For heating or plumbing applications, you can use either standard PEX or PEX-al-PEX. PEX-al-PEX stands for PEX-Aluminum-PEX, which is a tubing composed of a layer of standard PEX, a layer of aluminum, and another layer of standard PEX. The aluminum layer in the PEX-al-PEX allows it to hold its shape, much like a pipe cleaner. Standard PEX comes in a coil, and to straighten it and get it where you want, you will need to secure it to the ground every few feet. With PEX-al-PEX, you will still need to secure the tubing to the ground, but since it will hold its shape, it will be easier to lay it out where you want it and have it stay put. A potential drawback of PEX-al-PEX is that you will need to use different fittings than are used with standard PEX. Because of this, it is best to only install one type of PEX in your home so that all of your tools and fittings will work on all of your tubing.
PEX-al-PEX tubing and PEX fittings can be found at www.supplyhouse.com
