I chose pex because of it's low cost and ease of installation, minimum # of joints and fittings required.
I have worked in many shops with PVC airlines, and seen some rupture, and it just is not pretty. While there could be a failure with PEX, (as with any system) I do not believe it has the potential to shatter like PVC does.
I am using what this website calls the "standard Connection method"
PEX Information
While many folks refer to Sharkbite as the type of connector that grabs multiple different pipe, it is actually a brand, kind of like so many of us have "crescent" wrenches in our toolbox made by Craftsman.
I did not know the PEX came in straight lengths, had never noticed it before and will look at that tomorrow.
Current thoughts are a hotbox, and some clamps and go to town running it along the wall, but if I can readily find the straight lengths, that may be a better idea.
The one problem I see is noted on the front of the website above "PEX tubing does not transfer heat as readily as copper, and so conserves energy." what this means in my application though is that the moisture won't drop out as well either. On my drop leg for my plasma, I am going to put in a 1/2" drop of copper about 5' long with a drain at the bottom. Don't know if I need to or it will be enough, but think it is a good compromise for what I am doing.
I like the hot water idea, may have to try that one, and my heater needs to be flushed anyway.
When using it to run water to my dad's trailer was it nice, just a joint at each end, across the ceilings, through the pipes, under ground and down and up walls and no place to leak. Simple clamping up in a hole under the trailer that I would have absolutely hated to reach into with a torch to solder. Really sold me on the stuff, then once you bought the tool, the rest is competitively priced.
Oh, and I picked up a Zurn 3/4" standard crimp tool new from HD for $14 because they were changing brands. Gotta love that.
