How to install PEX pipe waterlines in your home?
Making a crimp connection
- Using a pipe cutter, make a square cut. Remove any burrs or jagged edges.
- Slide the correct-sized crimp ring over the end of the pex waterline.
- Insert the fitting into the pipe until it hits the shoulder. ...
- With a properly calibrated crimper, squarely center the jaws over the ring and squeeze the handle one time.
What tools do I need to install PEX tubing?
- IWISS PEX CINCH Crimping Tool Crimper for Stainless Steel Clamps.
- SharkBite 23251 PEX Crimping Tool for PEX Pipe.
- SharkBite U701 PEX Tubing Cutter.
- Conbraco Crimp Tool Pex Multi Size.
- IWISS® F1807 PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Kit for 3/8",1/2",3/4",1" Copper Ring with Free Gauge.
Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Why is PEX Plumbing Bad?
- You can’t use PEX in outside as it is highly susceptible to UV light.
- PEX is semi-permeable. ...
- PEX can tolerate up to 125° F. ...
- Water can be contaminated with bacteria easily as PEX is not antibacterial like copper pipe.
- If your home is also a place of mice, then you have to be careful because mice love to chew it and can go through it.
How to install PEX tubing with a PEX expander?
How to Install PEX Tubing with a PEX Expander
- Measure Your Lengths of PEX Piping…Twice. First, measure and cut the length of PEX you need. ...
- Add the PEX A Expansion Ring. The next step involves placing your expansion ring on the cut end of your PEX. ...
- Make the Connection. ...
- Start the Process of Expansion. ...
- Don’t Stop at the End. ...
- Final Note About Temperature. ...
How do you connect PEX to water supply?
2:1811:52PEX Pipe From Meter To House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you will also need a way of cutting water pipe and this is the best way is this ratchet pipeMoreAnd you will also need a way of cutting water pipe and this is the best way is this ratchet pipe cutter. And you're just going to need a simple ratchet.
Can you use PEX pipe for main water line?
No. You can install PEX fittings supply just like you would other pipe, with main lines and branches to each fixture. But you lose a lot of the benefits of PEX with this system since it requires so many fittings.
What are the disadvantages of using PEX pipe?
PEX Plumbing DisadvantagesPEX may leach BPA and other toxic chemicals. ... PEX is extremely sensitive to UV light. ... PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. ... PEX can't be installed in high heat areas. ... PEX is semi-permeable, which means liquid can enter the pipe.
What is the best pipe to use for water supply?
Galvanized Steel or Iron Although still considered safe for water pipes, these pipes eventually corrode and begin to leak, and should be replaced with copper, CPVC, or PEX pipes. Due to corrosion and short service life, galvanized steel pipes are often the reason for replacing the entire plumbing system.
Is PEX or PVC better for underground?
Plus, PVC can also stand up better to tree roots than PEX or other piping. Unfortunately, the rigidity of PVC makes it less reliable against freezing compared to PEX pipe. This reason is why PEX is a preferred choice for underground piping.
How deep do you have to bury PEX water line?
Underground. Normally, you would bury your underground insulated PEX pipe 2 feet deep (24 inches). This is the right depth for burial for most ground types. Just be diligent enough to backfill it with soil that is not rocky or preferably sand.
How long does PEX plumbing last?
50 yearsPEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
Is PEX pipe better than PVC?
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won't corrode. - Price. When you compare the material costs of PEX vs PVC, PEX comes out more expensive. (However, balance this factor against the lower labor cost to install PEX.)
How Do I Connect PEX to my Plumbing Fixtures?
If the connection will be visible, like under a wall-hung sink, and you would prefer the look of a copper tube coming out of the wall, use a copper stub-out (left). You can connect a compression-type shutoff valve to the one-half inch copper stub-out and then connect your fixture. In areas that are concealed, like under a kitchen sink or vanity cabinet, you can eliminate a joint by running PEX supply directly to the shutoff valve. Use a drop-ear bend support to hold the tubing in a tight bend (right). There are several types of shutoff valves that connect directly to PEX.
What is PEX Piping?
PEX piping (shorthand for cross-linked polyethylene) costs less than half the price of copper and installs much faster. And since it’s flexible, PEX makes remodeling jobs easier. PEX has a strong “memory;” it always wants to spring back to its original shape. So working with a coil of PEX is like wrestling with a giant Slinky. For most jobs, you’re better off buying 10-ft. “sticks” instead. You may have to pay a few cents more per foot and install a coupler or two, but you’ll avoid frustration and kinks. Even plumbers who run miles of PEX every year often buy sticks than coils.
What About PEX vs. CPVC?
A PEX supply and CPVC cost about the same. But there are a few reasons why PEX may be a better choice. First, a PEX doesn’t require glue, which means you don’t have to work in well-ventilated spaces or wear a respirator. PEX is less likely than CPVC to burst if it freezes. Also, since PEX is more flexible and available in long lengths, it can work better for ‘fishing’ through walls in remodeling situations.
How Do I Splice PEX Fittings Into My Existing Pipe?
