Are PEX pipes better than copper pipes?
The general rule of thumb is copper pipes are better suited for outside applications than PEX pipes are. But either PEX or copper pipes can be used indoors. It's up to you. Here’s where I ultimately stand on the issue of PEX vs. copper pipes: PEX is better because it’s much easier to install than copper pipes and much cheaper.
What tool is used to connect PEX pipe fittings?
- Slide the PEX-reinforcing ring over the end of the pipe. Most rings have a stop on the end of it. ...
- Using an expansion tool, expand the pipe per the manufacturer’s instructions. ...
- Insert the fitting into the pipe until the shoulder of the expansion ring touches the shoulder of the fitting.
What are the problems with polybutylene pipes?
Why is Poly Pipe so Bad?
- Poor installment by the plumbers.
- Water quality.
- Age of the pipe and fittings.
- Devices used during the installment were calibrated for correct tolerances.
- Chlorine and mineral levels.
- Degeneration of pipe fittings.
What replaced polybutylene pipes?
Polybutylene pipe is a gray plastic tubing that was commonly used as a water-supply plumbing pipe between 1978 and 1995, at which time it was discontinued due to reports of pipes rupturing. In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX.
Are PEX and polybutylene fittings the same?
PEX tubing is cross-linked polyethylene. Even though they are both plastic, PEX tubing has different properties than polybutylene. PEX is tougher, can withstand heat better, and harder to cut through than polybutylene. It's been used safely for portable water in the United States for the past two decades.
Can you use PEX Clamps on poly pipe?
Connections made using S.S. Pinch Clamps with an interlocking design provide the same high integrity connection as a copper crimp ring connection. Pinch clamps can be used on stainless steel, brass and poly fittings.
How do you adapt polybutylene to PEX?
0:041:48Transitioning from PVC or Polybutylene to PEX ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee PVC pert or HDPE pipe we have you covered sharkbite fittings can quickly transition from oneMoreSee PVC pert or HDPE pipe we have you covered sharkbite fittings can quickly transition from one pipe material to another they are approved for behind the wall installation.
Can you use PEX SharkBite on polybutylene?
SharkBite PEX fittings make it easy to transition between pipe types during repairs. Fast, efficient and reliable, our transition fittings are compatible with Polybutylene, PEX, PVC, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE, and are approved for behind-the-wall installation as well as burial.
Can you use pinch clamps on polybutylene?
The PB transition coupling is sold as a kit complete with the copper crimp rings, however one can fasten the Poly B and PEX using stainless steel pinch clamps as shown below if desired, Poly B and PEX piping both have the same outside diameter.
Can you crimp polybutylene?
0:121:32How do you Crimp Poly B Piping? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGot a tough one for you how do you primp Holly be well crimping Polly B is the same as crimping PEXMoreGot a tough one for you how do you primp Holly be well crimping Polly B is the same as crimping PEX piping.
What should I replace my polybutylene pipes with?
If your home contains polybutylene pipes, a plumber will discuss your options with you. Some homeowners opt to replace all of their plumbing, while others choose only to replace the visible pipes. Your plumber will shut off your water, replace the Big Blue with CPVC, and make any necessary repairs.
What do you do if your house has polybutylene pipes?
The repipe process can be costly, but your homeowner's policy or home warranty may help pay for the replacement. Your plumber will remove all of the polybutylene and replace it with copper or durable PVC, including adapters and valves on appliances. You may also need to upgrade to new risers, manifolds, and fittings.
Does homeowners insurance cover polybutylene pipes?
Let's start with the simplest answer: no. In general, polybutylene pipes are not covered by homeowners insurance. Most homeowners insurance companies view polybutylene pipes as too liable to burst and cause damage, and so they don't provide coverage.
How do you fix a leaking polybutylene pipe?
1:017:57How To Fix Leaking Polybutylene Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd once it got saturated it just dropped the ceiling. So the repair on these on polybutylene andMoreAnd once it got saturated it just dropped the ceiling. So the repair on these on polybutylene and just about any other pipe but specifically a poly butylene.
What is the GREY water pipe called?
Polybutylene pipePolybutylene pipe is a gray plastic tubing that was commonly used as a water-supply plumbing pipe between 1978 and 1995, at which time it was discontinued due to reports of pipes rupturing. 1 In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX.
How do you install a SharkBite polybutylene adapter?
0:251:31Polybutylene Pipe Fittings - SharkBite Conversion Coupling - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConnect the sharkbite poly butylene end to the poly butylene pipe by firmly pushing the fitting ontoMoreConnect the sharkbite poly butylene end to the poly butylene pipe by firmly pushing the fitting onto the pipe as far as it will go. You're. Now converted to copper tube ciphers.
