Plumbing tubing question

[thatguy]

In my previous posts I have gotten advise on my well water quality.. I now want to install a larger whole house water filter, but need to do some re-plumbing to have room for it..

Looking at the current plumbing in my crawl space I am a little confused..

Coming from the well to the pressure tank I have rigid white piping.. From the expansion tank to the current water filter I have a dark red flexible type tubing. From the water filter to the rest of the house I have white Pex tubing..

The fittings from the water filter down line say PEX on the crimps.. I cant find any wording on the red tubing though..

Any thoughts on what it might be?

Brian

 

[Kays Supply]

It is probably PEX. It comes in red,blue and white. Make sure it has the same fittings as the other PEX to be sure. Someone probably just used the red because it was handy. That is why I use white and sleeve it in red or blue. Cuts way down on the scap.

 

[thatguy]

It is probably PEX. It comes in red,blue and white. Make sure it has the same fittings as the other PEX to be sure. Someone probably just used the red because it was handy. That is why I use white and sleeve it in red or blue. Cuts way down on the scap.

The crimp rings on the white were stamped PEX, but the red crimps rings were not.. The read is also dark red/maroon, not a bright red that I saw at Lowes.

How many other forms are tubing are there? Do they all require 'special' (non interchangeable) fittings?

Brian

 

[Egon]

Be aware that the PEX needs a special crimping tool.

It may be wise to draw up a diagram of what you wish to do with the type and size of fittings that are existing and that you will need for the filter. Then if you go to a plumbing supply store the fellow there will be able to help.

 

[thatguy]

It is probably PEX. It comes in red,blue and white. Make sure it has the same fittings as the other PEX to be sure. Someone probably just used the red because it was handy. That is why I use white and sleeve it in red or blue. Cuts way down on the scap.

You are correct... I went back with a flashlight and found the markings of 'Pex 1006' - What does the 1006 mean?

how would it be different than the white pex?

brian

 

[Kays Supply]

As far as I know PEX is standardized but the the different companys won't warranty crossing brands of pipe and fittings. I use different fittings than the brand of pipe because the pipe I use meets my requirements but their fittings don't. I have not had any problems to date. It is only my opinion, but I don't use the rings that are SS and use the side crimp, one tool for several sizes. I had a few break while crimping. Some of the Box stores will rent or loan you a tool so you don't have to buy one for just one job. If you use brass insert fittings be sure to make sure they are red brass / bronze. The yellow brass fititngs have failed in some types of water. In Illinois you have to up size the pipe if you use insert fittings. I have not tried the plastic fittings because they restrict flow even more than the brass. Hope this helps.

 

[clemsonfor]

Not to familiar with Pex but i know that it comes in red and blue for cold and hot, which is code i think when using it in some jurisdictions? Not familiar with codes as my town has ZERO codes for anything, building , electrical, HVAC, plumbing , you name it.

 

[MarkV]

Sounds like you have PVC to the pressure tank. It is easy to come off of the pressure tank with PVC. Why not run PVC until you get past the new filter and tie into the existing white PEX and the existing fitting. That would eliminate the need for the special tools and PVC fittings are easy to work with.

MarkV

 

[schmism]

Be aware that the PEX needs a special crimping tool.

depends on the crimp you use. Ive used the "can crimp with a set of angle cutters" for quite a few fittings with no issues.

as to the OP

white ridgid is PVC
yellow/tan/cream ridgid is CPVC
red/blue/white flexable is PEX
grey flex is polybutylene (precursor to pex and now "band") does not work with standard pex fittings but will work with "tigershark" fittings
black rigid for waste is ABS

 

[Kays Supply]

If you use the rings above, be sure not to put them where you can get back at them. Those are the type that broke on me. I was using the correct tool not pliers.

 

[captaincrab55]

One can use the Shark-Bite fittings on Pex, Copper & CPVC.... Beware, they are a bit pricy...

 

[Kays Supply]

Sorry to be a stick in the mud, but again, keep Sharkbites where you can get to them. I have seen them leak when put in a bind. I talked to another plumber when we were just getting started using PEX in Illinois. He had a job with 6 or more leaks using Sharkbite fittings. I use Sharkbite caps to test my lines. I can pull them off and reuse them. I really like that.

 

[thatguy]

Small update.. I ended up ordering a triple Big Blue (10x4.5) housings and filters.. going to get them installed sometime soon..

I am doing my research on DIY Pex work and have a question for one I mess up and have to redo a connection. Do you really need one of the crimp/ring removal tools OR could you cut them off using a dremal? This is using brass fittings and Im not sure whether I will be using the stainless steel crimps or the copper rings

My dad said he could borrow the crimper from a place if we buy the crimps/rings from them.. And Im not sure which type the carry..

Brian

 

[Kays Supply]

I cut them off with a Dremel all the time. I have not had many that I could use the pipe after. I usually have to cut the end off the pipe and start over. The special tool might make it possible to reuse the pipe. I have also recrimped the ring and stopped a couple problems.

 

[tommu56]

My crimper kit came with a ring cutter to cut the ring off (after you cut the pipe flush with fitting first) it works cut one side rotate it 180 and "cut" again it will actually open up the ring with the second "cut" the pull pipe stub off barb .

tom