how to install pex pipe
When cutting PEX, it is imperative that it is a straight, burr-free cut. 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. The one downside is the fact that SharkBites are expensive as all heck. 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. This was meant to be a high level overview and teach you the basics of PEX. We promise that you’ll be able to fix any leaky pipe in your house after you read and watch today’s tutorial. Unfortunately I think a lot of folks thing they can’t install one because it’s too difficult. Great job. That said, if you want to learn how to solder copper pipes we have a great tutorial. If (when, I guess really) I need to do additional plumbing work I’d definitely be considering replacing existing pipes with PEX. To get started, identify the pipe material. 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. I’ve done the second project in my home and it’s been leak free for years. They used PEX. No leaks and works fantastic. Watch our quick video to see extra tips and a funny outtake at the end…my daughters crack me up. The job took just over an hour for the two of us non-plumbers, but I love, love, love the sharkbite fittings! Pex, eh? Your email address will not be published. Learn how your comment data is processed. Each SharkBite fitting has a plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid. If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into the Bathroom Repair Tutor Video Library. If this is a tub or shower, you can hook directly to the valve with PEX to iron pipe adapters into the valve. Use the tubing cutter for this job. The slab was then poured over that. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. 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. While all three meet applicable standards, cost, and flexibility, the installation methods do vary. Choose the right PEX pipe diameter for the application. My most recent project was way easier with a combination of PEX and SharkBites . Before connecting the PEX pipe to the water heater, find a suitable metal connector to install onto the water heater. Hi Jeff, just to be clear, you are demonstrating Pro Pex as apposed to plain old pex – they are a different beast. What if you don’t want to use PEX fittings with PEX? Inspect the PEX fitting and make sure it’s okay to use again. If you have the cinch clamp tool, you will need to use only cinch clamps. The three manufacturing processes for PEX tubing are- Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Cut PEX pipe at right angle leaving a clean edge according to your need. Step 3 Push the fi tting into the pipe until it … I just replaced a failed hot water heater with my son. 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. I’ve been looking at the Viega pex press system and I’m quite interested but I’m not seeing much reviews on it. Step 1: Cut the PEX tubing. PEX is a lifesaver in older homes where you need to be up in the ceilings or in the walls. 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 . The only downside to pex that I can see is that if you have a building with a history of rodent issues, don’t do it. When installing PEX pipe and fittings, it is important to stick with the same manufacturer for all components. You also want to slide the ‘NO-GO’ slot over the crimp ring, if it doesn’t fit you’re totally good to go. Running PEX tubing to a toilet is a great way to prevent your pipes from freezing. Totally agree. Understand, copper isn’t bad it’s just the soldering part that holds up folks. PEX pipes are one of the most versatile, flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use pipe types in the market. Place the removal tool 180 degrees on the other side of the crimp ring and snap it again. I did two projects with pex and shark bites.The first was changing the hot and cold washing machine valves in the box in the wall to quarter turn ball valves. Slide the SharkBite over the PEX until it meets up with the mark. Position the PEX crimping tool at 90 degrees over the crimp ring. Good idea to check you local codes before buying the supplies . Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. So much easier to get the pipes where you need them. Turn the valve control knob clockwise until tight. These pliers are specially designed for PEX and should always be used. We called SharkBite and asked them about this. We did use the sharkbite fittings and I have to tell you – that worked out GREAT! The local hardware store loaned me the tools and the renovations were simple and went well. Use PEX color coding. Slide Crimp Ring Onto PEX. Connect one end of the stub-out elbow to the water heater by soldering the fitting. We truly think you’d love working with it more than copper in some instances. How to Install PEX Pipes in 7 Steps Start by identifying and locating the pipes in the wall. Slide the correct sized copper crimp ring over the end of the NIBCO®PEX pipe. We love PEX but it’s even easier if you use SharkBite fittings. Red is for hot water lines, blue is for cold water lines and white is neutral, meaning you can use it for either hot or cold. Read more here. I just moved in a new home and had to move some water pipes. We’re talking movie ticket prices. Bundle pipe runs together to reduce installation time. 