Ok, the wife and I are starting the process of obtaining quotes for an addition. One of the contractors is trying to talk us into the following for plumbing supply lines:
1) pvc supply lines both hot and cold. What are the benefits/problems with this type of supply line.
2) Or Pex tubing: even though he said the manifold are all starting to leak and have other problems.
3) traditional copper pipe: Per contractor “extremely expensive and unnecessary.”
Ok, would love to hear all of your thoughts, comments, and advice on this issue. As always it is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Barney
Replies
PEX.
You don't need to use a manifold unless you really want one -- you can just design the piping system the same way it would be done with copper. I kinda like a hybrid approach myself, using the manifold as a main shutoff per room, or per section of the house, rather than per fixture. And if it leaks someday, no big deal. They are pretty easy to fix or replace -- and heck, almost every valve is going to develop a leak sooner or later.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Thanks for the reply. The guy was pretty persistent on using pvc supply lines.
The pvc supply lines make me nervous because any of the houses I have seen them installed in seem to be very low end. Therefore, to me it equates to quality.
Not saying that it is the only place they are used, so please everyone don't go off. Just using it as a point of reference from my experience.
You fail to say what this addation will house, bathroom, new kitchen??
I would never use CPVC.
Pex is the way to go now, if all his manifolds are leaking, he is using cheap material or not installing properly.
Copper is pricey now, also a possibilty.
All depends on your layout which one I would use, pex or copper. Do use have to pull water way across from the other side of the house? Mulit story?
Oops sorry about that. The new addition will have a kitchen and 2 bathrooms (1 a powder room the other a full bathroom in the master bed room.)
I have never heard anything good about the CPVC and that is why I didn't want to use it.
I understand the price of cooper, but the pex was the way I was leaning. My guess is the guy isn't going to get the job, but the fact is I want what I want... provided it is the right decision. LOL!!!
Is it safe to say the price and labor cost of pex would be better than Cooper?
Whooo....you have a lot of plumbings. I replumbed my house about 10 yrs ago and I ran all copper. We talked about this new stuff, "pex" then, I ran copper, my father was a plumber and I worked with him, had buckets full of fittings & knew how to run the pipe. And it was cheap then too.
Now I would run it in pex.
Its a sizeable addition. I was leaning toward the pex. Thinking about the labor savings.
Definately not interested in the CPVC.
"Is it safe to say the price and labor cost of pex would be better than Cooper?"
Not only is PEX way cheaper than copper, especially lately, but it takes about 1/10 the time to install. Should be a significant savings. (If it isn't, look for another plumber.)
And, anyone who would push CPVC for supply lines has been smokin' wacky weed. Or somethin'.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
His pushing the CPVC was definately evident that it was a savings to him with an easy mark up.
My guess is he is not very versed in using pex. Sort of shot a look like woooo man why would you do that.
Pex is the first choice
Copper is second
He should be beat over the head with PVC supply thinking.
I have 3 manifolds, one for RFH zones, and 1 each for hot and cold supply. Everything is home run.
I wouldn't change a thing if I was starting to build another house tomorrow
I am definately leaning toward the pex. Its the route that I wanted from the beginning. From everything I have read about it, it seems the best way to go. It appears that installation is easier. Obviously quicker.For the life of me I can't recall if there is an issue in FHB dealing with it. Are you aware of one?