Dura-Pex vs copper pipe

[jejeosborne]

Our new home was plumbed with Kitec pipe and I am very pleased with the end result. There are many advantages the pex-al-pex plumbing has and I can think of no disadvantages. Last year it actually cost more than the copper equivilant but now I believe it costs less. Major advantages are: easier to install, less fittings, less noise, can freeze without damage, and less pressure drop. I can think of one disadvantage, tools for installation are expensive so it makes it hard for the homeowner to modify or add to. IPEX / Products / PLUMBING & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS / PLUMBBETTER KITEC XPA PIPE, FITTINGS & MANIFOLDS

 

[RichNJKubota]

From what I remember (and I don't recall the numbers), the PEX pipe is not rated for the high temps that the solar hot water heater produces. That's why these systems use copper.

 

[n8wrl]

We recently replaced copper with PEX during a major remodel. For us, the reason was acidic well water eating the copper!

 

[RFB]

jinman,

"Can plumbing junction boxes be far behind?"

 

[KentT]

jinman,

"Can plumbing junction boxes be far behind?"

Yep, my friend's log home is plumbed with Pex and has one of those manifolds in the utility closet. He can use it to not only turn off any line in the system for maintenance or repair, but also to balance the flow. It's the only plumbing that I've ever experienced where running a washing machine, for example, will not effect the flow of hot water in your shower....

My retirement home will be plumbed that way!

 

[Doc_Bob]

From what I remember (and I don't recall the numbers), the PEX pipe is not rated for the high temps that the solar hot water heater produces. That's why these systems use copper.

Very interesting. Wish I knew for sure.
Bob

 

[ktm250rider]

Any brand of PEX should be ASTM rated and stamped on the pipe. I used Wirsbo 1/2" in my house. Its rated for 100 psi at 180F and 80 psi at 200F. I have 2 manifolds in the basement, one for hot, one for cold supply. I ran all 23 invidual lines in less than a day. Try that with copper. Each line has 2 connections, one at the manifold and one at the fixture.

 

[Doc_Bob]

Any brand of PEX should be ASTM rated and stamped on the pipe. I used Wirsbo 1/2" in my house. Its rated for 100 psi at 180F and 80 psi at 200F. I have 2 manifolds in the basement, one for hot, one for cold supply. I ran all 23 invidual lines in less than a day. Try that with copper. Each line has 2 connections, one at the manifold and one at the fixture.

Does copper pipe have an ASTM rating? You are right, running pex looks very easy when compared to copper.
Bob

 

[RFB]

Bob,

I do not hink that you will experience any issue re. hot water and Pex of good quality. (Vanguard or Wirsbo for example)

PEX was originally specified for hydronic (hot water) heating systems under concrete slabs, and has good elastomeric properties. Additionally, although not "freezeproof" per se, it is much more forgiving and does not burst as readily as rigid piping systems such as copper or IP.

I have used PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) and PEX fittings (I like the "Flair-It" brand) for years with zero problems.

 

[LarryRB]

My mother in law rents out a very old house, built in the very early 1800's, to a family of 5. The copper piping is starting to blow apart everwhere.,.. Acidic and high iron content, even when using a filtering system.. I got tires of soldering in patches here and there, Went to Lowes, bought Wirsbo 1/2 piping, many fittings, and the compression wrench. In fact, the wrench costs almost as much as all the materials combined,, Took me tow days to replace 90% of the copper piping.. Would never go back to copper now... Pex, or similar brand name is the best thing since sliced bread.