Definition
PEX is flexible plastic tubing that's become the modern standard for water pipes. It's durable, affordable, handles both hot and cold water, and is way easier to install than rigid copper piping.
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Find my pathAbout this term
PEX is flexible, allowing fewer fittings; inexpensive compared to copper; handles both hot and cold water; and resists freezing damage. It's now code-approved in all jurisdictions and is preferred for new construction and retrofits. PEX comes in various grades and colors (white for cold, red for hot, sometimes blue or gray). Some locales had concerns about taste/odor leaching, now resolved with modern PEX manufacturing. Inspectors assess PEX installation quality and condition.
Pro Tip
When you need to replace supply lines, PEX is your best bet. It's approved everywhere now and gives you flexibility at a fraction of the cost of copper.
Example
A home renovation in Texas replaced outdated galvanized supply lines with PEX tubing throughout the home. The flexibility of PEX required fewer fittings and reduced installation cost to $2,800 compared to $4,200 for copper.