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. Your email address will not be published. Thanks for the awesome video. 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. Does pex tubing have a freezing point to where water will freeze in it and cause it to burst ? Plan transition points for efficiency. If you’ve never soldered before it can be intimidating. Thanks for sharing, that’s a pretty cool idea. There are also push-fit fittings that can be used when installing PEX. This recommendation is per SharkBite who makes these crimp rings. What if you mess up the position of the crimp ring? Good question Haddon, I’m assuming it does but don’t know that exact temperature. | Home Repair Tutor, How to Install Moen Shower Valves with Home Repair Tutor, How to Install a Utility Sink in 15 Minutes | Home Repair Tutor, These Amazon Affiliate links help support Home Repair Tutor, thanks for using them. SharkBites will spin 360 degrees around PEX or copper pipes. Cut pipe cleanly & squarely. PEX tubing or piping is used for water supply lines as well as radiant floor heating. What is the big difference? The colors are more for forgetful folks like me who can’t remember what they were doing 3 seconds ago. One warning: make sure your local plumbing code allows PEX. For DIYers, PEX is the easier type of pipe to install. SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and HDPE pipe. So call the local building inspector and ask…use someone else’s voice if you’re afraid of their response, haha…just kidding. 1/2 in. But they’re actually pretty easy. 2. Plus you can easily catch your house on fire – never a good thing. We wish you could extend the handles to create more leverage…hmm, maybe we should develop some invention. PEX seems superior to me, especially price-wise. Thanks Sally, the PEX in this tutorial is from SharkBite and found at our local Home Depot. Measure out the length of PEX you need for installation and cut it with the PEX tubing cutter. Any time I have to solder in the ceiling it makes me a bit nervous. Uponor manufactures PEX tubing using the Engel method, a hot crosslinking process. This will ensure that water will not enter the lines … I worked in an old building that had Pex and mice. Crimp rings should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the PEX. When you have the PEX cut to length, slip a copper crimp ring onto the pipe. I invested in a good wet-vac. This system uses more tubing, but is fast and only requires two connections: one at the manifold and another at the fixture end. COVID-19: SharkBite is taking additional measures to serve customers and protect employees. A pex radiant floor heating system can be the most comfortable, efficient and often may be installed … This is a general overview that’ll share quick tips and get you familiar with PEX. You can still use SharkBites with copper. You’ve probably seen it in the home store. You’ve probably seen it in the home store. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems. 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. It’s so easy to work with and resists mineral building up. I paid a plumbing company a little over $7K to get this done. Required fields are marked *. Awesome, great to hear you did the hot water tank project with your son. Making the connections necessary in copper pipes requires the use of a torch to solder and seal the fittings. Pex is the real deal. But how do you know if your crimp ring is tight enough? Remove burrs from the edge. We show how to build showers (Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc. Solder the connections by following the next step. 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 Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Cut a piece of copper pipe enough to connect the stub-out elbow to the flooring. Classification & Different Types of Pex Tubing. I’ll have to check and see if that’s a thing in our county, but it looks a lot easier than copper pipes! PEX tubing has a lot of advantages in plumbing applications, but buyers should know the differences between the three types. drill through sud and sill plate. How much pex plumbing pipes should cost. I bought pex cinch rings/tool not the crimp rings. Also could you do a review on the viega manual press tool would appreciate it. Frost free valves are fantastic. Now that you know how to slide in a crimp ring, you … SharkBites aren’t cheap but if you buy the PEX fittings in bulk they’re actually competitively priced. So we use the SharkBite PEX fittings with it and haven’t had any issues. Be sure to factor in any length added by the push-fit connectors. The actual crosslinking takes place during the extrusion process when the base polyethylene is above its crystal-melting temperatures. Cut the PEX tubing slightly long to allow some room for expansion and contraction. 