Dura-Pex vs copper pipe

[_RaT_]

Mudcat: what I meant by grounding was that the copper house piping was used for an electrical ground, but it wasn't actually grounded, since the supply line had been changed to plastic at some point, which left the copper piping connected to the electrical system without being grounded. I don't know why, but once we ran a proper ground connection to a new ground round, the pin-hole issues went away. I don't know, but perhaps the NEC doesn't allow water pipe to be used as a grounding connector anymore?

I suppose it may vary per locale, but here we still bond water pipe not for achieving a ground via the metal plumbing be it copper or galvanized but to ensure that if a hot wire ever touched the pipes it would not become energized and a potential shock.

Are there some more recomendations for internet order for PEX tools and supplies? This has been a great post one that interests me and my older galvanized plumbed home.

 

[_RaT_]

Here is a house I toured and took a picture of the installed a Manabloc.

 

[AlanB]

Just checking myself a bit here.

Is there a downside other then initial cost of tools to using this PEX?

Lowes currently has some tools on Clearance which I was thinking of picking up.

Looks like an excellent system from my perspective, not sure how it will be to "patch in" in 10 or 20 years when the pex is harder and more brittle though, but all I am really seeing is the initial cost of tools, and I am only seeing that at about $200 to $300 unless I have missed something.

Very interesting topic for me.

 

[_RaT_]

Just checking myself a bit here.

Is there a downside other then initial cost of tools to using this PEX?

Lowes currently has some tools on Clearance which I was thinking of picking up.

Looks like an excellent system from my perspective, not sure how it will be to "patch in" in 10 or 20 years when the pex is harder and more brittle though, but all I am really seeing is the initial cost of tools, and I am only seeing that at about $200 to $300 unless I have missed something.

Very interesting topic for me.

My understanding is that it has been in use in Europe for quite a few years, decades even. As long as it remains out of UV, it apparently has a yet to be determined lifespan. I know for a product like PVC pipe, the lifespan for underground use is not really a factor, it far exceeds the life span of the appurtanances (valves, fittings, etc).

 

[AlanB]

Do the different brands PEX tools work on other brands fittings etc. or do I have to buy abc tools to work on abc fittings?

 

[ktm250rider]

Do the different brands PEX tools work on other brands fittings etc. or do I have to buy abc tools to work on abc fittings?

No, you have to get the correct tubing, fittings and tools. The type I used uses a PEX expansion ring with a barbed fitting. The tool enlarges the ID of the PEX pipe and ring. Its then slid onto the fitting. Due to the PEX memory, it returns to its original diameter creating a water tight seal.

 

[kmdigital]

No, you have to get the correct tubing, fittings and tools. The type I used uses a PEX expansion ring with a barbed fitting. The tool enlarges the ID of the PEX pipe and ring. Its then slid onto the fitting. Due to the PEX memory, it returns to its original diameter creating a water tight seal.

This is only true for certain brands. Wirsbo ProPex requires specific fittings and tools, but most other brands are 100% interchangable.

 

[Kays Supply]

I just installed several hundred feet of Nibco brand PEX today. It has it's own tools. The warranty is far less if you use other brand fittings or tools. The 1" PEX from Nibco is a problem. They don't have a tool to install the crimp rings. I have to use Zurn rings with Nibco fittings. The Zurn tool is totally different. The Zurn system has one up side. You use one tool for 3 different size rings.
I am in Illinois. Illinois is the last state in the US to approve PEX. It has been a slow process and not up to speed yet.

 

[kmdigital]

I am in Illinois. Illinois is the last state in the US to approve PEX. It has been a slow process and not up to speed yet.

The real problem in IL is the unions. They control everything, especially in Chicago, which is why Chicago still requires bell & spigot cast iron drain lines for all commercial jobs, and some residential. Talk about extreme amount of labor to install this stuff, something that fell out of favor in the rest of the country 50 or more years ago! It's all about creating as much labor as possible to protect union jobs, and Chicago is a very, very strong Democratic and union city.

 

[srossman]

Here is a house I toured and took a picture of the installed a Manabloc.

_RaT_
Did by any chance you see if the PEX tubing went into the Tankless hot water heater? I just had one of these installed, and they used coppper coming out of the tankless unit to mate to the plastic cpvc in the rest of the house.

Thanks,
Scot