SharkBite is one common brand of stab-in fitting. This method doesn’t require soldering, which can be a big time-saver. But check with your plumbing inspector if you’re planning to bury this connection in a wall or ceiling. Some areas don’t allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. Then slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach it with your chosen connection method (right). You can also use a stab-in tee to connect PEX fittings supply to CPVC. Read the label to find the compatible fitting.
Is PEX Reliable?
PEX has been used for decades in other countries, where there are thousands of homes with 30-year-old, leak-free PEX. Most of the problems with PEX systems, in the United States and elsewhere, were due to sloppy installation or faulty fittings rather than the tubing itself.
Will PEX Break or Split if it Freezes?
Probably not. Manufacturers are reluctant to say so, but reports from the field suggest PEX can withstand freezing. You should still protect the tubing from freezing. But since it can expand and contract, it’s less likely to break than rigid piping.
What are the grades of PEX?
For water lines there are three PEX supply grades: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. They’re manufactured differently, PEX-A being slightly more flexible. If you’re ordering online, go ahead and spend a few cents extra for PEX-A. But don’t go running around town looking for it; the difference isn’t that big.
How to join PEX to existing water line?
Make sure you shut off the main water supply, then drain the lines. Use the special transition fittings shown (left) to transition from copper, CPVC or steel. Solder, glue or thread on the transition fitting, then crimp PEX line on the barbed fitting.
How to connect PEX to fittings?
There are many different ways to connect PEX to fittings, but cinch clamps are one of the easiest. They're readily available and relatively inexpensive, and you know when they're installed properly because the tab of the clamp will be visibly pinched.
How to repair a kink in PEX pipe?
Kinks happen. You can repair kinks with a heat gun, but PEX tends to rekink in the previously kinked spot, especially if the pipe needs to make a bend at the kinked location. It's best to cut kinks out and use the shorter sections of pipe elsewhere. If you get a minor kink in the middle of a long, straight run and you don't want to cut it out, heat the pipe with a heat gun and then cover the damaged area with a hanger or abrasion clip. That will help the pipe keep its shape.
What is the PEX crimping ring?
The heart and soul of the PEX system is the barbed fitting/crimping ring combination. There's no need for solder, glue or pipe wrenches—just position the crimping ring over the end of the PEX pipe, slide the pipe over the barbed fitting and use the special crimping tool to compress the ring.
Why do PEX pipes move back and forth?
PEX expands and contracts with changes in temperature, which causes the pipes to move back and forth. Several years of even the slightest movement can wear a hole in PEX pipes, especially if they're rubbing against something abrasive.
How to protect a pipe from abrasion?
You can protect your pipe with abrasion clips, cover the pipe with inexpensive pipe insulation, or enclose it with a larger pipe. Pipes that are encased in concrete (for in-floor heating, for example) are OK because the concrete holds them in place. And pipes running straight through wood studs and joists are fine too—just protect the pipe in areas where it bends as it passes through.
What are the advantages of PEX tubing?
The Advantages of PEX. PEX, a flexible tubing that comes in long rolls, offers several advantages over traditional piping. First, you can usually make long continuous runs, eliminating most elbows and joints. You can snake long runs through joists and studs. Second, PEX doesn't sweat under high humidity conditions, ...
How far away from water heater can you use PEX?
If connecting to a water heater, the PEX cannot be within 18 inches of the water heater, so an 18-inch water heater flex line can be used as the transition into the water heater. With list in hand, call or head out to get the fittings and pipe length that you need.
What is PEX tubing?
PEX tubing is a great choice when running water to new fixtures, remodeling, or even repiping. Installing PEX does not require glue or soldering; instead, it uses fittings that require cinch clamps or copper crimp rings that hold the pipe onto the fittings. There are also push-fit fittings that can be used when installing PEX.
How to test a PEX ring?
Test: Turn the water on, and inspect each fitting for leaks. If any leaks occur, you may have to remove the fitting and use new crimp rings or clamps. They do make a crimp ring removal tools that can make removing a PEX ring easier, or you can carefully grind off the ring or cut it with a small hacksaw. When the fittings are re-installed, check for leaks again and then once again after a couple of hours.
Why is PEX tubing so long?
The fact that PEX tubing comes in really long rolls makes it quicker to install because there are fewer fittings to connect. If you are thinking of installing PEX tubing, the two main challenges are getting the necessary tools and finding the right fittings needed for the job. Most local hardware and home improvement stores will carry a nice selection of PEX fittings, but double-check this before you plan any big projects.
How often should you run PEX tubing?
Run the PEX tubing: PEX needs to be supported a minimum of every 32 inches when running horizontally. If running vertically, it should be supported every 4 to 6 feet. The straps should be plastic or metal that is designed to work for plastic pipe. PEX is not meant to be pulled tight, so leave slack for expansion and contraction.
Can you use PEX to copper stub out?
Coming out of the wall to the fixtures, you can use a PEX to copper stub out or another type of PEX support such as drop-ear bend support. From under the sink, you can use a shut-off valve like an angle stop then a flex line to the faucet or toilet.
Can you use clamps on PEX tubing?
Extra clamps or crimp rings are always a good idea in case any mistakes are made. Clamps and supports for the PEX tubing will be necessary.