PEX Pipe Basics

Easy to join: With PEX, you do not need to learn how to sweat joints. In just a few minutes, you can learn how to use the system. Or you can purchase a crimping tool that uses either copper or steel rings that tighten the PEX onto brass fittings.

Easy to cut: While copper is easy to cut with a rotating tubing cutter, PEX is even easier. A razor blade-equipped rotational cutter makes quick work of PEX in just a few turns. Or, even easier, you can cut it with a scissors-type of cutter.

Low cost: PEX is substantially cheaper than copper pipe.

Bendable: Half-inch diameter PEX can make 5-inch radius turns without the application of heat. On straight runs, it has a moderate amount of wiggle room without radius supports.

More expensive fittings: No PEX fittings are as cheap as copper fittings. Push-fit fittings are far more expensive than copper. But even using barbed brass fittings for your PEX is still more expensive than copper—about three times more expensive.