Radiant Floor Heating Systems
Hydronic radiant floor heating employs heated water flowing through flexible PEX pipes mounted inside or under the floor. The heated surface then functions as a radiator, warming a room and all objects and people in it. This type of heating provides superior comfort and efficiency
compared to traditional forcedair convection heating. The heating profile is much more
uniform, meaning fewer cold/ hot spots.

Municipal Water Service Pipe
In addition to supplying water within the home, PEX pipe is also used to distribute water to entire communities through municipal water service pipes. Because PEX pipe is more flexible than other piping materials, it ensures high-impact resistance with normal backfill. PEX pipe is resistant to freeze damage, lessening the chance of splitting or cracking. It connects to standard compression joints, valves, and fittings, so it’s easy and convenient to install. It can save up to half the cost of copper—a significant savings for budget-constrained city planners.

Snow and Ice
Melt PEX pipe can be used to create a hydronic system designed to augment the removal of snow and ice by circulating a heat transfer fluid (usually antifreeze and water) through pipes installed within outdoor surfaces. Common applications are for driveways, sidewalks, hospital entrances, parking garage ramps, wheelchair ramps, car washes, hot tub/pool surrounds, and runways. Benefits include reduced maintenance costs, no snow removal costs, reduced liability, and obvious convenience.

Turf Conditioning
PEX pipe is installed within the soil layer of the turf and fluid is circulated at varying temperatures to gently warm the roots to provide optimal root zone temperature. PEX pipe can extend the growing season of natural grass surfaces in applications such as golf courses and other sports field surfaces. Similar systems are also used in greenhouse applications with bedding plants and other foliage.

Fire Suppression
UL-approved PEX piping and fitting systems can be used to supply water to fire suppression sprinklers for residential applications. While many sprinkler systems are largely independent from the water distribution system, for some building types they can be combined with a building’s cold-water plumbing system. This has the potential to reduce the installation costs. Sprinklers, PEX piping, and fittings must comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements for residential fire sprinkler systems, and local codes should be consulted when implementing any fire suppression system to ensure that PEX and/or combined systems are permitted for your building type.

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