At POLYMELT America, we receive a lot of questions from customers about how our polypropylene (PP-R) piping systems compare to cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes, and it’s always a topic we’re happy to discuss. Because PEX pipes and our PP-R pipes are both plastic, people sometimes assume that POLYMELT America plans to compete with PEX manufacturers, but that’s actually not the case at all.
PEX pipes are very different from PP-R pipes. Most importantly, PEX pipes are engineered and used for very different applications. PEX pipes are manufactured in smaller dimensions for use in plumbing, residential fire safety, and radiant heating and cooling systems. PEX piping is flexible, which allows it to flex around corners and weave through tight spaces. It’s a highly useful material for certain projects. However, PEX pipes are not designed to handle the larger diameters and high pressure that PP-R piping systems are engineered for.
POLYMELT’s PP-R piping systems are large, rigid and durable, ideal for large-scale plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical applications that PEX pipes are simply not designed to handle. As a result, engineers and contractors do not have to choose between using PEX and PP-R pipes and fittings. In fact, POLYMELT PP-R piping systems actually complement PEX systems rather than compete with them.
POLYMELT America offers PEX transitions that can be heat-fused to our pipe on one side and crimped to PEX pipe on the other side. These PP-R-to-PEX socket outlets make it easy to design and install POLYMELT piping systems that integrate PEX tubing, including radiant heating applications. They are also designed to reduce the risk of leakage by eliminating a threaded connection in the transition to PEX.
Have questions about joining a PP-R system with PEX piping? POLYMELT America can help. Contact our team of plastic piping experts today for advice on building an integrated system that will last for decades with virtually zero corrosion, scaling, or leaks!