Pipe Insulation for Both PEX and Copper Piping

Abst： Copper, an element found in nature, is reddish in color and metallic. It is a rather soft and malleable metal. You may hear about the high thermal or electrical conductivity of copper.

Generally speaking, Pipe Insulation is a great option for both plumbing and heating projects whether you are using copper piping or PEX piping. To choose which type of pipe you want to use, you should first learn about the materials that the two pipes are made from.

In other words, it is a very good conductor of heat and electricity. Silver is the most electrically conductive metal, but copper is a close second. Actually, there are a wide range of copper tubing types available: type L copper tubing, type K copper tubing, and refrigeration soft copper tubing. These copper tubes are sold in copper tubing coils.

However, PEX piping on the other hand is longer-lasting, less expensive and easier to install than copper piping. It also has a much lower expansion rate, which reduces noise as your system heats up, and makes it less likely to burst if the pipes freeze. When planning a project for either a plumbing or heating application, you can choose between PEX and copper. If you choose PEX, you will then have even more choices to make, including a fitting system.

Then, after choosing between copper piping and PEX piping, you should consider installing pipe insulation. This is a great option for either type. A good rule of thumb is to treat your PEX pipe installation the same way you would do to copper pipe.

In practice, both PEX and copper pipe lose a significant amount of heat to the air. As hot water passes through, the conductivity of the material pulls heat away from the water and then the air pulls that heat from the pipe. Energy is also wasted when frost forms on cold water plumbing, chilled water and air-conditioning lines. Whether your project involves your heating system, hot water plumbing or cold water plumbing, pipe insulation is a great, affordable way to utilize heat that is being wasted and reduce your energy bills. What is more, pipe insulation not only helps lower your energy bills, but it starts at just a few dollars, depending on the diameter and length needed.

Recently, you have learned more about the differences between copper piping and PEX piping and the benefits of installing pipe insulation. Good luck with your piping project.