Water Line Replacement

Plumbing
Posted by webmaster on 06, March 2011

PEX Water Line Replacement

PEX tubing is made from crosslinked HDPE (high density polyethylene) polymer. The HDPE is melted and continuously extruded into tube. The crosslinking of the HDPE is accomplished in one of three different methods.

PEX plumbing has been in use in Europe since about 1970, and was introduced in the U.S. around 1980. The use of PEX has been increasing ever since, replacing copper pipe in many applications, especially radiant heating systems installed in the slab under floors or walkways. Interest in PEX for hot and cold water plumbing has increased recently in the United States.

Advantages of PEX Plumbing

  • Flexible PEX tube is manufactured by extrusion, and shipped and stored on spools, where rigid plastic or metal piping must be cut to some practical length for shipping and storage. This leads to several advantages, including lower shipping and handling costs due to decreased weight and improved storage options.
  • PEX plumbing installations require fewer fittings than rigid piping. The flexible tubing can turn 90 degree corners without the need for elbow fittings, and PEX tubing unrolled from spools can be installed in long runs without the need for coupling fittings.
  • Attaching PEX tube to fittings does not require soldering, and so eliminates the health hazards involved with lead-based solder and acid fluxes; PEX is also safer to install since a torch is not needed to make connections..
  • PEX resists the scale build-up common with copper pipe, and does not pit or corrode when exposed to acidic water.
  • PEX is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe.
  • PEX tubing does not transfer heat as readily as copper, and so conserves energy.
  • Water flows more quietly through PEX tube, and the characteristic “water hammer” noise of copper pipe systems is virtually eliminated.
  • PEX plumbing installations cost less because:
  • PEX is less expensive than copper pipe.
  • Less time is spent running pipe and installing fittings than with rigid pipe systems.
  • Installing fewer fittings reduces the chances for expensive callbacks.


Many things can block, restrict or damage water and sewer lines. Shifting soil or freezing ground can crack or collapse pipes. A build-up of grease, paper, waste and foreign objects can prohibit proper flow. And the passage of time can cause pipe corrosion or breaks in pipe seals.

One of the most common causes of sewer line back-ups, cracked lines, and drainage problems is root infiltration. Roots from trees and larger shrubs enter the sewer line from a joint; they grow and expand to fill up the pipe with a hair-like root mass. The masses quickly become clogged with toilet paper, debris and grease coming from the home to the main sewer line. As the roots continue to grow, they put pressure on the pipe and it will eventually crack.