4 Unusual Possibilities For PEX Installation

When we talk about PEX installation, most contractors assume we’re talking about plumbing applications and they’re not totally wrong. It’s true that PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing has sparked quite the plumbing revolution, quickly becoming a highly sought after alternative to copper and other types of metal piping.

Not only is PEX more flexible, less susceptible to erosion, and easier to install, these superior attributes also translate into more affordable pricing for both plumbing contractors and consumers. But the pipes that carry grey and black water out of a home or business aren’t the only applications for PEX piping.

Let’s take a look at other types of PEX installation that might come as a surprise.

1. Radiant Floor Heat

Clients who’re interested in radiant floors are prime candidates for PEX installation. In a radiant flooring system, warm water is forced through PEX tubing installed beneath the floorboards. This is a very popular option in cold weather climates where people want uncarpeted floors but don’t want to feel like they’re walking on ice cubes.

Watch a video of radiant floor heating installation with a PEX GUN below!

2. Snow And Ice Melt

Also popular in cold weather climates are snow and ice melt systems. Who wants to spend their whole ski vacation shoveling snow or clearing icicles off of the gutter system? Installing PEX in concrete, asphalt, or sand pathways and driveways eliminates the need for constant snow removal. Much like a radiant flooring system, PEX tubes are installed under outdoor walkways, creating heat that melts snow and ice before it has a chance to accumulate.

3. Commercial Building Foundations

Once a building is complete, we rarely spend time thinking about the foundation. Until a problem arises, that is. If a building is located in an environment that experiences sub-zero temperatures, freezing soil can create issues for its foundation. If allowed to continue, the expanding effect of this permafrost can create cracks or entirely destroy a concrete floor. Once again, PEX installation can be a simple answer to this costly problem. When combined with thick insulation, a radiant heating system created with PEX tubing can allow the soil to maintain a constant, above-freezing temperature.

4. Overhead Plumbing

In most residential environments, plumbing pipes run up from the ground, underneath the floor, and sometimes in between walls. However, pipes don’t always have to be under your feet. In a situation that demands plumbing be rerouted, PEX installation is called for.

“When running pipe from a slab to an attic, use cross-linked polyethylene tubing, or PEX, instead of copper. PEX is semi-flexible, which allows for long, continuous runs through joists and studs. Long runs reduce the need for tees, elbows and other fittings where leaks may occur,” explains SF Gate Homeguides.

As you can see, simple ground to appliance plumbing is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to PEX installation. If you’re looking for a way to grow your plumbing business, and branch out into other plumbing applications, utilizing PEX could provide a simple and affordable way forward.