What is PEX piping?

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, a flexible plastic tubing that has become the standard for water supply lines in bathroom remodels across Connecticut. The material is created by chemically cross-linking polyethylene molecules, giving it durability and resistance to temperature swings that standard polyethylene lacks.

In bathroom remodels, PEX has largely replaced rigid copper piping for supply lines. It costs less, installs faster (no soldering required), and fits easily through tight spaces and walls. The tubing comes coiled, so runs to fixtures need fewer fittings and joints. It also resists freeze-cracking better than copper in New England winters, a practical advantage for Connecticut homes.

Common advantages include flexibility, lower material cost, and quicker installation time for contractors. PEX does not corrode or develop pinhole leaks like aged copper can. Disadvantages include susceptibility to UV damage if exposed to sunlight (requiring protective covers outdoors), potential issues with certain water chemical compositions in rare cases, and some homeowners' preference for the traditional appearance of copper. PEX is approved by Connecticut plumbing codes and meets NSF standards for potable water use.

Bathroom remodelers typically run PEX in color-coded red and blue lines for hot and cold, using crimp fittings or push-fit connections. It has become the default choice for new construction and renovation projects where speed and cost control matter.