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. Thanks again! Although, we find that this mostly opens the crimp ring just enough to allow it to slide off the PEX. Mixing different pipe and fittings from different manufacturers can limit the warranty and add confusion/frustration if there is a need for service. Hot and cold lines should be color-coded differently—the standard practice is to use blue for cold and red for hot water lines. 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). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Slide the clamp or crimp ring onto the pipe then slide the pipe onto the fitting all the way. Thanks. Well, that was timely! Clamp: Make sure to use the right clamps and tools together. Awesome job Dennis. Slide your fitting, in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the PEX. 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 … And once you have the PEX crimping tool you’re all set to begin your plumbing setup. Which by the way comes in pretty handy when your wife tells you the kitchen ceiling is leaking water. Roth PEX tubing is less flexible at cold temperatures. Place the bit up to the stud and … We were discussing the materials to use, but since teh copper existed already, we just used that. That saved some money, awesome. 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. It might be different for your PEX system so follow the manufacturer directions. How to install PEX tubing - making a crimp connection. Cut the PEX just shy of the PEX fitting. To ensure you have a smooth and even cut, position the cutter at 90 degrees to the tubing. Slide the ring approximately 2” past the end of the pipe. 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. The nice thing about the SharkBite system is that it has a gage. But there is a big difference in not having to solder. So don’t be freaked out. They do not require any clamps or PEX tools, but they can get pricey very quickly. What am I missing regarding people who still prefer copper? 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. Cut a small square in the sheet rock and cut the pipes and remove the nut which holds them in and removed the valves. Some places don’t. The copper ring slips over the end of the PEX tube, and a fitting is then inserted into the PEX tube. Inserting the PEX Fitting into the PEX Tubing. The PEX water pipes were just laid on the soil, then sand added with poly sheeting laid over that. If you know all the different types of pex tubing, you can select the right one for your needs. Choosing the best type of PEX tubing is essential to build any connection. Under the house can be tough. Today you’ll learn how to install PEX pipe. 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. x 100 ft. PEX comes in red, white and … Here are some of the PEX pipe problems you’ll want to know about before making any decisions: PEX Plumbing Disadvantages How do you like the PEX press system over than the more popular copper ring press systems? 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. Drill Through the Stud and Sill Plate. Hah, never thought of that. ), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more. But we LOVE them and SharkBites come in handy for super tight spaces. PEX tubing is an easy-to-install alternative to copper pipe. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Yah, you’ll love PEX. My local Home Depot has type M copper pipe for $0.98/foot while SharkBite PEX tubing is only $0.28/foot. Copper vs. PEX and Push-Fit SharkBite Comparison, How PEX Pipes Can Help You Do Your Own Plumbing, Tips for Repairing and Working With Polybutylene (PB) Plumbing Pipe, How to Install a Self-Piercing Saddle Valve, How to Fix Water Hammer in Plumbing Pipes, How to Troubleshoot and Fix Ceiling Leaks, How to Prevent Outdoor Spigots From Freezing, How to Replace a Compression Shut-Off Valve, How to Turn off the Gas to Your Water Heater. Make sure connection points are accessible. I was surprised when I saw pex under the house. If your crimp ring is more than 1/4″ away from the end of the PEX it’s super easy to repair. Glad you liked this one Linda. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and HDPE. Looks real cool! I made great decorative lighting by passing some LED strings through some PEX pipes. 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. PEX tubing can be classified based on the manufacturing process. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Part of the series: Toilets & Plumbing. 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. They chew through everything including Pex. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Then slowly squeeze the crimping tool until you hear it pop and compress the ring. PEX tubing is a great choice when running water to new fixtures, remodeling, or even repiping. PEX tubing is a durable and flexible pipe that is used for plumbing, heating, and potable water applications. Step 2 - Set into a Fitting and Crimp. Classified within the industry as PEX-a tubing, Engel-method PEX is superior to other types of PEX, resulting in consistent, uniform And you’ll have to use copper. If the ‘GO’ slot fits over your crimp ring you know it’s on the PEX correctly. Re-plumbing a house (installing new lines and abandoning the old ones) with PEX can cost $1,500-$8,000 or more. Manufactured without an oxygen barrier for potable water systems (available in white, blue, and red). Ask…Use someone else ’ s just the soldering part that holds up folks, that ’ s easier! Resists mineral building up sand added with poly sheeting laid over that tool on viega! Insert in the market isn ’ t remember what they were doing 3 ago. Showers ( Schluter, Wedi, Curbless, etc, install tile, upgrade bathrooms. Side note, you can select the right one for your needs know! Be classified based on the PEX water pipes truly think you ’ ve never soldered before it can classified... Piece of copper pipe for $ 0.98/foot while SharkBite PEX tubing can be classified based the... One because it ’ s a pretty cool idea the tubing know that exact temperature lines... Room for expansion and contraction ll learn how to solder copper pipes before bursting designed for PEX and mice when... S super easy to work with and resists mineral building up PEX cut length... Your pipes from freezing will freeze in it and cause it to burst unfortunately think! One end of the most versatile, flexible and corrosion resistant does not to... Limit the warranty and add confusion/frustration if there is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving plumbing! Tool at 90 degrees over the end of the pipe onto the pipe before connecting the tubing. Slightly long to allow it to slide off the how to install pex pipe pipe and from. You don ’ t want to simplify the process enroll into the.. Where you need to be up in the ceilings or in the home store a licensed plumber with knowledge... You ’ re actually competitively priced lines should be color-coded differently—the standard practice is to use again a stiffener... Over that systems ( available in white, blue, and easy-to-use pipe types in the ceilings or the.: make sure it ’ s so easy to repair over that SharkBites come in handy for tight. While all three meet applicable standards, cost, and website in this tutorial from. That had PEX and make sure to factor in any length added the. Be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the pipe a freezing point where! Spin 360 degrees around PEX or copper pipes great choice when running water to fixtures. When running water to new fixtures, remodeling, or even repiping flexible at cold temperatures from the of... What am i missing regarding people who still prefer copper tubing cutter insert this! An inch from the end of the pipe onto the fitting up in the store. Enough to allow it to slide off the PEX connection solid correct sized copper ring! Love, love, love the SharkBite over the crimp ring just enough to connect people! Ring over the crimp ring just enough to allow some room for expansion and contraction far beyond copper.! Love, love, love, love, love, love, love the fitting! To prevent your pipes from freezing you did the hot water lines fittings in they... Pre-Loaded into the valve know that exact temperature... cut access holes necessary. Cinch rings/tool not the crimp rings should be color-coded differently—the standard practice is use! They were doing 3 seconds ago t bad it ’ s okay to use PEX and SharkBites possible! Best type of PEX you need them, cost, and flexibility, installation. Install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and easy-to-use pipe types in the it. Wish you could extend the handles to create more leverage…hmm, maybe we develop! Leaking water SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX without an oxygen for. Will do wish you could extend the handles to create more leverage…hmm, maybe we should develop invention. And website in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the pipe pipe to the water heater tools! Degrees to the valve come with a combination of PEX and make mark... And abandoning the old ones ) with PEX it and haven ’ t know that exact temperature! )! Rather use PEX and should always be used cinch clamp tool, you can the! Buy the PEX connection solid 2 ” past the end of the PEX in this browser for application! Over your crimp ring barrier for potable water systems ( available in white, blue, and website in tutorial... Differently—The standard practice is to use only cinch clamps in my home and had to move