Straightening PEX

[Whitworth]

Is there any fast(er) way to straighten this stuff ? I've got a few 100' rolls (3/4 and 1/2") and it's bad enough wrestling with it beforehand, cutting to length, but also would like the pieces fairly straight before dragging them into the crawl space.

I was considering laying them out in the sun tomorrow, but I understand PEX should avoid UV light.

Any suggestions welcome,

Gary

 

[reader2580]

A few hours of UV exposure shouldn't hurt the pipe. The manufacturers know that the PEX will get some UV exposure during the shipping and install process, especially in a new house under construction.

 

[deanknow]

According to the Sharkbite website:
PEX pipe can’t be heated or exposed to a direct flame. The best method to “loosen” the pipe for straightening is by soaking the pipe in warm water or running warm water through the pipe. Please make sure that the pipe is not exposed to direct UV rays.

 

[indyokie]

Depends on the Pex, PexB = ASTM F876 F877 stamped pipe can see 6 months of UV. -
The ASTM Standard says a lot- but UV is part of it.
This is so you can have it exposed during construction, but not expect it to be exposed on the side of a building or coming up from ground for a hose bibb, for it's lifetime. ( like copper or something else )
If you were to heat it ( getting a heat gun or something like that - you can hot spot it and then unlink the crosslink in Pex = making it back to just PE, and that's not good.

I would note what side of the pipe has the marking on it vs. the coil angle- work it so that the Pex is "aimed up" that keeps it out of the dirt and less wrestling.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I gave up and bought straight lengths for my drops.

 

[myredracer]

One of the properties of PEX is that it has a memory and can't be straightened. If you want straight, you need to buy straight lengths.

 

[kbs2244]

Every plumbing supply house I have been to unrolled my requested length from a large master roll.
I have seen the pros laying it out on a black top parking lot in FL to straighten it out.

 

[Kaizen]

I ran hot and cold in 15 feet under my crawlspace. I measured out 2 20 foot pieces and taped them opposite to eachother so their bend kept them straight. once I got a few hangers up I cut the tape.

 

[slip knot]

Just lay them out in the sun to warm up and they'll lay flat.

I've been testing a pex run exposed to sunlight for several years now and really don't see any issues with sunlight exposure. I ran some over a wall and out to a op shelter back in 07ish. 75psi on it the whole time. zero issues.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I gave up and bought straight lengths for my drops.

Me too !

 

[gayler]

When I replumbed my house I tossed my rolls in my hot tub for a couple hours.I left a couple inches sticking out of the cover and pulled it out as needed.