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