Pex A vs Pex B

[Well7]

I will be installing a whole house filter and spin down filter. Looking at they types of pex, I have been reading that Pex A has a larger internal diameter/flow rate. But it looks more difficult to install with the manual expansion tool and fittings. [I would only buy the hand tool based upon the cost]. I have may about 25 connection points for the pex depending on where I place everything. Is there going to be a substantial drop in pressure if using Pex B vs Pex A?

 

[Geofd]

I used nibco, shark bite, with Apollo brass and plastic fittings with copper crimp rings
I don't know what PEX a+b are but this is what I used for a basement renovay

 

[Twowaxhack]

Pex A can be crimped or expanded

Pex B can’t be expanded.

Use Pex A no matter the connection method.

Expansion fittings offer less restriction.

Less fittings is better than more fittings.

Good Luck

 

[Bird Doo Head]

Your project sounds like it would be kind of a fun challenge with copper, Well7. Have you thought about trying that? (Sorry for the advertisement. I love fitting with copper & threaded NPT. PEX & Victaulic type are boring to me.)

PEX, however is a very good product and is easy to work:
We used to use PEX A with expansion fittings at work. I use the oxygen barrier type on hydronic work. The plumbers used it for any non-fire code restricted areas & side-jobbed with it.

PEX A can be frozen with water in it (the fittings may not survive, but the PEX will.)

PEX A can be kinked and straightened with a heat gun or careful torch. (Heat until clear & let cool. It'll go back to as-built)

PEX A can be stretched. The guys at work tried this: Attached 1" PEX A to two fork trucks. Drove in opposite directions. The PEX was about the diameter of a pencil. Heating the PEX with torches quickly brought it back to "factory new".

PEX A brass expansion fittings can be re-used if you make a mistake. With a razor knife, slice off the ring. Heat the PEX until clear & slide it off the fitting. I have also done this with the PEX A PLS fittings, but it isn't sanctioned.

PEX A Expansion can be "adjusted". If the elbow isn't pointed correctly, you can rotate it. I have heard, but never tired, that the crimp ring fittings cannot, nor can PEX B or the old PEX C. The plumbers here would know more than I about this.

If you decide on PEX A, the expansion fittings have a larger ID than the crimp-ring fittings, for some less restriction. Since the other types of PEX can't be expanded, I believe expansion A is the largest ID>

Also, if you invest in the tool, it can always be sold on line when you're done. I've seen manual expanders on Craigslist and really cheap on eBay. Someone told me many local tool rental shops have the expansion tool.

Hope This Helps!
Paul