If you’re staring down a re-pipe or adding a new bath and thinking, “PEX is the way to go—but what exactly do I buy?”, you’re in the right place. I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More, and I’ve run pipe in freezing crawlspaces, high-rise risers, and everything in between. I’ve watched PEX grow from a niche product to the backbone of modern residential and light commercial plumbing. This Beginner’s Guide to PEX: What to Buy at a Pex Supply House will give you a straight-shooting shopping list, explain the pros and cons like a pro would, and show you where smart buyers save money without creating headaches.
Before we dive in, a quick reality check: PEX quality isn’t equal. That bargain coil that looks just like the brand-name PEX? It’s not. The polymer, the oxygen barrier, the coil memory, the UV inhibitor—all of it matters once it’s in a wall for 30 years. That’s where we step in. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components you can trust to pass inspection and stand up to real-world installation abuse.
Why PEX? Real-World Advantages I See Every Week
PEX wins jobs for three reasons: speed, flexibility, and reliability. It’s faster to install than copper or CPVC, it handles freeze-thaw cycles far better, Get more info and the fittings are streamlined. For homeowners, that means fewer solder joints and less risk of pinhole leaks. For contractors, it means tighter timelines and fewer call-backs. When I repiped a 1950s ranch last winter, we cut the install time by nearly 40% using a manifolded PEX-A layout with home-run lines—all while weaving through cramped joist bays without a single flame in the house.
- PEX-A vs. PEX-B vs. PEX-C: I prefer PEX-A (Engel method) for its superior flexibility and the ability to use expansion fittings. Think brands like Uponor/Wirsbo AquaPEX and Rehau RAUPEX. PEX-B (Silane) is great with crimp/cinch systems—brands like SharkBite PEX-B and NIBCO. PEX-C is serviceable but generally stiffer. Oxygen barrier PEX (PEX-AL-PEX or PEX with EVOH layer) is for hydronics—baseboard loops, radiant floors, and fan coils. For domestic water, stick with non-oxygen-barrier PEX that meets NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and 372. Code note: Most jurisdictions following IPC/UPC allow PEX for potable water with listed fittings. Check local amendments—our team routinely advises based on county inspector preferences.
When Home Depot or Lowe’s runs out of a critical fitting mid-job, that’s a project-killer. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More to pull the right components, stage orders, and deliver them same-day when needed.
PEXA, PEXB, or PEXC: Which Should You Actually Buy?
Here’s the plain truth from the jobsite. If you want the easiest pulls and smoothest bends, PEX-A wins. Expansion fittings mean full-bore flow—no internal restriction at the fitting shoulder. On a 3-bath home, that adds up to better performance at simultaneous fixtures.
- PEX-A favorites: Uponor AquaPEX (A7020500 coils), Rehau RAUPEX (251017-001), and Apollo Expansion PEX-A. Typical pricing ranges: $0.45–$0.85/ft for 1/2", $0.95–$1.60/ft for 3/4", $1.80–$3.00/ft for 1". PEX-B value: SharkBite PEX-B (U860R50 series), NIBCO PEX-B. Crimp and cinch systems keep tool costs down, and fittings are widely available. 1/2" runs ~$0.30–$0.60/ft. PEX-AL-PEX hydronic: Uponor hePEX and MrPEX O2 barrier lines for radiant floor and boiler loops. Don’t run O2 barrier PEX on domestic water unless you like extra stiffness and unnecessary cost.
Timeframe reality: First-time DIYers can repipe a 2-bath home over a weekend with prep (8–12 hours of active install), while a two-person crew can knock it out in 4–6 hours with a tidy manifold plan. Want me to look over your layout? Call our technical team—we’ll mark it up and recommend the right sizes.
While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll tell you when PEX-A makes sense and when PEX-B is the better buy.
Fittings and Tools: What Belongs in Your Cart
Buying PEX without the right fittings and tools is like buying a car without tires. You’ll need a system approach.
