2007 Media Releases & Alerts
Research Center Releases Design Guide for Residential PEX Water Supply Plumbing
Systems
February 7, 2007, Orlando, Fla. - Today at the 2007 International
Builders’ Show (IBS), the NAHB Research Center released the PEX Design Guide,
a new resource to increase the acceptance and proper use of cross-linked
polyethylene (PEX) water supply plumbing systems. The PEX Design Guide
provides the comprehensive design concepts and installation guidelines
builders, designers, and trade contractors need to design and install PEX water
supply systems in residential buildings. Created by the Research Center in
partnership with the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), the Plastic Pipe and
Fittings Association (PPFA), and the Partnership for Advancing Technology in
Housing (PATH) program, the guide can now be downloaded for free from
ToolBase.org, the Research Center’s online resource for practical and technical
information on innovative construction products and practices that can improve
housing performance. The hard copy guide will be available in limited
quantities throughout the IBS.
PEX is a high-temperature, flexible, polymer pipe that has gained popularity
among some home builders and remodelers as a cost competitive alternative to
traditional rigid piping materials. While PEX water supply systems can save on
labor and materials, building professionals have reported some challenges in
adopting PEX due to the lack of a comprehensive resource to help them properly
design and install the systems.
The PEX Design Guide was created to introduce potential users to the
technology and enable current users to optimize their designs while minimizing
costs. The guide includes step-by-step instruction on proper applications,
advantages, joining methods, code acceptance, design, and installation for PEX.
In addition, the guide will provide a reliable reference and resource for code
inspectors and homeowners to become familiar with the applications, performance
characteristics, and benefits of PEX water supply systems.
PEX has a 30-year history of successful use in the European market with
extensive testing for durability and material performance. It was first
introduced in North America in 1984 where it has been primarily used for
radiant floor heating, and more recently, for domestic water distribution
systems. It is approved for potable hot and cold water supply systems as well
as hydronic heating systems in all model plumbing and mechanical codes across
the United States and Canada.
Although hurdles to widespread use of PEX still exist, there are many benefits,
such as ease of installation, mechanical connections that eliminate the solder
and flame, resistance to scaling, corrosion and freeze damage, and the
opportunity for design options for water conservation and system performance;
outlined in the design guide.
For more information about PEX water supply systems, visit the Research Center’s
ToolBase Services booth at the IBS, located in the National Association of Home
Builders (NAHB) Member Advantage Headquarters, West Building, Level II, Hall B
Lobby. A free copy of the PEX Design Guide is also available for
download at visit the NAHB Research Center’s ToolBase Services website at
www.ToolBase.org/pexdesignguide.
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