In identical conditions, less dense pipe (PEX-A, made from MDPE) leached much more contaminants into water (in some cases up to 200% more) than the higher density pipe (PEX-B, made from HDPE).
For a contractor who is accustomed to using crimp fittings, working with PEX-B is usually the preferred choice because it's stiffer and holds its shape better under the crimping pressure, leading to a more straightforward and reliable installation.
It is well-known that PEX pipes can raise organic carbon levels in water by leaching ingredients, manufacturing byproducts, and other additives.
Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.
Can PEX be exposed to sunlight? No, PEX pipe is not approved for continuous UV exposure. PEX pipe should not be stored in direct sunlight.
PEX PIPING IS NOT Leak Resistant
There is a minimum allowable bend radius for PEX pipe and occasionally an installer will exceed the allowed bend radius and sometimes may even kink the pipe. Extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe making the pipe susceptible oxidative degradation.
Test Findings Reveal CPVC Stands Up Well to UV Exposures
UV rays and the free radicals they generate don't have the same damaging effects on the piping walls of FlowGuard® CPVC as they do on PP-R, for example.
Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won't leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper's intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some environmental trade-offs.
Caution: Do not use Uponor AquaPEX piping to connect the tub and shower valve to the tub downspout as this may create excessive back pressure in the valve, causing it to remain slightly open. I have always known pex to outflow copper...
PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
The problem with PEX seems to be that it's contaminated -- it leaves the factory with chemicals used in its manufacture still on the pipe. In time it cleans up, but during that time those chemicals are going into the water.
According to the class action lawsuits, Uponor yellow brass fittings and components made from high-zinc-content brass were defectively designed and prematurely corrode when drinking water runs through them, a chemical process known as “dezincification.” When the high zinc content brass pipes are exposed to water over ...
PEX pipes are very thick but they are still susceptible to rodent damage that can cause pipes to crack or break. Possible Leaching: Although uncommon, some homeowners and plumbing companies have reported a few PEX pipes leaching harmful contaminants like BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water supply.
It'll work in the real world, but the manufacturer does not recognize this as a transition. So if you're a contractor transitioning from PEX-A to PEX-B, you should ask the manufacturer about how they want you to make this transition Get it in writing, so it doesn't void your warranty.
We only use PEX-B, the most widely used and trusted PEX by far. Finally, our clear winner… is “Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings”. Crimp Fittings with Copper Crimp Rings are very low cost, and the highest, long-lasting quality.
SharkBite PEX-A pipe and expansion fittings are an excellent system for plumbing jobs, offering many more advantages than rigid pipe. This system has superior flexibility, eliminates missed connections and is compatible with expansion, crimp and push-to-connect fittings.
Currently, PEX plumbing is one of the most widely used plumbing systems around the world. It was temporarily banned in California for a while due to concerns about toxic materials but this was later disproven by laboratory tests.
Material Concerns: One of the primary concerns about Pex plumbing is the material itself. While Pex pipes are undoubtedly flexible, making them easier to install in tight spaces, they are not as durable as traditional materials like copper or even PVC.
In other words, chemicals might get leached through your PEX pipes, and these chemicals may be toxic to some extent.
Avoid using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). These pipes contain the highest levels of chemicals of concern and they are typically installed using hazardous solvents.
For hot and cold water plumbing as well as for open-loop heating systems, both PEX-A and PEX-B are evident choices, yet the latter offers a more attractive combination of better health safety, higher durability and lower price.
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) tubing is perfect for potable water, food and beverage, and pneumatic compressed air applications.
Effect of Sunlight on PEX Piping
If exposed to sunlight, the molecular structure disintegrates. This causes the piping to become brittle and rupture.
Most newer homes use PVC piping which costs less but is not reliable at high temperatures. If the water temperature is over 140 degrees, PVC pipes and fittings start to degrade. This makes it less than a stellar choice for hot water heaters.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most common types of piping, and it can be used for underground water supply in some applications. PVC is generally inexpensive and is a reliable, durable material. It is rigid, resists corrosion, and can have a lifespan of over 100 years.