- Expansion (PEX-A): Tools: Uponor Milwaukee ProPEX M12 or M18 Expander (2432-22/2632-22), Uponor manual expander (Q6295075) for smaller budgets. Fittings: Uponor ProPEX brass and polymer fittings (ASTM F1960). I like polymer for aggressive water chemistry; brass for mechanical rooms and exposed areas. Sleeves: Uponor ProPEX expansion rings sized to tube OD. Crimp/Cinch (PEX-B or PEX-A compatible): Tools: RIDGID 320-E (crimp), IWISS clamp tool for ASTM F2098 cinch rings. Rings: Copper crimp rings or stainless cinch clamps—stick to ASTM F1807/F2098. Fittings: Lead-free brass or PPSU—SharkBite, Apollo, NIBCO. Use straight runs and add elbows sparingly to protect flow. Support and protection: Bend supports (Sioux Chief 661 series), talon clamps, nail plates for stud protection, and sleeves through masonry. Stub-outs: Sioux Chief OxBox and copper stub-out elbows to keep finished work solid. Valves: Full-port ball valves (Webstone, Apollo 94ALF series). Don’t choke a 1" main with a restrictive valve.
Pro tip: Buy 10–15% extra fittings. You’ll use them. And label your bins by size before you start—1/2" and 3/4" elbows look identical from the top of a ladder at 8 pm.
Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—bring in your fitting count, and we’ll spot the gaps before you leave the counter.
Manifolds, Layout, and Flow: Designing for Performance
Manifolds are where PEX becomes a dream to service. A central manifold with home-run lines gives you per-fixture shutoffs and balanced flow. For larger homes, we’ll zone manifolds—one in the basement, one in the second-floor laundry, each feeding nearby fixtures.
- Manifold options: Uponor EP multi-port tees or TruFLOW manifolds (A2650002 series for potable; brass for mechanical rooms). Rehau EVERLOC+ manifolds for expansion systems. Sioux Chief ManaBloc (677 series) with labeled ports—great for homeowners who want a “breaker panel for water.” Sizing rules of thumb: 3/4" trunk to branch 1/2" for single fixtures; 1" trunk for multi-bath. For a two-story 3-bath, I start with a 1" main, step to 3/4" near distant branches. Keep hot water runs tight to the water heater to reduce wait times; consider a recirc line with an ECM pump if the kitchen is a football field away. Pressure and temp: PEX is typically rated 160 psi at 73°F, 100 psi at 180°F. Domestic is well under that, but respect the derating at high temps. Code notes: Insulate hot water lines per local energy code. Use listed pipe supports and maintain clearances from flues.
I’ve redone more than a few “octopus” layouts where small-diameter lines starved upstairs showers. Bring your fixture count, we’ll size it right and print your cut sheet at the counter.
Water Quality, Compatibility, and Smart Choices
PEX handles most municipal water beautifully, but not all chemistries are equal. High chlorine residuals can age PEX faster—another reason to avoid bargain pipe. Stick with listed brands with a UV/chlorine resistance rating per ASTM F2023.
- Brass dezincification: Choose DZR brass (CW602N) in hard water to avoid zinc leaching and weakened fittings. Webstone and Uponor brass meet the mark. Transition fittings: Copper stub-outs for solid wall terminations. Female adaptors to threaded valves—use quality thread sealant, not just tape. Dielectric considerations: PEX naturally isolates dissimilar metals—nice perk when transitioning from galvanized or copper. Smart tech: Automatic shutoff systems like Flo by Moen or Phyn add peace of mind. We stock them, and yes, they play nicely with PEX systems.
While SupplyHouse.com and Ferguson have broad catalogs, Plumbing Supply And More brings local plumbing supply expertise and same-day answers—we’ll match products to your water chemistry and code, not just warehouse availability.
Insulation, Fire Stops, and Finish Work That Impresses Inspectors
The installation that passes rough inspection with zero red tags isn’t an accident. It’s discipline in routing, fastening, and penetrations.
- Routing: Keep PEX 6"+ from flues and vents; use heat shields where needed. Sleeve through concrete and masonry; protect with nail plates at stud crossings. Insulation: R-3 minimum on hot lines in most local energy codes; insulate recirc lines fully. Fire-stopping: Seal penetrations with intumescent fire caulk in rated assemblies—don’t wing it. UV exposure: PEX doesn’t love sunlight—limit exposure to under 30–60 days depending on manufacturer; protect in utility rooms with conduit or jackets. Finish: Solid escutcheons, level stub-outs, and branded supply stops matter. It looks professional because it is.
Our team serves contractors throughout the region with jobsite delivery inside a 50-mile radius, and we know local inspectors by name. Call ahead, we’ll kit your rough-in so you can hit your schedule.
