Have you wondered why people are playing with the idea of using PEX now?
Because they are more convenient than copper ones. With my Apollo PEX A and Uponor review, you will get a clear idea about the two best PEX pipes available in stores.
I will shed light on the features and differences between these two PEX A pipes. You can eventually decide the best one for your house with a comparative review.
Keep reading to find out.
A Quick Comparison Table
A quick comparison table will help you understand the differences between these two pipes, especially if you are in a hurry.
Both Apollo PEX A and Uponor are the same product manufactured by two different companies. They are used for the same purposes and are often compared because of their higher quality and benefits.
So, let’s glance at the quick comparison table between Apollo PEX A vs. Uponor.
| Aspects | Apollo PEX A | Uponor PEX A |
| Special Feature | Shape Memory Inherent | Low-Pressure Loss and Corrosion Resistant |
| Benefit | Requires Fewer Joints | Hydronic Heating and Cooling Applications |
| Usage | Various | Various |
| Maximum Pressure and Temperature | 160 PSI at 73.4° F | 160 PSI at 73° F |
| Pipe Size | Various Size | Various Size |
Key Differences Between Apollo PEX A Vs. Uponor
To begin with, I would like to give a general idea about these pipes. You gathered some knowledge about their differences, but now it’s time to dive deeper.
Apollo PEX A is an alternative to copper tubes for water circulation in houses with the high-pressure peroxide cross-linking method. It is made from cross-linked polyethylene.
Uponor PEX A pipe represents a flexible plumbing system made from durable cross-linked polyethylene. Apart from the domestic hot and cold water circulation system, you can also use it for the AquaSAFE residential fire safety system.
Let’s dig a little deeper.
- Features
Being an expansion pipe, Apollo PEX A is compatible with the crimp, clamp, or sleeve method for joining pipes. Because of the inherent shape memory, it shrinks the expanded pipes, creating a solid, durable, and reliable bond.
Besides, you can also use it with brass and poly alloy crimp fitting.
By offering a unique quick and easy joining technology, Uponor PEX A pipes can be used with various compression fittings. High-performance PPSU and threaded brass fittings are some examples.
Being corrosion resistant and low-pressure loss Uponor AquaPEX tubing for drinking water holds one of the highest industry standards.
- Benefits
Apollo PEX A pipe is expandable and allows for full flow. Being super flexible requires fewer joints, reducing leak points in the process.
Interestingly, it offers less memory for coil pipes than traditional PEX A pipes while resisting the urge to remain coiled.
Uponor, on the other hand, is suitable for hydronic and cooling application use. You can use them for circulating hot and cold water in your house. Most importantly, it does not contain any ferrous corrodible elements.
- Usage
Both Apollo and Uponor PEX A pipes are primarily used for circulating water in the house.
You will find both pipes offering some extra benefits as well.
You can install Apollo PEX A pipe in concrete, sand, under wooden floors, asphalt, behind plaster or wallboard, and gypsum-based lightweight concrete.
On the contrary, Uponor PEX A pipe can be used as PEX A plumbing systems, radiant heating and cooling systems, and hydronic piping system.
Apart from these, you can also use this expansion pipe for AquaSAFE fire safety systems.
- Maximum Pressure and Temperature
Max pressure and temperature require your critical attention being crucial elements for choosing a PEX pipe. Apollo PEX A offers 160 PSI at 73.4° F, 100 PSI at 180° F, and 80 PSI at 200° F. Its design factor is 0.05.
In contrast, you will get 160 PSI from 73° F, 100 PSI from 180° F, and 80 PSI from 200° F. As we can see, both Apollo and Uponor PEX A pipes provide similar pressure at a specific temperature.
- Available Pipe Sizes
Pipe size becomes a determinant factor for a lot of people. Having multiple options gives buyers the freedom to choose based on their requirements.
Apollo PEX A pipe is available in stick and coil. Sticks come with ½ inch, ¾ inch, and 1-inch pipe openings at 5 feet, 10 feet, and 20 feet in length.
