PEX Piping Newby

[GLyford]

Anyone use/experience Wirsbro/Uponer expansion type pex(a) system?

My plumber used one of the expander systems when he redid the whole house (my copper was old and thin and getting pinholes everywhere).

The one thing I noticed is that on my repairs using pex and crimp fittings, I would lose pressure at the fixture due to the restrictions (with either metal or plastic elbows and tees) so I ended up going one size larger on all of my runs.

The fittings with the expander system are full size throughout, so no loss of pressure at the smaller size.

My only grumble with his work is that he obviously learned on copper and transitioned, he used a lot of elbows where there was plenty of room to just bend the tubing instead.

 

[LD1]

My plumber used one of the expander systems when he redid the whole house (my copper was old and thin and getting pinholes everywhere).

The one thing I noticed is that on my repairs using pex and crimp fittings, I would lose pressure at the fixture due to the restrictions (with either metal or plastic elbows and tees) so I ended up going one size larger on all of my runs.

The fittings with the expander system are full size throughout, so no loss of pressure at the smaller size.

My only grumble with his work is that he obviously learned on copper and transitioned, he used a lot of elbows where there was plenty of room to just bend the tubing instead.

Seems everyone has preferences with pex.....and I'm no pro so don't honestly know what is better or right.

But I see alot of installs with many fittings and elbows and everything is straight and clean looking (even if not most efficient)

See alot of installs with very minimal fittings other than tee's, and curved tubing everywhere. Inside a finished wall or finished basement you would never see. This is probably the cheapest way, less labor, less fittings.

Then the third method I see is the manifold and homerun system. Obviously uses alot more pipe, probably not as efficient in terms of hot water usage unless local on demand types are used, but certainly easier if repairs are ever needed

 

[yomax4]

I've done a lot of Pex, 2 infloor concrete systems and my home, cabin and outdoor wood boiler. I ended up staying with the side crimp tool and rings. I think it's a little more difficult to crank down but as stated above, It's a winner in corners and tight spots. Someone also mentioned pressure drop due to sharp 90 degree bends. I never had that but there are some 90 degree fittings out there that are not sharp 90's. They are longer and a more gradual 90. I also use 45 degree fittings where ever possible instead. Pex will take a little frost too without splitting.

 

[GLyford]

For gradual 90's, you don't even really need a fitting...they make clips that hold the tube in a bend, just clip it on and keep going. Some of them also have screw holes so you can anchor them.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-...port-with-Mounting-Bracket-PXBEND12/301541126

 

[swnoel]

I just bought a house and wanted to change out a sink only to find no water supply line shut off valves were installed under the sink.
I therefore need to turn off the water to the entire house and install some shut off valves.
The plumber used 1/2" PEX tubing, and I have never worked with PEX.
Is PEX easy to work with? What kind of tools are needed? Any tips or advice?

Thanks,

Yooper Dave

Shut the water off... cut the pex and install this. Make sure you use the plastic adapter that comes with it. Shop SharkBite 1/2-in Push-to-Connect x 1/2-in Push-to-Connect dia Ball Valve Push Fitting at Lowes.com

 

[GLyford]

If there is no cut-off at the fixture, it makes me wonder if the house is set up "home run" and there is a cutoff at a manifold?

 

[HCJtractor]

I used the Uponor expansion system to completely replumb my old house. I loved it (I’m not a plumber but a homeowner). It has many advantages. As earlier stated, the internal diameter of the fittings is larger than the crimp style, so flow is greater. Making connections is simple, but you have to buy the Milwaukee 12 V expansion tool (Model M 12 is best), which is $395. But you can easily sell it on EBay when you’re done to recoup most of your money, if you don’t plan to use it again. They make a manual version, but the 12 V version is way better and so simple to use. It so easy, even upside down in tight spaces. And very quick. Note the pipe and fittings are not interchangeable with the crimp style components. In other words, you must use Uponor pipe, fittings and stay within their system. But costs are reasonable. Their pipe is more flexible that most other pex pipe. They have many manifolds for “home run” type systems, but also many smaller “multi port tees” with various configurations to cluster connections in groups, which is what I used along with the standard tees and elbows. A great source of info, and resources, and to buy is “supply house.com”. So obviously, I love the simplicity, design, and function of Uponor ProPlex system. The only downside is the initial cost of the Expander tool, and the limited dealers of their system. And you can’t mix and match other brands or use crimp fittings. Can’t buy it at big box stores. But I have a local professional dealer, and it’s all easy to get online. I did my whole house, starting from the 3/4 underground copper pipe from my meter, and a pressure control valve, various other cut off valves, to every fixture in the house. Although I like the concept of a home run system (if I built a new house I would go that route) but for my 100 year old restoration, I used a more traditional plan but did used some multi port tees in places. By the way, you can connect the ProPlex to copper or pvc, if you use the proper ProPlex adapter. I have had no leaks whatsoever.
As far as Sharkbites, they are great in a pinch, but I wouldn’t want them in an enclosed wall, plus they are expensive .

 

[Tompet]

The issue with pex......complicated

Pex is just a generic term IMO. People say "use pex"....but there are so many different types of fittings/crimp styles. Makes it confusing unless you are in the trade.

YouTube is full of good videos comparing the different crimp styles

Yes, did look in past and just recently on all the variations. After watching and reading articles, my take is based on pexA, B or C along with flow (as GLyford noted), cost of fittings, etc. the expansion system like Wirsbro/Uponer using pexA would be hard to beat.

As pointed out, the fittings are not as readily available as crimp style. Maybe because it requires a $200 (bare tool) to $500 power battery or $100 manual tool and that is not conducive to big box store sales? So more expensive fittings and cheaper installation tools win out for availability.

Yes, as mentioned long sweep 90's are always good to use in plumbing/drain applications...sometimes hard to find. Just sweeping a turn with pex sound good.

Anyway, interesting to hear people's experiences.

 

[Tompet]

HCJtractor....good write up on your experience....I see Dewalt came out with a 20volt expansion tool...bare tool cost not too bad.

 

[HCJtractor]

Thanks. I just looked up the Dewalt tool. Looks like a clone of the Milwaukee but more than $100 less. Wish that was available last year. Looks exactly the same, only yellow. Expansion seems the way to go. It’s just so easy. Takes advantage of the inherent flexibility of PEX. The only occasional trouble I had was the occasional slipping of the white expansion ring if the pipe was damp or wet, when I expanded it. You can see on You Tube how others deal with this. But that was rare, and I just tried to make sure all was dry. But water affects all systems, even copper soldering. The ProPlex brass fittings are really nice but more expensive. And other than just looking pretty, the plastic fittings work the same.