Hydronics and HVAC Crossovers: When to Use O2 Barrier and PEX-AL-PEX
If you’re crossing into radiant floors, baseboard loops, or fan coil tie-ins, you’re shopping the hydronic aisle.
- Tubing: Uponor hePEX, Rehau RAUPEX O2 barrier, MrPEX—look for the EVOH oxygen barrier layer to protect ferrous components. PEX-AL-PEX holds its shape—ideal for neat boiler room runs and staple-up radiant. Manifolds and controls: Caleffi, Viega, and Uponor manifolds with flow meters; thermostatic mixing valves to temper radiant circuits. Pumps and valves: Grundfos UPS and Alpha, Taco 007e. We’ll size the pump based on head loss and required flow. Code note: Closed hydronic loops and potable water must remain isolated by a listed double-check backflow or RPZ where required.
Compared to Ferguson, Grainger, and Johnstone Supply, Plumbing Supply And More beats them on hydronic know-how and hands-on support—bring your loop layout and we’ll spec the manifold and pump the right way.
What to Buy: A Practical PEX Shopping List for a 2–3 Bath Home
Here’s a starter bill of materials I use for most 2–3 bath homes on domestic water:
- 250–400 ft 1/2" PEX (hot/cold runs), 150–250 ft 3/4" PEX (trunks), 50–100 ft 1" if needed from meter to heater Manifold: 8–16 port potable manifold or a set of EP multi-port tees 1/2" and 3/4" tees, elbows, couplings (polymer or DZR brass), 10–15 of each 1/2" and 3/4" ball valves (full port), 6–10 total Expansion sleeves or crimp rings to match your system Stub-out elbows and boxes for laundry/ice maker (Sioux Chief OxBox), 2–4 units Pipe supports, bend supports, nail plates, and insulation sleeves Transition fittings to water heater and meter set (dielectric unions if needed) Tool kit: Expansion or crimp tool, cutter, deburrer, and go/no-go gauge for crimp systems Labels and Sharpies—future you will thank you
Price range: Expect $700–$1,600 in materials depending on system type and brand, plus tools ($80 for a basic crimp kit to $450–$700 for a pro-grade expansion kit). That’s still typically well under copper in today’s market.
And if you’re hunting for a deal, ask about our contractor accounts and monthly specials. Yes, we honor a fair supply house coupon when manufacturers allow it, and we occasionally share supply house discount code or a limited supply house promo code through our newsletter—set up your supply house login on our site and get notified.
How Plumbing Supply And More Stacks Up Against the Field
Let me say this as candidly as I can: the right supplier keeps your job on schedule and your reputation intact. I’ve watched crews lose days chasing fittings at three different counters. That’s not how we work.
- Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components from Uponor, Rehau, Webstone, Caleffi, Taco, Grundfos, and more—ready to go. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise with former field techs at the counter who know code, not just SKUs. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—spec sheets, submittals, and real-world install guidance. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for emergency runs and after-hours solutions. And yes, we’ll out-service Ferguson, Grainger, and even online-only SupplyHouse.com when you need hands-on, local plumbing supply expertise.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference, or call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. We support professional contractors, serious DIYers, property managers, and retail customers with the same focus: get it right, on time.
Finding the Right Counter: Local, Wholesale, and Online Options Explained
Whether you’re searching for a plumbing supply near me, a full-service plumbing supply store, or the closest plumbing supply store near me that actually answers technical questions, choose a counter that understands PEX systems from meter to finish trim.
At Plumbing Supply And More, we operate as a true general plumbing supply and plumbing and supply partner. That means you can walk into our plumbing supply shop or call our plumbing supply house and get commercial-grade solutions. We’re a full commercial plumbing supply and wholesale plumbing supply destination with options for plumbing supplies direct pickup, plus a highly stocked local plumbing supply branch network. If you need a reliable plumbing supply company for multiple properties, set up a contractor plumbing supply account with our bulk programs, or order through our plumbing supply online portal. And for budget-sensitive projects, we also curate high-value, discount plumbing supplies without sacrificing code compliance—our buyers reject the “too cheap to be true” stuff before it hits the shelf.
