Running PEX tubing to a toilet is a great way to prevent your pipes from freezing. Your contractor should devise ways to remove the pipes while... Cut access holes where necessary to remove the pipes. We love PEX but it’s even easier if you use SharkBite fittings. Any time I have to solder in the ceiling it makes me a bit nervous. 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. Good idea to check you local codes before buying the supplies . Connect one end of the stub-out elbow to the water heater by soldering the fitting. Unfortunately I think a lot of folks thing they can’t install one because it’s too difficult. I’ve done the second project in my home and it’s been leak free for years. Use the tubing cutter for this job. When you have the PEX cut to length, slip a copper crimp ring onto the pipe. Re-plumbing a house (installing new lines and abandoning the old ones) with PEX can cost $1,500-$8,000 or more. | 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. This is a general overview that’ll share quick tips and get you familiar with PEX. Our only complaint about the PEX crimper is that it has short handles. Hot and cold lines should be color-coded differently—the standard practice is to use blue for cold and red for hot water lines. Thanks again! I’ve been looking at the Viega pex press system and I’m quite interested but I’m not seeing much reviews on it. Use PEX color coding. So PEX is a great place for it. I just moved in a new home and had to move some water pipes. Your email address will not be published. If your crimp ring is more than 1/4″ away from the end of the PEX it’s super easy to repair. No leaks and works fantastic. Time will be the real test but so far I like pex. We were discussing the materials to use, but since teh copper existed already, we just used that. I made great decorative lighting by passing some LED strings through some PEX pipes. It will withstand close to freezing temps and swell far beyond copper pipes before bursting. 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. Well, that was timely! We’re talking movie ticket prices. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Step 3 Push the fi tting into the pipe until it … Place the bit up to the stud and … Slide Crimp Ring Onto PEX. Watch our quick video to see extra tips and a funny outtake at the end…my daughters crack me up. 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. 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. Make sure connection points are accessible. 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 … If you have the cinch clamp tool, you will need to use only cinch clamps. PEX comes in red, white and … So much easier to get the pipes where you need them. Remove burrs from the edge. Little side note, you can leave the plastic insert in the SharkBite fitting even if you use it with copper. But they’re actually pretty easy. PEX tubing is a great choice when running water to new fixtures, remodeling, or even repiping. Under the house can be tough. 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. Slide the SharkBite over the PEX until it meets up with the mark. How to Run PEX Tubing to a Toilet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pretty nice that your local hardware store gave you the tools. Before connecting the PEX pipe to the water heater, find a suitable metal connector to install onto the water heater. 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 the PEX tubing slightly long to allow some room for expansion and contraction. But how do you know if your crimp ring is tight enough? Crimp rings should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the PEX. They chew through everything including Pex. Making the connections necessary in copper pipes requires the use of a torch to solder and seal the fittings. To ensure you have a smooth and even cut, position the cutter at 90 degrees to the tubing. 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 pipe cleanly & squarely. Bundle pipe runs together to reduce installation time. If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and want to simplify the process enroll into the Bathroom Repair Tutor Video Library. It’s so easy to work with and resists mineral building up. Awesome job Dennis. The one downside is the fact that SharkBites are expensive as all heck. PEX tubing has a lot of advantages in plumbing applications, but buyers should know the differences between the three types. SharkBites will spin 360 degrees around PEX or copper pipes. So don’t be freaked out. PEX comes in red, white and blue colors. This system uses more tubing, but is fast and only requires two connections: one at the manifold and another at the fixture end. Cut a piece of copper pipe enough to connect the stub-out elbow to the flooring. Also could you do a review on the viega manual press tool would appreciate it. Some places don’t. I invested in a good wet-vac. I was surprised when I saw pex under the house. If (when, I guess really) I need to do additional plumbing work I’d definitely be considering replacing existing pipes with PEX. What if you mess up the position of the crimp ring? What am I missing regarding people who still prefer copper? Looks real cool! Here are some of the PEX pipe problems you’ll want to know about before making any decisions: PEX Plumbing Disadvantages 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. Plan transition points for efficiency. Yah, you’ll love PEX. When cutting PEX, it is imperative that it is a straight, burr-free cut. When installing PEX pipe and fittings, it is important to stick with the same manufacturer for all components. 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. Hi Jeff, just to be clear, you are demonstrating Pro Pex as apposed to plain old pex – they are a different beast. Roth PEX tubing is less flexible at cold temperatures. How to install PEX tubing - making a crimp connection. Place the removal tool 180 degrees on the other side of the crimp ring and snap it again. 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. To get started, identify the pipe material. I’ll have to check and see if that’s a thing in our county, but it looks a lot easier than copper pipes! Slide the clamp or crimp ring onto the pipe then slide the pipe onto the fitting all the way. This recommendation is per SharkBite who makes these crimp rings. You also want to slide the ‘NO-GO’ slot over the crimp ring, if it doesn’t fit you’re totally good to go. 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. Each SharkBite fitting has a plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. We wish you could extend the handles to create more leverage…hmm, maybe we should develop some invention. Great job. ), install tile, upgrade basement bathrooms, and more. Slide the correct sized copper crimp ring over the end of the NIBCO®PEX pipe. But we LOVE them and SharkBites come in handy for super tight spaces. 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 … - 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!! The copper ring slips over the end of the PEX tube, and a fitting is then inserted into the PEX tube. That said, if you want to learn how to solder copper pipes we have a great tutorial. 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). I just replaced a failed hot water heater with my son. For DIYers, PEX is the easier type of pipe to install. The nice thing about the SharkBite system is that it has a gage. I bought pex cinch rings/tool not the crimp rings. Good question Haddon, I’m assuming it does but don’t know that exact temperature. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Hah, never thought of that. How to Cut Copper Pipe (my favorite tools revealed!!) The slab was then poured over that. I worked in an old building that had Pex and mice. 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. Cut PEX pipe at right angle leaving a clean edge according to your need. Thanks Sally, the PEX in this tutorial is from SharkBite and found at our local Home Depot. Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: I’d rather use PEX and SharkBites when possible . A pex radiant floor heating system can be the most comfortable, efficient and often may be installed … Pex is the real deal. PEX pipes are one of the most versatile, flexible, affordable, and easy-to-use pipe types in the market. They used PEX. These pliers are specially designed for PEX and should always be used. Thanks. Glad you liked this one Linda. Manufactured without an oxygen barrier for potable water systems (available in white, blue, and red). The three manufacturing processes for PEX tubing are- Today you’ll learn how to install PEX pipe. The fact that PEX tubing comes in really long rolls makes it quicker to install because there are fewer fittings to connect. PEX tubing can be classified based on the manufacturing process.