Why PEX Pipes Are Ideal for Do-It-Yourselfers

Inexpensive: PEX is far cheaper than copper pipe, typically one-third the cost of copper. Copper pipe prices fluctuate wildly, since this is a commodity dependent on market forces. 

Color-Coded: Red PEX pipes can be used for hot water supply lines, blue PEX for cold water supply, and white for either hot or cold. These colors are just for your convenience. Plumbing code does not require the pipe color to match the type of water supply. 

Easy to Join: Push-fit connectors require only PEX pipes, the connector, and your hands. No special tools are needed. Crimp-fit connection is nearly as easy to master, though this does require buy-in with a special crimping tool.

Easy to Cut: Because PEX is soft, it is easier to cut than copper or galvanized pipe. A rotational tool is a cheap, razor blade-equipped device that rotates around the pipe to cut it. Usually five or six turns are enough to make the cut. Or scissors-type sharp tube cutters allow you to cut PEX by hand in one snap.

Flexible: PEX can be bent 90 degrees (right-angle) to a radius that correlates with pipe diameter. For 1/2-inch PEX pipe, the radius is 5 inches. For 3/4-inch PEX pipe, the radius is 7 inches. For straight runs, PEX has some wiggle room.