We’re proud to be considered the best plumbing supply, with convenient reach like a plumbing wholesale near me, a responsive plumbing supply house near me, and even emergency-access options akin to a 24 hour plumbing supply solution for established contractor accounts. From plumbers supply co resources to integrated plumbing and heating supply needs, count on us as the closest plumbing supply with brains and inventory. People call us one of the top plumbing supply places, and we earn that by curating product lines that outperform standard plumbing supply catalogs.
If you’re outfitting a plumbing kitchen remodel, chasing bathroom plumbing supplies, or trying to avoid cheap plumbing supplies that cost more later, stop by. Need oddball plumbing parts and plumbing spares near me? We stock them. We function as a wholesale plumbing supply company with consumer-friendly counters, making us a trusted consumer plumbing supply stop. From coastal properties that need corrosion-resistant fittings—yes, we’ve got the equivalent of coastal plumbing supply—to remote teams who prefer internet plumbing supply ordering, we’ve bridged both worlds. Even if you’ve shopped supplyhouse plumbing, city plumbing and electrical supply, or economy plumbing and heating supply, you’ll appreciate how we consolidate your list. Our project desk works seamlessly with contractors plumbing and fire supply requirements, and if you just want it shipped, we do direct plumbing supplies fulfillment so you’re not left waiting. Bottom line: we make plumbing supplies supply easy and dependable.
FAQs: PEX Questions I Answer at the Counter Every Day
- Q: Is PEX-A really worth the extra tool cost? A: If you value flexibility, fewer fittings, and full-bore flow at connections, yes. The Milwaukee M12/M18 expanders are workhorses and pay for themselves in time saved on the first or second job. For straight budget installs, PEX-B with quality crimp or cinch still wins plenty of projects. Q: What size PEX should I run to a shower or tub? A: Most standard showers are fine with 1/2" from a 3/4" trunk. For multi-head showers or future upgrades, consider a dedicated 3/4" feed reduced at the mixing valve. Always follow the valve manufacturer’s minimum flow and pressure specs. Q: Can I connect PEX directly to a water heater? A: Most codes require a short section of copper or stainless flex off the heater nipples before transitioning to PEX due to temperature and appliance manufacturer requirements. Use listed dielectric unions or flex connectors as directed. We stock the right kits. Q: How do I protect PEX from nails and screws in studs? A: Use nail plates where you bore through framing within 1-1/4" of the edge. Support lines with listed clamps, and use bend supports instead of tight 90s when you can. Inspectors will look for this; don’t skip it. Q: Do I need a recirculation system? A: If your hot runs are long and you hate waiting, a small ECM pump with a return line or demand-based recirc makes life better and saves water. We’ll spec the pump and check local energy code requirements for controls and insulation. Q: What about winterizing a seasonal property with PEX? A: PEX handles freezing better than copper, but don’t rely on that. Blow down lines with low-pressure air and drain fixtures. Install isolation valves at strategic low points, and consider glycol in hydronic systems per boiler manufacturer guidelines.
Your Next Step: Get It Right the First Time
You can absolutely build a bulletproof PEX system on your first try—with the right materials and guidance. Beginner’s Guide to PEX: What to Buy at a Pex Supply House isn’t just a headline; it’s how we run our counter. Bring us your sketch, fixture list, or photos. We’ll size trunks, pick the manifold, and pull your full material list in one trip.
- Check our current inventory online or call ahead—we’ll stage your order. Ask about our contractor discount program and delivery options; we run same-day trucks inside a 50-mile radius. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference between true pro PEX and “looks similar” pipe. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, including tool choices, code notes, and inspection prep.
While a lot of places can sell you tubing, only a few can set you up for a smooth install and a clean inspection. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and stands behind them. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. And if the unexpected happens mid-job, when Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More to keep projects moving. That’s the difference you’ll feel from the first call to the final walkthrough.
If you’re searching “the supply house,” “the supplyhouse,” “hvac supply house,” “ac supply house,” “air conditioner supply house,” “pvc supply house,” or even “refrigeration supply house,” remember: for PEX and everything that touches water or heat, our bench is deeper. And yes, we sometimes have a supply house coupon, supply house coupon codes, or a supply house discount code for seasonal promos—ask at the counter or check your supply house login dashboard.
Ready to get started? Swing by your nearest Plumbing Supply And More—your nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—or call us. We’re the pex supply house that treats your project like our reputation depends on it—because it does.