On the other hand, while Uponor offers both straight and coil pipes, the size of the straight pipes is from ½ inch to 3 inches in 20 feet lengths. The coil offers ¼ inches to 3 inches in various coil lengths.
- Flexibility
Uponor advertises up to 30% better flexibility versus standard PEX A tubing due to its enhanced manufacturing process increasing uniformity of the crosslinking.
This gives their tubes a wider bend radius that can make installations easier, especially when navigating tight spaces. However, Apollo also delivers reliable flexibility that meets code requirements.
- Flow Rate
The flexibility can also contribute to marginally higher flow rates achieved in the Uponor piping. So in situations demanding efficient water flow, Uponor may have a slight performance advantage. But for many homes and buildings, the Apollo pipes still deliver sufficient flow.
- Lead Content
Importantly, both manufacturers produce lead-free tubing certified under NSF 14 and 61 standards for purity and safety. This ensures healthy, clean water delivery.
- Price
Apollo PEX tends to retail around 20-30% less than Uponor counterparts. This can add up with whole-home piping installations. So Apollo provides reliable PEX A plumbing at a lower cost in many cases.
Uponor demands a higher price for the enhanced flexibility and flow rates its manufacturing process can offer.
- Ease of Installation
Both PEX A product lines utilize similar installation methods of PEX fittings that ratchet tight for secure leakage protection. No soldering or gluing needed. The flexibility can give Uponor another minor advantage here, but Apollo also delivers straightforward PEX connections.
Pros of Using Apollo PEX A
- Durable PEX A material resists breaks, corrosion, scale buildup
- Quality tubing certified lead-free for health
- Excellent 25-year to lifetime warranty coverage
- More affordable versus Uponor for most homes
- Easy to install with PEX fitting connections
- Sufficient flow rates for typical residential usage
Cons of Using Apollo PEX A
- Standard PEX A, so not quite as flexible or efficient water flow as Uponor enhanced PEX A
- Requires supporting typically every 32 inches horizontally
- Not ideal for complex layouts demanding maximum bend radius
Pros of Using Uponor PEX A
- Highly durable PEX A tubing
- Enhanced manufacturing for up to 30% better flexibility
- Good flow rate efficiency
- Lead-free and non-toxic
- Lifetime warranty available
- Easier for tricky installations navigating tight spaces and angles
Cons of Using Uponor PEX A
- Around 25% more expensive than Apollo
- Overkill for some basic home plumbing needs
Which PEX A Pipe Is Best For You?
I hope you have already decided on a suitable pipe for your house. As I have drawn everything in detail, it shouldn’t be hard after all. But if you are still confused, I’m here to help.
I would suggest you buy Uponor PEX A pipe. It is not just a plumbing pipe; the manufacturer has designed it to circulate hot and cold water. Besides, you can use it as your fire safety system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Uponor PEX and Apollo PEX are the same product offering similar usage and somewhat similar features. But two different companies manufacture them.
You can use Apollo PEX A pipe with Uponor PEX A pipe. Just make sure that both pipes are the same size.
Apollo PEX A is an expandable plumbing pipe. It is owned by Aalberts Industries Company, a specialized plumbing equipment manufacturer.
Uponor makes 3 types of PEX tubes. PEX A, PEX B, and PEX C. PEX is the general high-quality plastic pipe, while PEX A is its highest flexible variant.
Conclusion
In summary, while Uponor offers outstanding PEX A plumbing with boosted flexibility and flow rate capacity, Apollo PEX A provides comparable durability, safety, and reliability meeting code for most common residential and light commercial applications at around a 25% lower price point.
Ultimately, choosing between these two quality PEX A solutions comes down to balancing performance needs versus affordability. For intricate piping layouts where maximum bend radius is crucial, Uponor warrants a closer look.
But those seeking reliable PEX A tubing on a budget are well served by Apollo’s solutions. Weigh your particular demands and costs to determine the best choice. Both companies stand behind their products with strong warranties as they continue pushing PEX innovation and performance forward.