross-linking process.
So which PEX tubing should you purchase?
Choosing the right pex tubing for your need will depend on several factors such as your budget, the tools and material you will need as well as your level of skills. Among the three types of pex piping, type A is the most expensive particularly because it requires its own proprietary connection system.
However, the higher price does not mean it is no better in performance as compared to the other pipes available. In fact, besides it being more flexible, it has no substantial advantage against the other two types of pipes.
Type B is the most pocket-friendly in the group. It is also the most preferred pipe type by many contractors because of its excellent performance and compatibility to other plumbing set ups.
Finally, type C is the newest addition to the Pex piping line. In terms of pricing, it is very similar to type B. However, many thinks type C pipes are no better than average plastic pipes, in terms of performance, because the cross-linking process of type C creates the least amount of bonds.
