school me on pex

[Reit38]

looking to install a sink in garage this winter and am going to use pex for water lines. problem is i have no tools or really knowledge with pex.

i figure what better time to learn and get new tools !

ive watched a few guys use the since crimps so im leaning towards that route for a crimper. is there really much difference in say the menards Quick Cinch Clamp Tools? they look to vary from $35 - $40. is there a better cheaper one to order somewhere? How do you know what syle bands the crimper uses? Whats the difference in the 2 styles of rings?

what all do i really need to get started tool wise, crimper, ring remover, pex shear, anything else?



no looking to spend alot of money. probably will only use everything for this project and then here and there for little things after that

 

[The Frisco Kid]

If you're only going to run the one PEX line, I would hire that part out. Run the line yourself and let someone with the tools make the connections.

Now, I'm in Texas so I don't concern myself the the freezing aspects of water lines too much, but make sure you consider this when running your lines. Biggest thing that I have learned when working with PEX is MAKE SURE to us the quality connections! Don't skimp on no-name connections, as this is the biggest weak point of the PEX system (same as bad solder joints are the biggest weak point of copper system).

 

[woodrail]

Look at the press-on fittings at Lowe's or HD. Sharkbite is one brand. Marinco or Watson is another.

I will use nothing else. They can be installed under wet conditions. They can be removed and reinstalled.

They are expensive. Think between $4-$6 each. That adds up. Certainly cheaper than hiring out the job though.

 

[Falcon67]

Cheaper to run PVC and call it done. The good tools I've looked at run $90 or so - and the tool has to match the pieces used.

 

[luvit]

home depot carries a product like this.. with a nice set of vise grips.
use it, it's cheap, i've used the same set for 2 whole house renovations.

 

[Steevo]

Most HD and Lowes that rent tools have Pex crimpers for rent by the hour/day.
Use the right tool and it is fat and easy.

 

[signcrafter]

I bought this one a few years ago, http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...manual-pex-crimper-1-2-3-4/p-79104-c-8609.htm. It came with a go-no go gauge. Pretty sure it's made in the US too. The only other tool you really need is a pex cutter. I've had to take a few crimps off and I just use a hack saw or angle grinder.

Pex is super easy to work with and worth it to have the tools around and a selection of connectors and a roll of tubing. I bought the crimper for one job and ended up using it a few times a year for repairs and additions.

 

[kert]

I've redone all the plumbing in my last 2 houses with PEX and had no problems. If you think this is the only job you'll ever do with PEX, use the shark-bite fittings. If you think you might do more, buy the tool. I bought a cinch (uses stainless clamps) tool because it works a little better in tight spaces and can be used with multiple sizes, but the crimp (uses copper crimp rings) tool is generally cheaper. Search online for a better price on the tool or find a friend who will loan you the tool.

I also like to use 3/4" for cold lines for more flow. I stick with 1/2" for the hot lines to minimize the water I have to waste before I get hot water.

 

[Boomer343]

I had Poly B in our house and pulled it out and replaced with Pex.
Have since done 2 more houses in the neighbourhood.

I like to use Super Pex as it has an outer coating that makes it slide a little easier and it is UV resistant.

I use the stainless clamps as they are fool proof and the crimper is inexpensive.
http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/category/pex-clamp-tools

Use a blow dryer or a low heat air gun to warm the PEX if it need some help laying flat or curving.

I also use the Sharkbite fttings for attaching the hot water tank and water softener.

If you are doing a replumb then running as many "home runs" to a manifold as possible is a good way to do things.

If you are using the sharkbites a good practice is to put a mark on the pex to check the insert depth is correct.

Once you catch on the job goes real quick.

 

[Reit38]

thanks for the replies guys, keep em coming

ive used the sharkbites before and they work great and thought of going that route but im pretty sure i want to go with a pex clamp tool so i will have it for future projects like a few have mentioned

 

[Reit38]

is there much differnce in the 30-$40 ones?

 

[speadphreak]

I had Poly B in our house and pulled it out and replaced with Pex.
Have since done 2 more houses in the neighbourhood.

I like to use Super Pex as it has an outer coating that makes it slide a little easier and it is UV resistant.

I use the stainless clamps as they are fool proof and the crimper is inexpensive.
http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/category/pex-clamp-tools

Use a blow dryer or a low heat air gun to warm the PEX if it need some help laying flat or curving.

I also use the Sharkbite fttings for attaching the hot water tank and water softener.

If you are doing a replumb then running as many "home runs" to a manifold as possible is a good way to do things.

If you are using the sharkbites a good practice is to put a mark on the pex to check the insert depth is correct.

Once you catch on the job goes real quick.

+1 on the above tool and cinch rings. Ive redone 10 of our rentals and my own house. The fittings crimps and tool are relatively inexpensive easy to use and I havent had any failures yet.

