Up coming PEX job

[hd54kh]

Hi all,

I have some renovation work in the house and new work in the new garage. I'm going with PEX and have a few questions.

Renovation work is moving a washing machine within 5 feet of the water feed, a master bath in the same general area. Hot and cold feed for the washer, large whirlpool tub, bathroom vanity and toilet maybe 16-18 feet total run for that area. Another 20' to an exiting kitchen connecting underneath to existing cpvc. And a second bathroom with same features a first but is about a 60' run from the source. All this will be run underneath in a crawl space.

The garage is from a separate feed from my well house is will be only a hose bib and slop sink so it will be very simple.

I am leaning towards the cinch type connections, endless discussions everywhere on what is best so unless there is something I am missing so blatant we'll just move along with my choice.

1) What brand/type of cinch tool is best? I use ratcheting tools for electronic work and prefer that function.

2) If I were to use a box store for supplies do they carry PEX A,B, or C grade and what is the quality of their fittings compared to a plumbing supply store.

3) I want to run 3/4 feeds with stub outs reduced to 1/2 inch, the manifolds I have looked at are 3/4 feed with 1/2 outputs. Any recommendations of what else is available? Is it worth installing the manifold or should I just run the main lines and T off to the stub outs.

Thanks - Terry

 

[sixty4]

I know you want to move off of the pex what one is best subject. However the **** you get at the box stores is really cheap, both price and quality. How do I know because I do this for a living. Just as a suggestion look at Viega Fosta-Pex. It comes in coils and straight lengths and uses nice quality brass fittings that you crimp like a power steering hose (you can buy a hand crimper and chaffing tool). Your spot on with running 3/4 and reducing down as inside diameters of pex will restrict flow. Remember to strap it every 32" with clic hangers and your good to go with whatever product you use.

 

[Rookie2]

Don't forget that you can use sharkbite connectors If its a one time job and you don't want to buy the cinch tool .

 

[hd54kh]

Wow sixty4 that looks a bit costly, with all the searches done I never saw this system mentioned. If I needed to run some services in unaccessable wall areas or ceilings I think it would be the choice.

Rookie2, I have used sharkbite before, not a big fan just never feel the long life of these just a personal thought no science or fact. I could be wrong. They worked perfect when I needed to make a transformation from cpvc to copper. Done in an easy access spot in an open joist in the basement.

One thing I should do is check what the local supply house carries.

Is there a manifold available with 3/4 inch outlets? I need a minimum of 10 colds and 6 hots. The manifolds I see have 3/4" feed and 1/2" outlets. Or should I just run 3/4 and T off it with the 1/2" stub ups.

I'm new to PEX so it is a bit of a learning curve.

Terry