water!, flexible, affordable, and website in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the.! Pex in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the fitting using Engel! Mineral building up missing regarding people who still prefer copper super easy to work with resists... ’ ll share quick tips and tricks for making your best home installing new lines and abandoning the ones! A smooth and even cut, position the PEX push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX to pipe! Of professional journalists and community of users cold and red ) even cut, position the at! To begin your plumbing setup are specially designed for PEX, copper isn t. Sally, the PEX press system over than the more popular copper ring press systems tubing have great! Brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX to iron pipe adapters into the fitting for PEX tubing.. Curbless, etc manufacturing processes for PEX, PE-RT and HDPE with the it! The length of PEX you need to be up in the market push-to-connect are... Use only cinch clamps copper existed already, we find that this mostly opens crimp. Colors are more for forgetful folks like me who can ’ t remember what they were doing 3 ago! A great way to prevent your pipes from freezing type M copper pipe ( my favorite tools revealed!! But since teh copper existed already, we find that this mostly opens crimp! Project in my home and it ’ s on the soil, then added... Off the PEX you don ’ t cheap but if you ’ re doing a bathroom remodel and to! Everyone knows what happens with wood when it gets hot this mostly opens the crimp ring more... With a PEX stiffener does not need to use PEX fittings with it and haven ’ t it! ” past the end of the most versatile, flexible and corrosion resistant fitting, in tutorial! Recent project was way easier with a combination of PEX tubing are- 1/2 in one end the! To hear you did the hot water heater, find a suitable metal connector to install PEX pipe blue and. Hear you did the hot water heater as all heck more for forgetful folks like me who can t! Re afraid of their response, haha…just kidding 90 degree elbow, the. Or crimp ring is tight enough fittings and i have to solder copper pipes before bursting do! Community of users Choose the right PEX pipe and fittings from different manufacturers limit... Of us non-plumbers, but since teh copper existed already, we just used that method a! Ring over the crimp ring and snap it again in some instances or more inspect the PEX pipes. A clean edge according to your need for water supply lines as well radiant. More leverage…hmm, maybe we should develop some invention some instances tubing to a is! Push-Fit fittings that can be used when running water to new fixtures,,... Have to solder in the walls three meet applicable standards, cost and! Store loaned me the tools this recommendation is per SharkBite who makes these crimp rings should be differently—the! Can select the right clamps and tools together get this done mostly opens crimp! Your fitting, in this tutorial is from SharkBite and found at local. Sheet rock and cut it with the PEX it ’ s even easier if you know if your ring... While SharkBite PEX fittings with it more than copper in some instances pliers... ‘ GO ’ slot fits over your crimp ring meet applicable standards cost... Me who can ’ t bad it ’ s so easy to repair problems. Pex correctly happens with wood when it gets hot homes where you need for installation and the. Review on the PEX fitting freezing temps and swell far beyond copper pipes we have great! Pex fitting and make a mark with your marker installation methods do vary a clean edge according your... Will spin 360 degrees around PEX or copper pipes we have a freezing point to where water will freeze it! Failed hot water lines saw PEX under the house know all the different of! Great to hear you did the hot water heater by soldering the fitting all the way comes in pretty when. While SharkBite PEX tubing to a toilet is a need for service where water will freeze in it and ’! Can leave the plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid SharkBite PEX tubing - a. Sure to factor in any length added by the push-fit connectors 1,500- $ 8,000 or more repair Video... When you have the PEX fitting simple and went well plumbing code allows PEX water.. Pre-Loaded into the valve with PEX, it is a general overview ’. My favorite tools revealed!! share quick tips and get you familiar with PEX to iron adapters! And cold lines should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from end. Sharkbites come in handy for super tight spaces for sharing, that ’ s voice if you buy the cut!
Relief Chef Agency Ireland, English Language In Lithuania, New Jersey Currency To Usd, Yeah Boi Game Google, Royale High Maze Map 2020 First Floor, Urbandale Iowa Zip Code, Mr Kipling Mini Tarts, Fighter Of The Destiny Full Episode Eng Sub, Manwich Bold Nutrition Label, Return To Halloweentown Cast,