PEX Pipe
• What are the differences in the red, white, and blue PEX pipe?
Other than the color, there is no difference. All three colors can be used for hot or cold water applications.
• Can I use PEX pipe outside?
Yes. However, it MUST be protected from direct and indirect sunlight. PEX pipe will start to become brittle and crack with continued exposure to sunlight.
• Can PEX pipe be buried?
Yes. So long as you have good soil conditions: Flat with no hollows, no lumps, no rocks, and no other sharp objects.
• Can PEX Pipe be buried under Concrete?
Yes. However, all fittings MUST be outside the concrete.
• Is PEX pipe freeze proof?
Nothing is freeze proof. However, PEX Pipe is freeze resistant. PEX Pipe will actually expand with the ice and retract upon thawing. In situations where copper or CPVC would burst the PEX will not. You should use the same insulation precautions with PEX Pipe as you would any other pipe.
• Can I use PEX Pipe for Compressed Air Applications?
No
• Can I use PEX Pipe for Hydronic Heat Applications?
Yes. However, you must use an Oxygen Barrier PEX Pipe. Most hydronic heating systems include some ferrous (iron-containing) components which will corrode over time if exposed to oxygen. Oxygen Barrier PEX tubing will prevent these components from rusting and keep them running smoothly.
• I heard there were numerous lawsuits due to PEX Pipe flooding people’s homes, is this true?
No. Those lawsuits were in regards to Polybutylene (PB) Pipe. PB Pipe is gray in color and was used in the early 90s. PEX Pipe is a completely different technology and has been safely used for over 40 years.
• What type of PEX is Apollo PEX tubing?
Apollo offers PEX-A (Expansion PEX) and PEX-B tubing. PEX-A tubing (Expansion PEX) is produced using the Peroxide or Engel method. Molecules of HDPE polymer are cross-linked during the extrusion process. PEX-B tubing is produced using the Silane or moisture-cured method. The molecules of HDPE polymer cross-linked after the extrusion process by exposing the tubing to water by a steam bath.
• Can any PEX fittings be used with PEX-A or PEX-B pipe?
Apollo PEX-A (Expansion PEX) pipe can be used with Apollo PEX-A or Apollo PEX-B fittings, brass and poly alloy. Apollo PEX-B pipe cannot be used with PEX-A fittings.
PEX-A vs. PEX-B
• What’s the difference between PEX-A and PEX-B?
Apollo PEX-A and PEX-B are quite similar. All meet ASTM standards, NSF certified for use with potable water, and are extremely flexible for plumbing use. Both are made from cross-linked polyethylene but use different processes to produce the cross-linked polymers. PEX-A involves the “Engel” process which introduces peroxides to HDPE to enable bonding at the atomic level resulting in the highest degree of cross-linking. PEX-B involves the Silane process which passes the finished HDPE tubing through steam in the presence of a Silane catalyst to encourage the polymers to cross-links.
PEX-A (Expansion PEX) is the most flexible of the two pipes. It can be expanded and has the greatest kink resistance. PEX-A pipe is rated 160 psi @ 73.4° F (1055 kPa @ 23° C), 100 psi @ 180° F (690 kPa @82.2° C), 80 psi @ 200° F (550 kPa @ 93.3° C). Design factor 0.50 (per ASTM F876, CSA B137.5).
PEX-B is the least expensive. It cannot be expanded but is flexible. Apollo PEX-B pipe is rated 160 psi @ 73° F, 100 psi @ 180° F.
Both types of PEX are non-corrosive and freeze resistant.
PEX Tools
• How do I calibrate my tool?
All tools are calibrated from the factory for the first 50,000 crimps. If your tool does need calibration please view our tool calibration video to learn how to calibrate the tool. You can also go to our literature page and download the instruction sheet for specific tools to learn the calibration instructions.
PEX Fittings
• What is the difference between a Copper Crimp Ring Connection and a Stainless Steel Pinch Clamp Connection?
Performance wise there is no difference between these two types of connections. The difference between them is the costs involved with their respective tools and the rings/clamps themselves.
• What is a Pro Crimp Ring and Pro Pinch Clamp?
A Pro Crimp Ring and Pro Pinch Clamp have a plastic edge on it that places it in the proper crimp position and prevents the ring from sliding down the pipe before installation can occur. The installation process is no different than the standard crimp ring or pinch clamp.
• Can I use PEX Pipe fittings on Polybutylene (PB) Pipe?
No. The inside diameter of PB is different than PEX. There is a ½” and ¾” coupling that you can use to transition PB to PEX. One side of the fitting is designed for the PB and the other for PEX.
Push To Connect Fittings
• Can the Push Fittings be buried?
Yes. However, you should wrap them with a plastic barrier prior to burying them.
• Can the Push Fittings be used inside a wall?
Yes. Push Fittings are certified for in wall use.
• What are the pipe insertion depths for Tectite by Mosack Group push to connect fittings?
Insertion depth for a 1” fitting is 1-5/16”, ¾” fitting is 1-1/8”, ½” and 3/8” fittings is 15/16”.
• How do you change the valve configuration for the washing machine outlet box?
You can view the instruction sheet here.
Blue Insert Fittings
• Do I need to use poly pinch clamps with Blue Insert fittings?
Yes. To ensure a complete fasten with no leaks, please fasten a poly pinch clamp around the fitting and poly pipe once it’s installed.
Packaging Disclaimers
• Are Lead Free and California Proposition 65 the same thing?
No. Please read our Prop 65 vs. Lead Free document to explain both laws.