Plumbing a shop bathroom

[kminnick]

Hi guys-
I have framed in a 8' X 8' bathroom into my 40 X 60 shop and looking to tips on plumbing it. The rough floor plumbing was done when I had the foundation poured. I have a well, so will be plumbing in 2 - Bosch water filters. I also plan on plumbing in PEX-A, but this will be my first time with it (previous experience all in copper). My supply line is 1" Poly running to a 1" ball valve, and I plan on using a tank-less water heater. I will be plumbing in a shower, utility sink, toilet and washer fixture.

Not being familiar with PEX-A, not sure if I really need to upsize piping? I was planning on running 3/4" after the filters to the heater and over to hot and cold manifolds (3 port and a 4 port), and then 1/2" from the manifolds to the fixtures. The walls are 2" X 4" construction, so I'm guessing the PEX can't bend tight enough in the corners and will require 90's?

Also, what is the thought on PEX-A quality of fittings: Uponour, Appolo (HD), Sioux Chief? Thanks and take care,

 

[Ben W]

I agree with the manifolds. One after the filters (cold) and one after the water heater. Then separate pex everywhere - this way you have a handy central location to shut off each individual lines.

Yes, my experience is 2x4 is too tight to bend a 90 as a stub-out. Plus I prefer the security of using copper for the stub-out fasted to the wall. So pex crimped to the copper which will stick out of the wall and that's your solid connect to a valve instead of it being able to flop around. The copper stub-outs can come as 90s and have a nailing flange to go to the stud.

Pex is a little smaller than copper - your tub/shower, toilet, sink, and washer should be fine on 1/2".

I don't have preference on the fittings - I'd say they're all good. Test your work after you crimp/cinch and that will tell you if you're good. My feeling is that initial leak check is your most important step. Through the rest of their life, you should be good assuming they don't move - i.e. the reason for the copper stub-outs. Being that its a shop, think about how the pex can get damaged - tools, rodents, etc.

 

[Copymutt]

Be sure to install a shut off valve in your well house to isolate future troubleshooting. Suggest a simple very visible pressure gauge in the garage. I installed one tee’d off of the john stub out back in 95. Last january noticed a slow bleed down, it let me know I had a leak. Saved from a bigger issue especially on a well.