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Hi All (and especially Wet Head Warrior):
When you install PEX plumbing and attach a valve to the tubing, for example under a sink, are the valves screwed to the wall? Are the valves “rugged”?
I have seen some PVC valves (I know PVC and PEX are like apples and oranges) that I wouldn’t use anywhere. Talk about cheap and chincy.
I have not seen PEX plumbed anywhere previously so I am asking your opinion of the “ruggedness” of the fittings/termination based on experience. I would be using Wirsbo AquaPEX and Wirsbo fittings for my home.
Thanks,
Bruce
Replies
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The valaves and fittings are essentially just like the fittings you would use for copper. They are mostly brass, although there are other types available. As far as the durability, they should be the same as any other high quality piece. With regards to the durability of the attachment, I saw a demonstration where the tube and fitting were tensioned with a hydraulic ram. The tubing stretched and broke without coming unattached. And PEX is not exactly weak. I own a manual expander and have used it on several jobs. It hasn't quite caught on yet, but I think it is a great system.
*I crimp my PEX lines onto copper stub-outs and use conventional (compression) supply valves. The finished product appears as if the plumbing were copper throughout. As long as the stub-out is attached firmly to a stud, things are plenty 'rugged'.
*Hey samsoter...Are you implying that you think copper is better? You said it looks like you have copper throughout? Do you use the 90 degree "metal benders" (I don't know the name of the small fixtures) to hold the tube in the 90?Thanks much!Bruce
*Bruce, You need to get a copy of Wirsbo's Professional Plumbing Components catalog. They basically sell any fitting you would use with copper except that you attach PEX to it. It is top quality stuff. I think you will see PEX quickly replacing copper for the main water carrying lines in new homes.
*I usually fasten my PEX to an "L" shaped piece of copper. It has a 3" leg and a 6" leg. The 3" leg has the PEX adapter on it and the 6" leg is spun closed at the factory to make a sealed stub out. I like this because my stub out is very ridgid. This is PEX's biggest drawback in my opinion. I then support this whole "mess" (can you tell I am from the hills) with a Sioux Chief USB. Go to their website and look under brackets, etc. You can do it a lot of other ways too but this is the easiest I have found.At trim out I use a standard compression fitted supply stop.Another way of doing it is to use the bend supports and fasten the stop right to the PEX. If your stops do not come with an adapter just put on a MIP adapter and then buy FIP stops.I would be a lot more inclined to use this method if it wasn't for the butchers that call themselves sheet rockers. Shoot fire, sometimes they even trash stub outs on a full copper system with "L" copper. On my own house this is the way I would do it. Because I could control the sheetrock issues.I really can't recommend using compression stops on the PEX directly even with a stiffener. Lotsa leaks as the PEX relaxes. Most everybody I talk to that has tried it this way no longer does it this way.Ahhhhh.... from the comments above methinks someone has been to the Wirsbo school in Apple Valley? If so wanna swap some stories? LOL
*Bruce,Wet Head has the right idea. He described much more accurately the same thing I meant to say. Good idea on the brackets, as well. That is my biggest complaint about PEX: attaching the copper stub-out to the stud. Thanks, Wet!As far as copper vs. PEX goes, I'm definately pro-PEX, I use it all the time in houses I own and have remodeled (I'm a slumlord.) But really, I am a cynic at heart: I wonder if, in thirty years, we'll all be cursing and kicking ourselves as we watch our beloved PEX fail.Point is, I prefer the peace-of-mind that copper has proved to give. I continue to use PEX because 95% of me thinks it will stand the test of time and 100% of me prefers the ease/speed with which PEX installs.You know, there is an upside if, heaven forbid, PEX fails. A huge market would open up for those willing to replumb all of the houses that would need it.
*PEX has lasted for over 30 years ALREADY! I never put in PB of my own accord. Nor did I ever put in Entran II (a rubber hose used for heating) of my own accord. I felt they would not hold up. I have been proven right. In the midst of all the lawsuits on both of these materials I sleep good. I would hate to have that ruined by something else. If I had the slightest doubt about PEX I would wait. I don't.Just my thoughts...PS. There is good PEX and there is other PEX. My comments do not apply to the other PEX. I don't trust it one bit. May be wrong but I have to be able to trust it 100% before I can recommend it.
*samsoter, I understand your point. But I guess I don't have the same peace of mind from copper you do. Just a thought. There are huge companies in some parts of the country that do nothing but re-pipe failed copper systems. Not saying copper is bad... but I don't see it as wonderful as some people do. Comments?
*Re: Compression fittings on PEX - I usually stub out for stops with the PEX and use compression the same as on 1/2" copper. The trick is....use the stainless steel inserts inside the PEX, then tighten the compression nut as usual. Come back in about 30 minutes and re-tighten if necessary.
*OK, WHW, please expand on the good PEX/ other PEX distinction. Since I'm installing PEX fairly often, I'd like to figure out which side of the fence I'm sitting on, in your estimation, especially since this is the first I've heard of the fence.And I am hoping my faith in polybutylene was not misplaced, since it runs throughout my slab. I understand the acetyl fittings failed in highly chlorinated waters, but I don't have chlorine in my water ...
*This is an approved method. I happen to not like it. Cannot honestly say it is bad... just don't feel secure about it...
*First... don't sweat it on the PB. While it was more than just the fittings I installed some while working for my Dad and it is still holding up fine after 12 years.For a real good description go to Heatinghelp.com and click on hot Topics. There ia a good article in there about the different kinds of PEX. What brand do you use?