How do you clamp polyethylene pipe?
0:566:45How to Install Poly Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so you're going to basically take the fitting. And push it all the way in as far as it will go.MoreAnd so you're going to basically take the fitting. And push it all the way in as far as it will go. And then you're going to clamp. It.
Can you use cinch clamps with poly fittings?
Q: Which type of fittings and pipe can cinch method be used with? A: Cinch/clamp method works with crimp style brass or poly PEX fittings (poly PEX fittings shown in this tutorial) and with all types of PEX tubing (barrier and non-barrier, whether A, B or C types). This method is not compatible with PEX-AL-PEX tubing.
How do you tighten a pinch clamp poly pipe?
0:414:04Procedure 2203: Pinch-On Clamps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the fitting fully into the hose. Slide the clamp over the fitting shank. Position the clampMoreInsert the fitting fully into the hose. Slide the clamp over the fitting shank. Position the clamp in this case the correct position is midway between the mark on the hose. And the hose end.
Is PEX crimp or clamp better?
Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.
What type of fittings are used for polybutylene?
The outside diameter of PB tubing is the same as for PEX, CPVC, and copper pipe so using push-fit fittings is one option you can use. The other is to use a specific transition fitting designed for transitioning between two different materials.
When was polybutylene pipe used?
Polybutylene pipe is a gray plastic tubing that was commonly used as a water-supply plumbing pipe between 1978 and 1995 , at which time it was discontinued due to reports of pipes rupturing. In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX.
How to fix a leaking PB pipe?
The best solution is to use a transition coupling to convert that section to PEX. You can transition close to the leak, but if possible, follow the length of pipe and replace as much of the pipe as you can reach.
How to change water supply lines to toilet?
Push-on shut-off valves are a good option for this repair, also. With new flex line water-supply tubes and push-on valves, you can change the water-supply lines to a toilet or faucet in minutes. Simply shut off water to the house, remove the old flex line from the fixture, cut back the PB pipe, push on a new shut-off valve, and connect a new flex line. Don’t forget to check for leaks several times after turning the water back on.
Can you replace polybutylene plumbing?
If your home still has polybutylene (PB) plumbing pipe, it is very likely to eventually fail. So it is a good idea to be proactive and replace it. Mobile homes in particular were often plumbed with PB tubing, and PB was also frequently used in standard stick-built construction during the 1970s and through the mid-1990s.
Can you use push on couplings to replace a PB pipe?
When replacing large sections of pipe, you can also use push-on couplings to transition from PB to PEX, CPVC, or copper. It is a great way to break up an overall repiping project into segments if you don’t want to do it all at once. Connect to the PB pipe with a push-on coupling and run the new pipe from that point.
Can you use transition couplings to connect a PEX riser to a PB system?
When installing or replacing a shower valve or other valve inside the wall, it is best to use a transition couplings to connect a new PEX riser to the PB system, especially if there won't be an access panel. This would be a good time, though, to install an access panel to make future work easier.
Is PlBG a place to ask radiant heating questions?
Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Can you use Pex crimping tool on polybutylene?
Use a brass barbed Pex X Polybutylene transition coupling, the crimp rings will work on both pex and poly, the crimping tool will work on both as well. The rings are slightly different, but that is so you CAN use the same tool to do all the crimping. The proper rings usually come with the transition coupling.
What is Pex to Polybutylene?
As mentioned in the beginning of this chapter, pex is polybutylene’s replace ment. Once only available in clear or white, pex can now be found in a variety of colors including red, blue, white and clear. Because so many manufactured homes still contain the gray polybutylene, repairs are still necessary. Since parts for polybutylene systems are no longer available, repairs have to be made using pex. The repairs are simple, you just have to remember that anytime you connect pex to polybutylene, you need a ‘pex to polybutylene’ adapter (pictured right) available anywhere pex fittings are sold. In the adapter kit, the gold ring is used on the gray polybutylene line and the black ring is used on the white pex line. Besides being a different diameter, the polybutylene side of the fitting contains a lot more rings than the pex side. Do not use a regular ‘pex to pex’ coupler as the inside diameter of polybutylene is larger.
What is PEX replacement?
PEX to Polybutylene. As mentioned in the beginning of this chapter, pex is polybutylene ’s replacement. Once only available in clear or white, pex can now be found in a variety of colors including red, blue, white and clear. Because so many manufactured homes still contain the gray polybutylene, repairs are still necessary.
