PE-RT and PEX are two popular materials used for plumbing pipes. Both are flexible, durable, and easy to install, making them the go-to choices for many professionals. However, there are some key differences between the two that make one a better choice over the other depending on the specific application.
PE-RT, or Polyethylene of Raised Temperature resistance, is a type of plastic that is known for its toughness and longevity. It has excellent thermal memory, which allows it to bounce back to its original shape even after being kinked or bent. On the other hand, PEX, or Cross-linked Polyethylene, is a material that is known for its high-pressure and temperature ratings. It can withstand high temperatures and pressures, making it ideal for use in radiant heating systems and potable plumbing applications.
Key Takeaways
- PE-RT and PEX are both popular materials used for plumbing pipes.
- PE-RT is known for its toughness and thermal memory, while PEX is known for its high-pressure and temperature ratings.
- The choice between the two depends on the specific application.
Material Composition and Properties
Polyethylene (PE) and Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)
Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in various applications. It is a lightweight and flexible material that is known for its durability and resistance to chemicals. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a type of polyethylene that has been treated with chemicals or radiation to create a three-dimensional network of cross-linked bonds. This process improves the material’s strength, durability, and resistance to high temperatures.
PEX is commonly used in plumbing applications due to its flexibility and ease of installation. It can be easily bent and shaped to fit around corners and obstacles, reducing the need for fittings and joints. PEX is also resistant to corrosion, making it an ideal material for use in harsh environments.
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance (PE-RT)
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance (PE-RT) is a type of polyethylene that has been designed to withstand high temperatures. It is a non-crosslinked material that has a high degree of toughness and longevity. PE-RT is also lightweight and eco-friendly, making it a popular choice for underfloor heating applications.
PE-RT has a good flow capacity and is resistant to stress cracking. However, it has a lower pressure rating compared to PEX. The largest diameter available for PE-RT is 1″, with the exception of Legend potable PE-RT which is available up to 2″. It is important to note that PE-RT fittings are not interchangeable with PEX fittings.
In summary, PEX and PE-RT are both types of polyethylene that have been designed for specific applications. PEX is commonly used in plumbing applications due to its flexibility and resistance to corrosion. PE-RT is ideal for underfloor heating applications due to its high temperature resistance and eco-friendliness.
Installation and Handling
As a professional plumber, I have installed both PE-RT and PEX pipes in various projects. In terms of installation and handling, both types of pipes have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Ease of Installation
PE-RT pipes are generally easier to install than PEX pipes. They are more flexible and can be easily bent and shaped to fit into tight spaces. They also have a memory effect, which means that they will return to their original shape after being bent. This makes them ideal for use in areas where there are many turns and bends.
PEX pipes, on the other hand, are slightly more difficult to install. They are stiffer than PE-RT pipes and require more support. They also have a tendency to kink if not handled properly, which can cause problems during installation.
Special Tools and Professional Handling
Both PE-RT and PEX pipes require special tools for installation. However, the tools required for PE-RT pipes are generally less expensive than those required for PEX pipes. This makes PE-RT pipes a more cost-effective option for smaller projects.
Professional handling is recommended for both types of pipes, especially for larger projects. However, due to the ease of installation and lower cost of tools, PE-RT pipes may be a better option for DIY projects.
In terms of fittings, both types of pipes use similar fittings that are easy to install. However, PEX pipes require a crimping tool for installation, while PE-RT pipes can be installed using a compression fitting.
Overall, both PE-RT and PEX pipes are reliable and durable options for plumbing projects. When it comes to installation and handling, it really depends on the specific project and the preferences of the installer.
Performance in Plumbing Systems
PE-RT and PEX are both popular choices for plumbing systems, but which one performs better? In this section, I will compare the performance of PE-RT and PEX in terms of temperature and pressure handling, resistance to chemicals and corrosion, and durability and service life.
Temperature and Pressure Handling
PE-RT and PEX are both designed to handle high temperature and pressure in hot water applications. However, PE-RT has a higher temperature and pressure rating compared to PEX. PE-RT can handle temperatures up to 180°F and pressures up to 160 psi, while PEX can handle temperatures up to 200°F and pressures up to 100 psi. If your plumbing system requires high temperature and pressure handling, PE-RT may be the better choice.
Resistance to Chemicals and Corrosion
PE-RT and PEX both have excellent resistance to chemicals and corrosion, making them ideal for piping in plumbing systems. However, PE-RT has better resistance to chemicals and corrosion compared to PEX. PE-RT is resistant to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in water, while PEX is not. Additionally, PE-RT has a higher resistance to corrosion compared to PEX. If your plumbing system requires resistance to chemicals and corrosion, PE-RT may be the better choice.
Durability and Service Life
PE-RT and PEX are both durable materials with a long service life. However, PE-RT has a longer service life compared to PEX. PE-RT has a service life of up to 50 years, while PEX has a service life of up to 30 years. Additionally, PE-RT is less prone to water hammer compared to PEX, which can lead to premature failure. If you are looking for a material with a longer service life and less prone to water hammer, PE-RT may be the better choice.
