PEX

Complete PEX system: PEX-a and PEX-b tubing, oxygen barrier and non-barrier, plus fittings for every connection method — F1960 expansion, F1807 and F2159 crimp, and Viega PureFlow press. Manifolds, ball valves, expansion tools and accessories from MrPEX Systems, Viega, HeatLink, Sioux Chief and PexGun.

The connection method is the decision that locks everything else in. F1960 is cold expansion: the tubing and a ring are stretched with a tool and shrink back onto the fitting, which needs PEX-a tubing and an expansion tool but leaves full flow through the fitting. F1807 is crimp — a copper ring compressed with a crimp tool over a barbed insert fitting, the cheapest tooling and the most common on PEX-b. F2159 uses a poly-alloy insert fitting with the same crimp rings. Viega PureFlow press uses a stainless sleeve and a press jaw. None of the four cross over, and the tool is a bigger commitment than the fittings, so it is worth settling before the first roll of tubing gets bought.

Barbed insert fittings restrict the bore because the fitting sits inside the tubing; expansion fittings do not. On long runs with several fixtures, that difference shows up as pressure at the far end — which is why expansion is usually specified on larger residential systems and crimp on short branches and repairs.

Manifolds turn a branch system into a home-run system: one supply and return at the manifold, one uninterrupted run to each fixture or loop, no fittings buried in a wall or a slab. Stocked from 4-port through 13-port and higher, plus racks, prefab assemblies, connections and accessories.

Oxygen barrier tubing carries an EVOH layer and belongs on any closed loop with a boiler, circulator or steel component. Non-barrier is potable only.

Sizing a system? Our PEX technical specifications cover dimensions, pressure and temperature ratings, minimum bend radius, thermal expansion and fitting compatibility.

By section: PEX pipe and tubing, PEX fittings, PEX valves, manifolds and PEX tools.

Using Viega? Viega PureFlow press fittings join PEX with a pressed stainless sleeve in 1/2" to 2", and PureFlow crimp fittings cover F1807 crimp.