 

[darkk]

I used these, the tool is mega expensive. But it pays to have a son in law as a plumber...
http://www.pexsupply.com/Viega-61040-3-4-PEX-Press-Sleeves-Bag-of-100-5350000-p

 

[SARG]

Look at the press-on fittings at Lowe's or HD. Sharkbite is one brand. Marinco or Watson is another.

I will use nothing else. They can be installed under wet conditions. They can be removed and reinstalled.

They are expensive. Think between $4-$6 each. That adds up. Certainly cheaper than hiring out the job though.

A friend used the sharkbite brand with his PEX lines to his bathroom. About six months after installation ( two weeks ago) the fitting let go flooding his kitchen through the ceilings.

Today ... Sharkbite is the last brand I would recommend.

 

[SMKS]

If you're only going to run the one PEX line, I would hire that part out. Run the line yourself and let someone with the tools make the connections.

Would a plumber even come out to do two or three pex connections? That seems like a waste of everyone's time.

I think one of the big benefits of PEX is that the connections are easier than soldering, so someone who doesn't know how to solder can still do the entire job DIY. I haven't read anything about the connections being difficult, but I haven't tried it myself.

I've been researching it, since I'm considering buying an older home that may need some plumbing in the coming years. PEX seems like a good choice. I'm leaning towards the crimper tool, as then you only need one tool for most of the different sizes. You don't need to worry about swapping dies like some other tools.

http://www.pexuniverse.com/store/product/pex-clamp-tool-cinch-tool-pxt3010

Menard's also has one for $39.97 that you can buy in the store. I don't know if HD or Lowes has them that cheap, I haven't looked.

http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...s/quick-cinch-clamp-tool/p-1805174-c-8609.htm

 

[speadphreak]

Lowes has the cinch type crimper for $40. Thats where I got mine.

 

[woodrail]

A friend used the sharkbite brand with his PEX lines to his bathroom. About six months after installation ( two weeks ago) the fitting let go flooding his kitchen through the ceilings.

Today ... Sharkbite is the last brand I would recommend.

Obviously I could be wrong, but I would bet that he didn't insert the line properly. Installed correctly, these lines don't blow off.

These fitting are bounced around in the RV and marine industry every hour of every day. They don't just come loose.

Of course, with millions sold, I suppose it could happen. But, I bet it's really really rare.

 

[Big-Foot]

X99 on using SharkBite fittings - they are great.. Also used the Watson brand plastic fittings, but like the more expensive SharkBites a lot more. Also the SharkBites have a built in tube stiffner whereas the plastic fittings do not, although they inlude one that you need to insert.
I will only use copper on rare occassions now and probably only because I still have some that I want to use up.. The solder they sell these days without lead just plane *****.

 

[camarotoolman]

Love the sharks too, esp. with the old solder -new solder, they wouldn't mix. Just replaced my shower heads.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

Buy or rent a PEX crimping tool and do the job right. Expect to pay around $60.00 for a decent tool that will handle 1/2 and 3/4 inch tubing.

IMHO those shark bite things are ****! They are solely for the novice/homeowner and are well known for their failure rate.

As said earlier, PEX is easy to work with, it can withstand freeze thaw cycles unlike copper, and you use a lot less fittings. PEX is not UV resistant so you do need to be careful where you route the lines and where you store your extra tubing.

Good luck!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I helped my son redo his whole house with PEX. Only one real issue. PEX in coils never seems to "relax" (unless there is a trick that I don't know). We wound up using sticks and a lot of corner fittings ($$$).

There are a couple of different styles of crimp rings. We used the copper rings.

Horizontals runs need to be supported every 3(?) feet. Vertical is longer (5'?)


I would only use SharkBite connectors if you have very few connections ($$$).

 

[pfctblu]

Lots of talk about crimp rings here but just so you know, you dont have to go that route: There is also the expansion tool and sleeve sytem. Find a buddy who will loan you the expander tool. Pay him in beer. Works perfectly and is a very solid system.

 

[dipper]

Would a plumber even come out to do two or three pex connections? That seems like a waste of everyone's time.

I'm sure a plumber would love that call. But i bet by the time you ended up paying them to do the job you could have bought yourself one heck of a nice crimper.

My first project using pex lines was just completed a few weeks ago. Im in the middle of a complete bathroom renovation and ran all new lines down to the basement and plumbed the whole bathroom sink, toilet and shower feeds all with 1/2" pex and fittings from Lowes. I bought a Kobalt multi-head crimp tool from Lowes ~$90. It has dies for 1/2, 3/4 and 1". I made about 25 connections or so for all my lines and fittings (elbows, tees, etc etc) and not one leaked. The kit also came with a go-nogo gauge to test the ring after crimping. I tested the first few but found that the crimper did a really good job and the results were no leaks.

I suppose if you just have one or two connections to make, you could try something like this:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_324341-943-07100_0__?Ntt=pex+crimper&UserSearch=pex+crimper&productId=3139743&rpp=16

but if you will be doing more pex work in the future, I would just spend the extra money and have the proper tool. Especially if you ever need to make any emergency repairs, you will have the tool on-hand.