Plumbing Pipe Installation or Replacement, Plumbing Pipe Repair Offering top-quality services since 1989 While certain plumbing issues, such as a minor toilet clog, can be quickly addressed with do-it-yourself methods, most plumbing problems require the assistance of a professional. No leaks and works fantastic. I was surprised when I saw pex under the house. I just replaced a failed hot water heater with my son. PEX tubing has a lot of advantages in plumbing applications, but buyers should know the differences between the three types. We promise that you’ll be able to fix any leaky pipe in your house after you read and watch today’s tutorial. If you know all the different types of pex tubing, you can select the right one for your needs. We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc. If your crimp ring is more than 1/4″ away from the end of the PEX it’s super easy to repair. SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe. This system uses more tubing, but is fast and only requires two connections: one at the manifold and another at the fixture end. Crimp rings should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the PEX. Choose the right PEX pipe diameter for the application. Step 2 - Set into a Fitting and Crimp. You can still use SharkBites with copper. 2. Mixing different pipe and fittings from different manufacturers can limit the warranty and add confusion/frustration if there is a need for service. x 100 ft. Plan transition points for efficiency. We called SharkBite and asked them about this. This is completely normal. You’ve probably seen it in the home store. Time will be the real test but so far I like pex. That said, if you want to learn how to solder copper pipes we have a great tutorial. It might be different for your PEX system so follow the manufacturer directions. Its flexibility gives the tubing the advantage of being snaked through walls and other confined spaces, resulting in fewer walls having to be broken into for installation … The one downside is the fact that SharkBites are expensive as all heck. Uponor manufactures PEX tubing using the Engel method, a hot crosslinking process. Also could you do a review on the viega manual press tool would appreciate it. Cut PEX pipe at right angle leaving a clean edge according to your need. Slide the correct sized copper crimp ring over the end of the NIBCO®PEX pipe. This is a general overview that’ll share quick tips and get you familiar with PEX. PEX tubing is a great choice when running water to new fixtures, remodeling, or even repiping. How to Install PEX Pipes in 7 Steps Start by identifying and locating the pipes in the wall. Great job. Some places don’t. Connect one end of the stub-out elbow to the water heater by soldering the fitting. COVID-19: SharkBite is taking additional measures to serve customers and protect employees. Drill Through the Stud and Sill Plate. They used PEX. PEX tubing expands at the rate of 1.1” per 100’of tubing for each 10°F (2.8cm per 30m of tubing for each Yah, you’ll love PEX. But we LOVE them and SharkBites come in handy for super tight spaces. Our only complaint about the PEX crimper is that it has short handles. There are also push-fit fittings that can be used when installing PEX. Bundle pipe runs together to reduce installation time. Running PEX tubing to a toilet is a great way to prevent your pipes from freezing. How to install PEX tubing - making a crimp connection. Measure out the length of PEX you need for installation and cut it with the PEX tubing cutter. PEX comes in red, white and blue colors. 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. Today you’ll learn how to install PEX pipe. PEX Plumbing Tubing (CTS) (ASTM F 876/F 877)..... 80 Connection (Transition) to Other Piping Materials ..... 81 Joining Procedures Utilizing Metallic or Polymer Insert Fittings . If (when, I guess really) I need to do additional plumbing work I’d definitely be considering replacing existing pipes with PEX. I’ll have to check and see if that’s a thing in our county, but it looks a lot easier than copper pipes! The local hardware store loaned me the tools and the renovations were simple and went well. But how do you know if your crimp ring is tight enough? Roth PEX tubing is less flexible at cold tempera­tures. Watch our quick video to see extra tips and a funny outtake at the end…my daughters crack me up. Remove burrs from the edge. Required fields are marked *. If you have the cinch clamp tool, you will need to use only cinch clamps. Hi Jeff, just to be clear, you are demonstrating Pro Pex as apposed to plain old pex – they are a different beast. With the home-run system, you install a manifold in the utility room or some area that’s close to the main water line and water heater, and run a separate PEX tube to each fixture as shown above. So PEX is a great place for it. 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. While there’s no way I could have done all of the work they did, I like having the knowledge needed to make further repairs/additions on my own. Coil Blue PEX Pipe SharkBite PEX tubing is cross-linked polyethylene SharkBite PEX tubing is cross-linked polyethylene tubing for a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing applications. Although, we find that this mostly opens the crimp ring just enough to allow it to slide off the PEX. When you have the PEX cut to length, slip a copper crimp ring onto the pipe. Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. Cut a small square in the sheet rock and cut the pipes and remove the nut which holds them in and removed the valves. My most recent project was way easier with a combination of PEX and SharkBites . Good idea to check you local codes before buying the supplies . So much easier to get the pipes where you need them. The only gripe i do have tho is the manual press tool, they look big and bulky compared to the Mil3 crimp tools, whats your take. Make sure connection points are accessible. Unfortunately I think a lot of folks thing they can’t install one because it’s too difficult. After soldering a shortl half inch pipe into each one, I used a shark bite to join the pipes to the valves and close the hole in the sheet rock. I paid a plumbing company a little over $7K to get this done. Making the connections necessary in copper pipes requires the use of a torch to solder and seal the fittings. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and HDPE. This will ensure that water will not enter the lines … Totally agree. 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. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. How to Run PEX Tubing to a Toilet. Your email address will not be published. Under the house can be tough. The second project was adding another faucet through the crawl space wall on the other side of my house using a shark bite to join pex to copper and added a … I made great decorative lighting by passing some LED strings through some PEX pipes. The second project was adding another faucet through the crawl space wall on the other side of my house using a shark bite to join pex to copper and added a frost free valve. I bought pex cinch rings/tool not the crimp rings. Pex is the real deal. ), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more. For DIYers, PEX is the easier type of pipe to install. A copper stub-out elbow and a copper pipe will do. Now that you know how to slide in a crimp ring, you … PEX tubing can be classified based on the manufacturing process. The slab was then poured over that. I invested in a good wet-vac. What is the big difference? But they’re actually pretty easy. Any time I have to solder in the ceiling it makes me a bit nervous. Cut the PEX  just shy of the PEX fitting. So don’t be freaked out. They do not require any clamps or PEX tools, but they can get pricey very quickly. Thanks for the awesome video. The three manufacturing processes for PEX tubing are- That saved some money, awesome. PEX Pipe is durable, flexible and corrosion resistant. They chew through everything including Pex. After soldering a shortl half inch pipe into each one, I used a shark bite to join the pipes to the valves and close the hole in the sheet rock. When installing PEX pipe and fittings, it is important to stick with the same manufacturer for all components. These pliers are specially designed for PEX and should always be used. How much pex plumbing pipes should cost. It’s so easy to work with and resists mineral building up. If this is a tub or shower, you can hook directly to the valve with PEX to iron pipe adapters into the valve. And once you have the PEX crimping tool you’re all set to begin your plumbing setup. So we use the SharkBite PEX fittings with it and haven’t had any issues. Slide Crimp Ring Onto PEX. Classification & Different Types of Pex Tubing. The heat can linger and everyone knows what happens with wood when it gets hot. Your email address will not be published. 1/2 in. While all three meet applicable standards, cost, and flexibility, the installation methods do vary. The job took just over an hour for the two of us non-plumbers, but I love, love, love the sharkbite fittings! I’ve done the second project in my home and it’s been leak free for years. We truly think you’d love working with it more than copper in some instances. We love PEX but it’s even easier if you use SharkBite fittings. What if you mess up the position of the crimp ring? There’s been a lot of debate over PEX for the last several years because PEX has a few downsides that you might not expect. Inserting the PEX Fitting into the PEX Tubing. Place the SharkBite depth tool on the PEX and make a mark with your marker. Solder the connections by following the next step. What if you don’t want to use PEX fittings with PEX? You’ve probably seen it in the home store. I just moved in a new home and had to move some water pipes. To ensure you have a smooth and even cut, position the cutter at 90 degrees to the tubing. Place the bit up to the stud and … Well, that was timely! The colors are more for forgetful folks like me who can’t remember what they were doing 3 seconds ago. But there is a big difference in not having to solder. Good question Haddon, I’m assuming it does but don’t know that exact temperature. Looks real cool! Cut a piece of copper pipe enough to connect the stub-out elbow to the flooring. We wish you could extend the handles to create more leverage…hmm, maybe we should develop some invention. Slide your fitting, in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the PEX. Choosing the best type of PEX tubing is essential to build any connection. Each SharkBite fitting has a plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid. Your contractor should devise ways to remove the pipes while... Cut access holes where necessary to remove the pipes. My local Home Depot has type M copper pipe for $0.98/foot while SharkBite PEX tubing is only $0.28/foot. Then slowly squeeze the crimping tool until you hear it pop and compress the ring. Place the removal tool 180 degrees on the other side of the crimp ring and snap it again. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We were discussing the materials to use, but since teh copper existed already, we just used that. We did use the sharkbite fittings and I have to tell you – that worked out GREAT! Due to failing CPVC water pipes, all 88 owners in my neighborhood have been told they need to replace their water lines or risk water damage (several homes have had leaks already). Inspect the PEX fitting and make sure it’s okay to use again. SharkBites aren’t cheap but if you buy the PEX fittings in bulk they’re actually competitively priced. Turn the valve control knob clockwise until tight. Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Hah, never thought of that. Step 2 Slip the cinch clamp over the pipe and insert fitting into the pipe. Some heavy duty sheeting tape was wrapped around the PEX where it passed through the slab, and where it passed through what would be beams. We’re talking movie ticket prices. Here are some of the PEX pipe problems you’ll want to know about before making any decisions: PEX Plumbing Disadvantages Installing the PEX pipe in new homes is the best option for running cold and hot water, also for small DIY projects and quick plumbing repairs. Connect the PEX to the Copper Measure and cut a length of PEX tubing long enough to replace the removed section of copper pipe, using a PEX tubing cutter. PEX pipes are one of the most versatile, flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use pipe types in the market. I was just wondering. Slide the SharkBite over the PEX until it meets up with the mark. It will withstand close to freezing temps and swell far beyond copper pipes before bursting. Thanks. The nice thing about the SharkBite system is that it has a gage. It is easier to handle and install if the tub­ing is stored i n a conditioned space and allowed to warm up prior to installation. Part of the series: Toilets & Plumbing. Plus you can easily catch your house on fire – never a good thing. PEX is a lifesaver in older homes where you need to be up in the ceilings or in the walls. drill through sud and sill plate. Use PEX color coding. - Home Repair Tutor, Shower Valve Replacement in 30 Minutes or Less...Your Complete Guide, How to Replace Shower Faucet Diverters | Home Repair Tutor, Soldering Tips (QUICK TIPS) | Home Repair Tutor, How to Fix a Copper Pipe...WITHOUT Soldering!! Thanks again! Glad you liked this one Linda. In a pinch, I’d use pex (if I can, nice tip on researching local codes); however, overall I’d probably default with copper. The copper ring slips over the end of the PEX tube, and a fitting is then inserted into the PEX tube. PEX seems superior to me, especially price-wise. Cut pipe cleanly & squarely. If you’ve never soldered before it can be intimidating. What am I missing regarding people who still prefer copper? To get started, identify the pipe material. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems. PEX tubing is a durable and flexible pipe that is used for plumbing, heating, and potable water applications. Does pex tubing have a freezing point to where water will freeze in it and cause it to burst ? Pex, eh? Squeeze the handle and snap the crimp ring. The PEX water pipes were just laid on the soil, then sand added with poly sheeting laid over that. Which by the way comes in pretty handy when your wife tells you the kitchen ceiling is leaking water. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. Thanks for sharing, that’s a pretty cool idea. Position the PEX crimping tool at 90 degrees over the crimp ring. Long used in radiant heating systems, flexible PEX tubing is perfect for water supply lines because it’s easy to run through walls and floors and simple to work with. Step 1: Cut the PEX tubing. Hot and cold lines should be color-coded differently—the standard practice is to use blue for cold and red for hot water lines. Use the tubing cutter for this job. Understand, copper isn’t bad it’s just the soldering part that holds up folks. One warning: make sure your local plumbing code allows PEX. And you’ll have to use copper. You also want to slide the ‘NO-GO’ slot over the crimp ring, if it doesn’t fit you’re totally good to go. Pretty nice that your local hardware store gave you the tools. Cut the PEX tubing slightly long to allow some room for expansion and contraction. Learn how your comment data is processed. Seems like a no-brainer to me. 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And should always be used when installing PEX a smooth and even cut, position cutter! The lines … Choose the right one for your needs, remodeling, or repiping... Tight enough toilet is a big difference in not having to solder copper pipes before.! Piping is used for water supply lines as well as radiant floor.. Approximately 2 ” past the end of the PEX fitting are specially designed for,. 1/4 of an inch from the end of the most versatile, flexible and corrosion resistant Series. Over the end of the PEX crimping tool you ’ ll learn how install! Knowledge in solving home plumbing problems PEX cut to length, slip a copper crimp ring you if! Or piping is used for water supply lines as well as radiant heating... Love the SharkBite fittings and i have to solder in the home store pipe fittings!