Should I Install An Uponor PEX-a Plumbing System In My Houston Home?
These days, it seems like every Houston household with galvanized or old copper plumbing has at least one plumbing problem. But the good news is that with the premium products from Uponor, you can eliminate all those pesky issues and more! The going option for repiping your home is PEX. But what is PEX, and should you use it in your home?
What is Uponor PEX?
Uponor PEX plumbing systems is a flexible, durable plastic piping product called cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing used to distribute the water throughout your home. PEX tubing is a clean, non-toxic, and extremely durable piping product that will not pit, scale or corrode. And although not a big problem for Houstonians, it even helps resist freeze damage.
There are three types of PEX tubing: PEX-a, PEX-b, and PEX-c. Uponor manufactures PEX-a tubing is considered the superior type of PEX in the industry, because the cross-linking is done during the manufacturing process when polyethylene is in its amorphic state (above the crystalline melting point). Because of this, the degree of cross-linking reaches around 85% (higher than PEX-b or PEX-c), resulting in a more uniform, more flexible product with no weak links in the molecular chain. We Do Repipes is a Uponor Certified Installer, and we only use superior PEX-a tubing for all repipes. If you are considering a repipe for your home and have additional questions about using PEX in your Houston area home, call a repipe expert, 832-819-8337.
Is PEX safe for drinking water?
According to the manufacturer, Uponor AquaPEX tubing for drinking water is held to the highest standards of the plumbing industry. Old galvanized pipe corrodes, and rust enters your drinking water supply. This rust will slowly damage your washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator. Installing PEX will eliminate the rust from your drinking water, protecting you, your family, and your investments.
"In addition to testing and certification at NSF International, Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Uponor PEX tubing has been tested and approved for potable-water applications by the most demanding agencies in the world, including DVWG-Germany, KIWA-Netherlands, CTSB-France, and BSI-Great Britain. Toxicity extraction testing performed in accordance with ANSI/NSF 61 "Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects" verifies Uponor PEX tubing does not leach potentially harmful substances into the drinking water." - https://www.uponor-usa.com
Why Consider Installing PEX InYour Houston-Area Home?
Uponor PEX-a plumbing system is a clean, healthy, quiet, and reliable system that provides many benefits over a copper or PVC system, including corrosion resistance, better freeze resistance, fewer connections for fewer potential leak points, and a 25-year limited warranty.
We Do Repipes offers 5 Star Repiping Services to Houston residents and surrounding areas. Call us today for a free consultation for whole-house repipe services. Call 832-819-8337 or request a quote online.
We Do Repipes Inc serves all the Houston Metroplex area for quality Uponor PEX repipe service, including but not limited to Galveston, Freeport, Sugarland, Missouri City, Katy, Pasadena, Baytown. Kingwood-Humble, Conroe, The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball and all areas between. We’ve got you covered. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your repipe options, 832-819-8337.
Watch this video to see why you should not wait to replace your old galvanized plumbing. Video courtesy of
4 Advantages of PEX Plumbing in Houston
1) More Flexibility Than Copper Plumbing
The biggest problem with copper plumbing is its rigidity. This fact means the copper material requires lots of straight lines and cuts for installation. While this might not be a huge problem for smaller projects, it can quickly add up when used on larger ones.
It’s also incredibly inconvenient for tight structures without much space. PEX, on the other hand, is malleable. This means it can simply curve around potential roadblocks, and be threaded behind the walls without having to open the walls completely.
The flexibility that comes with PEX can also help increase pressure in pipes.
Why?
Because the elbow joints used in traditional piping causes turbulence at each transition. This results in a drop in water pressure, which potentially means weaker water flow in showers, sinks, and toilets.
2) It’s Quick to Install
Many contractors greatly prefer PEX material because it’s easier and quicker to install. The piping can be made in larger pieces, since it’s more flexible and requires fewer fittings when installing it.
You can make connections with PEX simply by placing the material together, and then using a compression fitting. Copper pipes require a torch to solder the connections, and PVC requires glue.
This soldering is not only work-intensive, but also poses a potential fire hazard. The fact that it’s quicker to install means plumbers or contractors can charge less in labor since the install requires less time and energy.
3) It’s Freeze Resistant
When water freezes and expands in rigid plumbing, it can cause them to burst. Although Houston homeowners don't have to worry often about frozen pipes, the 2020 freeze taught us that our weather can be unpredictable, and it is important to prepare for all weather conditions.
The severity of the burst can range from annoying leaking to full-on flooding. In contrast, PEX piping expands with the frozen water.
4) Affordability
Perhaps the most popular reason many people prefer PEX piping is the affordable price of the material. The piping material can often cost a fraction of what it would take to install an alternative.
So why is an Uponor PEX plumbing system more affordable?
As we mentioned before, part of this relates to the flexibility of the material. Since it can maneuver easily around corners, the piping doesn’t require elbow joints at every turn like copper pipe.
According to the Institutional Investor, "Copper prices have risen 125% from their March 2020 lows, and have been among the commodities that have reached record high prices since the pandemic began." When you factor in the high cost of the copper piping, plus the additional labor needed to install them, the costs quickly add up.
About We Do Repipes
We are committed to invaluable repiping expertise and superior results.
At We Do Repipes Inc, we live by these words, proving on every project that our years of Repiping experience in Houston gives our customers the best possible result. When you hire a professional repiping company as We Do Repipes, you are entrusting your most valuable possession to the BEST in Houston. We practice excellent communication throughout any project, prompt action, accurate estimating, and strive to deliver exceptional service.
Our goal is to treat every customer like family, providing service as if we are working on our own home. Please call us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation of your home plumbing system.
We look forward to showing you why We Do Repipes Inc is the best Residential Repiping Company in Houston, Texas. Call us today at 832-819-8337 or click here to request a callback.
