In an article I’m doing with Andy Engel about PEX, we want a source box. I could google PEX and include the first five that pop up, but I’d rather cite trusted sources, or extremely useful websites for PEX and other plumbing supplies.
Got any?
Thanks,
Dan
Associate editor
Replies
I have used MountainView Supply in WVA many times with great results. Thet sell Vanguard brand. Service has always been instant and the one time a broken part arrived I had a replacement in 2 days, no questions asked.
Might find a cheaper price but hard to beat the service and I'm VERY rural and I like not having to drive 50 miles to a supply house.
Dan, in one of the PEX threads, someone mentioned:
http://www.pexsupply.com/index.asp
I haven't used them, so don't have any practical info on them. Perhaps the person who originally posted their address will chime in.
Kind of annoying to me because the local Menards puts PEX on sale for 18cents per foot (some rust-colored PEX), but they can't order blue PEX for that price (that last FHB article has me all excited about running red/blue PEX for hot/cold lines). The PEX supply folks have the red/blue, but IIRC the price was around 30cents/ft.
jt8
"Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame." -- Erica Mann Jong
Thanks you two.
But TWO stores? C'mon guys, certainly there are more online shoppers than the two of you.
Sending the thread back to the top, and moving the article on to the art department tomorrow.
Dan MorrisonAssociate editor
I realize it isn't the type of thing to cover in an article, but is there any info on training? I figure it might be worth a few hours and a roadtrip to be a 'registered' or 'certified' PEX installer (thereby meaning your installs are covered by the PEX company's warrenty).
I know Zurn offers a $100 2-day deal (price covers training, food & lodging). Wirsbo/Uponor has training, but doesn't have any real details on their website..just gives you a # to call.
Either one has a headquarters building 8-9 hr drive from me (in opposite directions).jt8
"If you don't make mistakes, you aren't really trying." -- Coleman Hawking
Houseneeds.com in VT. They were great to deal with, prompt delivery, well stocked for both heating and plumbing pex needs. Check them out.
Now THAT'S the kind of information readers want.
Thanks,
DanDan MorrisonAssociate editor
I've used PexConnection.com and Pexsupply.com. Pexsupply stocks Wirsbo, and is good if you know exactly what you want. THey sent me some wrong items, so I ended up buying from a local source. When I wanted to return their crimp rings (couldn't use them because they sent me the wrong parts), they charged me a 20% restocking fee, even though it was their mistake that I couldn't use them.PexConnection has a large variety of items for plumbing and radiant. Their customer service is a little lacking. First time I ordered things, it was great, they got to me right away. Next 2 times, things were backordered (didn't find out until the shipment came missing items), couldn't get a response via e-mail or phone until I threatened to call my credit card company and dispute their charges (because of course they charged me when I'd ordered it over a month earlier).I'm a homeowner, so my experience is limited.Jo
if you have a job you are considering using wirsbo pex on... and you aren't 1000 miles from anywhere... ask a factory rep to come see/spec your job... at least in my case the rep came by PEX and Wirsbo only... has just been approved in my area... rep came by as a sales call... trained my plumber and me while he was there ... I now have the paperwork and got the nicely printed hang on the wall type document say'n I am fully trained to install their product...
p
You're a builder and the Wirsbo rep certified you?
Did he say that he wasn't supposed to, but he would, or is it something that he does all the time?Dan MorrisonAssociate editor
Don't know if this is what your looking for since they sell entire radiant floor heating systems, but you can also buy individual components including rolls of PEX
http://www.radiantec.com
I just completed an order for infloor heating with Radiantec. From the first contact to the time that my order was shipped took approximately one week. To complicate the issue a little, I will be installing the heating in my home in Japan. Communicating with Vermont simply meant calling before 7:00 AM Japan time to catch them before closing time in Lyndonville.
Radiantec has a very helpful homepage where you can download a lot of interesting information as well as knowledgeable staff who are willing to help. You may be able to purchase all your components separately from other sources for cheaper but why go through all the hastle when you have people who want to serve you as a customer; have over 20 years experience designing and selling radiant systems; and have the inventory to fill your orders quickly.
This was a delightful experience working with them!