Hi all,
I’m in the process of a (way to long) bathroom remodel. Gut down to studs and floor / ceiling joists then rebuild. The good news is, that is all done. Now I am rebuilding ….. slowly! I have contracted some things out like the plumbing. I decided to go the PEX route with the entire bathroom as this will fit in with my future plans for the remainder of the house. So I have all pex from the basement to the bathroom. 3/4″ to the manifolds then 1/2 out to fixtures.
Since this project I knew would take for ever I had the plumber just cap them off with the brass stoppers. (using wirsbo brand pex) So I have dangling pex pipes with little brass ends currently. I now have to continue on with setting up the connections to various fixtures. My focus in the near future will be the shower. I am looking for input on how I should go about connecting to a standard shower valve and if I should use copper from the valve on. Also PROpex connections to copper valve vs. QS-style connections advantages of either etc. Any help would be great. I know the last two items are wirsbo specific but I’m sure some one on this forum uses wirsbo regularly.
I have a ton more PEX work in my future with this place so all info is good. Thanks for any help
Replies
I use the uponor¯ expansion tool with pexbarb fittings.
Getting the tool can be a chore though, for the DIYer.
It's about 300 bucks & not worth it for the occasional person.
You can go with sharkbite¯ fittings which fit right over the pipe. Very fast & DIY friendly.
No Veterans = No USA-----Bumper Sticker
I was thinking of getting the PROpex expander tool from uponor anyway. I have alot more pex connections to make in this house, especially once I start the kitchen remodel, so the tool is probably worth it.
I am converting to a manifold system with sub-manifolds for the bathroom. Do you think these connections are more solid than the clamp type?
After my transition / connection to the shower valve should this just be copper from there to the shower head? I was thinking of this for rigidity ... any thoughts?-- akfoote
I'm just finishing up a 42 story hotel/condo, we put in over 65,000 feet of 1/2" pex.
All was expansion ring type.
Only problems was hitting it with water pressure too fast.
400+ bathtub/shower set ups & 100+ straight showers.
All were done with copper in between the spout/head & valve. Used drop eared 90's for stub-out connections.
Do NOT use wrenches when installing tub spout or shower head. I have had to replace 14 broken 90's to date.
I prefer the expansion tool over the press ring tool------ can be tough to get press tool into tight places verses expanding pipe out in open then puting it into the fitting in a tight place.No Veterans = No USA-----Bumper Sticker
"Do NOT use wrenches when installing tub spout or shower head. I have had to replace 14 broken 90's to date."
I hear you on that one...can't remember how many repairs I've done in that situation.
Hope this helps.....
View Image
One at the bathroom sink....
View Image
I suppose you scored / found those extra fittings that were just laying around...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Edited 8/18/2006 11:34 am by IMERC
Only Copper for me, the New Age stuff is to advanced for me!
BUT>>> BUT>>>> G.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
G80104
Thanks ... a few images goes a long way for the newbie.. that is exactly what I needed to see.
I was already formulating how I was going to set this up and to see it was great.. I am getting ready to place my pexsupply.com (thanks FHB) order shortly, I'm thinking about the pre made ELL fittings that they have so I don't have to practice my soldering skills :-)
Thanks again.-- akfoote
practice...
it's cake and pie and you won't regret it..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Another good source is http://www.pexconnection.com
Beware of pexconnection.com - poor communication and order handling. They don't tell you if they can't fill your order until you call when it doesn't arrive! If you're going to buy from them I would call and make sure you get tracking numbers.
Lowes is stocking the full range of PEX fittings and tubing. Prices are pretty competitive to plumbing outlets. I think they are stocking Zurn tubing.
Lowes is stocking the full range of PEX fittings and tubing. Prices are pretty competitive to plumbing outlets. I think they are stocking Zurn tubing.
Just noticed that yesterday. Even had the red/blue in 100' lengths. And I think I saw Zurn tools.
IIRC, 1/2" 100' blue/red were around $25
3/4" 100' blue/red was around $45.
The tool prices varied depending on if you got the one-size tool or the muti-size tool.
jt8
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success." --Albert Schweitzer
Well I made an order with pexsupply.com man that was fast delivery.
I have been working on making the connections for the shower valve.
1/2" copper forming an ell shape with a wirsbo 1/2 pex to 1/2 copper connection on the low end and a 1/2 threaded connection to the valve on the other. I dont think my soldering is too bad.. but this is all being done down in the workshop :-) My propex tool also arrived.. cant wait to use it now.
However I forgot to include the quick cutter in my order and the local shop only had one for twice the price... DOH!The one thing I am curious about is the inside diameter of the 1/2 connections. They are only 3/8 the best I can tell. Is this a source of trouble with PEX installs? I know the idea with PEX is fewer joints but it seams that you are restricting the volume/flow periodically with these types of connections.-- akfoote
I will run your questions by the job site plumber in the am. On the cutter I would guess most plastic pipe cutter would work just fine on the smaller (1/2 or less pex) the 1" stuff sure looks like some tough pipe!
From what little background I have with the Wirsbor pipe, it sure seems like a fine product!
On your Copper, I was always told you could never use to much flux! & a little clean up after the soldering, & your looking like a Pro!
Let me know if you need any more photos, & keep us updated on your project!
Edited 8/25/2006 12:24 am by G80104
The one thing I am curious about is the inside diameter of the 1/2 connections. They are only 3/8 the best I can tell. Is this a source of trouble with PEX installs? I know the idea with PEX is fewer joints but it seams that you are restricting the volume/flow periodically with these types of connections.
Yes it does restrict the flow, but in most homes it's a non issue.
If you overload the pipe ie: more than five fixture units on a 1/2" pipe the feet per second will be too fast for the 3/8" id to handle.
That will cause a turbulance in the pipe & a premature failure of the system.
3/4" pipe feeding a sub maniflod with 1/2" individual runs to the fixtures will eliminate the problem.No Veterans = No USA-----Bumper Sticker
The one thing I am curious about is the inside diameter of the 1/2 connections. They are only 3/8 the best I can tell. Is this a source of trouble with PEX installs? I know the idea with PEX is fewer joints but it seams that you are restricting the volume/flow periodically with these types of connections.
In articles they say that the PEX has less flow resistance than copper, therefore the smaller inside diameter isnt' an issue. I have no idea if this is correct or not.jt8
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success." --Albert Schweitzer
Due to the ID reduction in the fittings, some jurisdictions will require the next size larger (i.e using 5/8" in lieu of 1/2") for acceptance. This requirement varies from place to place, and for jobs that require permit/inspection, prior communication with your building department/plumbing inspector is advised.
Thanks for the help on this fellas.I finally made my connections to the shower valve with copper ells that I made up. I did end up using the pro-pex connections for all my pex to copper transitions. From the valve to shower head I used pex to a right angle with ears pex fitting. I also fitted both my vanity areas with hot and cold copper ell stub outs. When all were connected up I turned the flow back on and no blaring leaks ... good sign eh :-)I'll try to post a pic or two once I get one taken.
Getting closer to closing up these walls .. yea! Now I just have to teach myself how to install a shower pan.-- akfoote