Plumbing Question

[Yookdew]

I am in the process of finishing my 30X40 detached garage. When I ran electrical to the garage, I also ran a water line. I am trying to figure out the best way to run the water lines inside of the garage since I only have exterior walls and I don't want problems with pipes freezing in the winter. I am in the East TN, Knoxville area.

I plan to run water to 3 frost free hose bibs and a utility sink. I have 2X6 framing, 16" OC with R-19 batt insulation and am planning on installing OSB for the walls. I also plan to install a mini-split in the future for heat and air. I plan to use Pex A for the water lines.

I'm assuming running the water lines on the inside of the wall, between the OSB and insulation, could still potentially cause freezing problems during cold snaps. If I run the lines on the outside of the wall, what's the best way to make them look decent? I have seen some say to run the Pex through PVC or build a raceway to conceal the Pex.

What have others in here done for their water lines? Any pictures of what you used to conceal the the lines and make them look a little cleaner?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[The Cobbler]

3 frost free hose bibs and a utility sink

utility sink inside or outside?
wrap the pex with self regulating heat tape

 

[Yookdew]

Utility sink will be inside.

 

[Shoester]

I don't think you'll have a freezing problem if you run the lines inside the wall, directly behind the OSB. OSB is a very poor insulator (< R1), and any heat inside the building should keep the pipes above freezing temp, if they are on the warm side of R19 insulation.

 

[firebirdparts]

I would agree but obviously you'll have plenty of danger of punctures and no access for repairs if you ever want. I don't think there is a way to make pex non-ugly, but you could run the longer runs inside something rigid and cheap, I guess.

 

[75gmck25]

You could try something like this product. It's stronger than standard PEX, but I don't think it's designed to take a real beating.

PEX-AL-PEX Tubing

www.plasticpipe.org

 

[Yookdew]

One other question I just thought about.

If i run the Pex in the wall, I will have to run it through the studs. If I drill toward the middle of the studs, the Pex would compress the insulation a decent amount making that area not insulate as well.

With 2X6 studs, would it be safe to drill the 1 inch holes needed to run the Pex somewhat closer to the edge of the stud? Maybe an inch or inch and a half from the edge of the stud so the Pex wouldn't compress the insulation as much?

Maybe I am overthinking this and compressing the insulation in such a small area wouldn't matter.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[firebirdparts]

You are absolutely correct.

In a house, you make ugly compromises due to aesthetics

 

[egdede]

Pex shouldn't compress the insulation too much. I like wires pipes and such to be in the middle of my studs.

 

[CraigStu]

For me, it's a garage. I'd run good ole pvc on the inside wall surface. Make it pretty enough by painting it the same as your walls.