All types of PEX (A, B, C) have to comply with the same ASTM F876 and ASTM F877 standards and SDR9 dimensional standard before they can be used anywhere in the US. Pipe which conforms to these standards carries a proper readable imprint.
A brief description of each manufacturing process and some of the leading brands is outlined below:
| PEX-A | PEX-B | PEX-C |
|---|---|---|
| PEX-A tubing is produced using Peroxide (or, “Engel”) method, named after the inventor Tomas Engel. During the manufacturing process, free radicals are created when HDPE polymer is melted and cross-links between molecules occur at temperatures that exceed the decomposition temperature of the polymer. | PEX-B is made using a “Silane” or “Moisture Cure” method of cross-linking, where links between the molecules of the HDPE polymer are formed after the extrusion process using a catalyst and by exposing PEX tubing to water (steam bath). This type of PEX is probably the most common and is manufactured by a large number of companies. | PEX-C pipe is manufactured using “Electronic Irradiation” method of cross-linking, also known as “Cold” cross-linking. Here, cross-linking of the molecules is done after the process of extrusion by exposing the pipe to an electron radiation beam. The radiation emitted allows to break the existing links between molecules of the polymer and initiate cross-linking process. |
| Manufacturers:Uponor (formerly Wirsbo)RehauMr. PEX | Manufacturers:WattsViegaEverhot | Manufacturers:NibcoRothCash-Acme |
Comparing the end product
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| PEX-A | Highest flexibility (softness) among all PEX types. Kinks can be repaired with a heat gun. Highest degree of cross-linking. No coil memory. | Highest price (100-160% higher than PEX-B)(1). Lower bursting pressure than PEX-B. Possible residual or leaching chemicals from manufacturing process. Variation in wall thickness. |
| PEX-B | Highest chlorine and oxidative resistance(2) Highest bursting pressure. Lowest price vs. PEX-A and PEX-C(1). Lowest dimensional tolerances. | Stiffer than PEX-A. Lower cross-linking ratio than PEX-A. Noticeable coil memory. Kinks can only be repaired by splicing (using coupling). |
| PEX-C | Softer than PEX-B. More environmentally-friendly to manufacture. Little or no coil memory. There’s very little data available on PEX-C tubing to allow for competitive analysis. | Prone to development of cracks. Least-uniform cross-linking. Least resistance to kinks, which are repairable only with a coupling. |
For comparison of PEX Fittings and Connection Methods (Crimp, Expansion, Compression), click here.
Which PEX tubing to choose?
PEX-A is the most flexible of all PEX tubing types, has little or no coil memory and gives installer an ability to repair kinks with a heat gun. It has been in use for over 50 years (which is longer than other types) with few publicly known issues (3), which is a good indicator of reliability.
There are two important downsides to this type. First and foremost is a high rate of chemical leaching – from 50% to over 200% higher than PEX-B (2), which is a major concern for plumbing applications. Second is the price, which coupled with fittings and tools may become as much as 2-3 times higher than PEX-B or PEX-C options.
While a leading PEX-A manufacturer claims that their tubing has highest resistance to crack propagation, independent testing(2) shows that PEX-B is actually shows the same or higher resistance to long-term oxidation which appears to be the primary reason for crack formation in the pipes and their subsequent failure.
A lower bending radius in PEX-A (6 times the OD vs. 8 times the OD for PEX-B & C) is helpful, but offers little practical advantage in most cases.
PEX-B is a clear winner in terms of price vs. both other types. It has been in use for over 40 years with no known issues, given that a typical warranty for any type of PEX is only 20-25 years. It also has a higher bursting pressure than PEX-A and a similar or better resistance to oxidation – a very important factor for plumbing installations.
The major downside of PEX-B is its’ stiffness and coil memory (tendency to return to the original shape of coil). While there’s little difference in smaller sizes such as 1/2″, larger pipe diameters, especially 1″, can be noticeably harder to bend. Any kinks (which are very rare in our experience, but still occur) made during the installation can only be repaired by installing a coupling and cannot be repaired with a heat gun like PEX-A.
PEX-C was the hardest to evaluate, given the lack of testing data and publicly available information. In late 2013, a leading US manufacturer of PEX-C pipe became a subject of a class-action settlement which indicated that its’ PEX tubing is prone to development of cracks in the pipe as a result of early oxidation. For this reason therefore, we think that this type of PEX should be avoided altogether in plumbing applications. While PEX-C may be suitable for hydronic and radiant heating use, it offers little practical advantage over the other (2) types.
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.
For baseboards, radiators, radiant floor heating, snow melting and other types of closed-loop heating systems, any type can be selected according to personal preferences or various comparison factors we mentioned above.
When purchasing PEX tubing, make sure it is third-party certified for end use application:
For plumbing, the pipe must meet the ANSI/NSF61 and ANSI/NSF372 standards for potable water safety and lead-free standards and must be marked with “pw-G”, “NSF-61-G” or other NSF-approved marking. When used with chlorinated water, ASTM F2023 compliance is required and must also be imprinted on the pipe.
For radiant floor heating, the pipe should meet the ANSI/NSF 14 standards and marked with “nsf-rfh” or the actual standard.