Overall, both PE-RT and PEX have their advantages and disadvantages in plumbing systems. It is important to consider the specific needs of your plumbing system and choose the material that best fits those needs.
Applications and Use Cases
Residential and Industrial Applications
PE-RT and PEX pipes are both popular choices for residential and industrial plumbing applications. They are both suitable for use in cold and hot water supply lines, and they are both approved for use in potable water systems.
PE-RT pipes are more flexible than PEX pipes, which makes them easier to install in tight spaces. They also have a higher resistance to cracking and splitting, which makes them ideal for use in areas with high water pressure or in applications where the pipes are exposed to sunlight.
PEX pipes, on the other hand, have a higher degree of crosslinking, which provides toughness and longevity. They also have excellent thermal memory, which allows for kink repairs.
When choosing between PE-RT and PEX pipes for residential and industrial applications, it is important to consider the specific needs of the project and the environment in which the pipes will be installed.
Underfloor Heating Systems and Hot Water Supply
PE-RT pipes are particularly well-suited for use in underfloor heating systems. They offer high heat resistance, making them a great choice for this type of application. Additionally, they have a great flow capacity, which ensures that the heating system will operate efficiently.
PEX pipes are also suitable for underfloor heating systems, but they are better suited for hot water supply lines. They have a higher degree of crosslinking, which provides greater durability and resistance to high temperatures.
When choosing between PE-RT and PEX pipes for underfloor heating systems and hot water supply lines, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the project. Both types of pipes offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on the specific needs of the project.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
As a material, PE-RT has a lower environmental impact than PEX due to its lower carbon footprint. PE-RT is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a type of plastic that is considered to be more eco-friendly than PEX. HDPE is recyclable, making it a more sustainable option than PEX.
PEX is made from a type of plastic that is not as easily recycled as HDPE. While it is possible to recycle PEX, it is not as widely accepted by recycling centers as HDPE. This means that PEX may end up in landfills, where it can take hundreds of years to decompose.
In terms of energy efficiency, both PE-RT and PEX are good options for radiant heating systems. However, PEX-Al-PEX is a more energy-efficient option than standard PEX. PEX-Al-PEX has an aluminum layer that provides an additional barrier against heat loss, making it a more efficient option for radiant heating systems.
Overall, PE-RT is a more eco-friendly and sustainable option than PEX. While both materials are suitable for radiant heating systems, PE-RT has a lower environmental impact due to its recyclability and lower carbon footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between PE-RT and PEX pipes?
PE-RT and PEX pipes are both made of polyethylene material, but they differ in their molecular structure. PE-RT pipes are made from a higher-performance resin that is specifically designed for use in high-temperature applications, making them suitable for use in hot water systems. PEX pipes, on the other hand, are made from a lower-density resin and are better suited for cold water applications. Additionally, PE-RT pipes have a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than PEX pipes, which means they expand and contract less with temperature changes.
Which pipe material offers better durability, PE-RT or PEX?
Both PE-RT and PEX pipes are durable and have a long lifespan. However, PE-RT pipes have been shown to have better resistance to slow crack growth, which can occur due to environmental stressors such as UV exposure, thermal cycling, and chemical exposure. This makes PE-RT pipes a better choice for outdoor and high-stress applications.
Can PE-RT pipe fittings be used with PEX systems, and vice versa?
PE-RT pipe fittings and PEX pipe fittings are not interchangeable. While both pipe materials use similar fittings, they have different dimensions and are not compatible with each other. It is important to use fittings that are specifically designed for the type of pipe being used to ensure a proper and leak-free installation.
What are the typical applications for PE-RT pipes?
PE-RT pipes are commonly used in hot water systems, including radiant floor heating, domestic hot water, and snow melting systems. They are also used in industrial and commercial applications, such as chemical processing, oil and gas, and HVAC systems.
How do PE-RT and PEX-Al-PEX pipes compare in terms of thermal expansion and oxygen barrier?
PE-RT and PEX-Al-PEX pipes both have lower coefficients of thermal expansion than standard PEX pipes, which makes them more resistant to temperature changes. Additionally, PEX-Al-PEX pipes have an aluminum layer that provides an oxygen barrier, which can help prevent corrosion and extend the life of the pipe. However, PE-RT pipes are typically less expensive than PEX-Al-PEX pipes, making them a more cost-effective option for many applications.
What are the specific advantages of using PE-RT over PEX in underfloor heating systems?
PE-RT pipes are an excellent choice for underfloor heating systems due to their superior resistance to slow crack growth and their ability to withstand high temperatures. Additionally, PE-RT pipes have better flexibility and kink resistance than PEX pipes, which can make them easier to install in tight spaces. Finally, PE-RT pipes are less likely to develop leaks at the fittings than PEX pipes, which can reduce the risk of water damage and costly repairs.
Hi, I’m Sal Muller of Tooltrip.com. My DIY experience led me to understand essential power tools for home projects. Tooltrip.com guides enthusiasts and professionals in choosing right tools for any job. I provide concise top tool reviews for easier, efficient DIY.
