How good are the plastic PEX fittings?
Plastic PEX fittings are OK Professional plumbers are buying three times more plastic than brass. Brass fittings cost about five times as much, which likely has something to do with it. Also, no plastic pipe or fittings can be used within 18 in. of water heating devices.
Can you install your own PEX plumbing system?
Just remember that not all jurisdictions will allow you to do your own plumbing. Installing PEX plumbing systems isn’t very hard but you need to do your homework and be sure you understand pipe sizing, access, and code requirements.
How does PEX tubing connect to metal pipe?
A clamp-ring connection connects PEX to existing metal pipe. PEX tubing is crimped onto the male end, and the female end is either soldered or threaded onto existing pipe. In-line fittings are used to connect separate lengths of PEX tubing, to create a branch line, or to add a valve.
What makes PEX pipe better than other pipes?
PEX has a distinct advantage over these materials because of its flexibility, which allows one end of PEX pipe to connect to a PEX manifold (the main water control system) and then wind through walls and floors—uninterrupted—all the way to an individual fixture.
What to do if you have a hole in your PEX pipe?
Several years of even the slightest movement can wear a hole in PEX pipes, especially if they’re rubbing against something abrasive. You can protect your pipe with abrasion clips, cover the pipe with inexpensive pipe insulation, or enclose it with a larger pipe.
Do you need a plumber to connect a PEX pipe?
There are two methods to connect PEX that don’t require a plumber’s license. (Expansion fittings require a plumber’s license in many parts of the country.) The push-fit method is great for quick repairs and requires no special tools other than a pipe cutter.
Do you need solder to install 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.
Can you use angle stops on PEX tubing?
Angle stops and straight stops can come with the PEX end, so you can use the clamps or rings to make the connections. They also come in push-fit styles, but they are more expensive. Extra clamps or crimp rings are always a good idea in case any mistakes are made.
What’s the best way to install a PEX shower?
If this is a tub or shower, you can hook directly to the valve with PEX to iron pipe adapters into the valve. Clamp: Make sure to use the right clamps and tools together. If you have the cinch clamp tool, you will need to use only cinch clamps. Slide the clamp or crimp ring onto the pipe then slide the pipe onto the fitting all the way.
