Pex and supplies supplier recommendation

[thammel]

Quick questions:

Where did you all buy your pex and what was the cost. For my new 28 x 32 I'll need about 900 feet of 1/2". Also how did you attach to the insulation (if that's what you did). My plan is to staple to the 2" ins., then put wire mesh on top. Where did you buy the plastic staples? Did you also buy a special stapler? Cost? Same for manifold - where and how much?

Finally, if you have a 2 post lift recommendation - I could use that as I'll want to run the pex to avoid the life mount points.

THanks!
Tom

 

[5wndwcpe]

Ok, I'll bite. First off, buy a name brand PEX such as Watts or Zurn. The quality is higher and it comes wrapped in black plastic, which is important because PEX is not UV stable and if you buy some off brand, internet stuff that's been sitting in the sun on a warehouse shelf for a year you may have problems. You can source these at a local plumbing store but shop around as prices will vary. I think I paid $165 for a 300' roll. This was WaterPex, not the oxygen barrier stuff.

The stapler can be rented from this outfit. It worked out well, but don't think you're going to put a staple every two to three feet. The natural curvature of the rolled up tubing will pull the staples up if you try to skimp on them. Bite the bullet and buy enough for one every 16" or so.so.http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/heat...sp?stype=../../../../productspetermangone.asp

The manifolds that Watts sells are the same ones that you can find on ebay from Sioux Chief for less money. I elected to use mini ball valves on the supply and return lines so that I could isolate each loop independantly. These can be used also to restrict flow for balancing. How much restriction can be determined by using an infra-red gun on the return lines, measuring the delta T and adjusting accordingly. Flow meters aren't always that accurate I understand.

As far as a lift goes, head over to Greg Smith Equipment in Newark, DE and check out their showroom as they have several lifts on display. I myself was there two weeks ago looking at an Atlas lift and I must say, I was impressed. I was checking into the usual suspects (BendPak, Rotary) when I came across a few people who had recommended the Atlas. Between being able to pick it up (no shipping) and being Delaware (no tax) it was a no brainer. As always YMMV.