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Questions tagged [pex]

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic pipe that has gained popularity due it being cheaper (and often easier) than copper or PVC. Use for questions about working with the pipe, and use with the [plumbing] tag

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic pipe commonly used in both new and existing installations. PEX offers

  • Lower cost than copper and often PVC
  • Requires no glue, just crimping or push-in/stab connectors (like the Sharkbite brand)
  • Easier adaptation to existing installations (push-in connectors work with copper and PVC, and compression adapters are easy to find)
259 questions
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1" pex through 3" pvc conduit?

I intend to use schedule 40 3" pvc pipe to run my pex from outside water heater, through slab, up into an interior wall. I will have sweeping 90 ells. Will 1" or 3/4" pex be able to make the sweeping 3" 90 degree turns without a problem? Never…
GMS
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Elbow or just bend PEX pipe through wall

I have this PVC piping: It comes out the basement wall, up the exterior wall, and then back through the bathroom wall. One pipe is carrying hot water, and it's leaking so I want to change for more suitable piping, which appears to be PEX (PPR is…
thelawnet
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A proper tool for removing a PEX pipe from a fitting barb

When a pinch crimp has to be removed and re-done, what is the proper tool to remove the PEX pipe from a barb after removing the clamp and cutting of the pipe? I thought of using the PEX pipe cutter's blade but am afraid it would mar the ribs on the…
ajeh
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Is it a problem that a PEX crimp isn't over all three barbs of a valve nipple?

My question is whether I should completely cut out and replace a PEX B copper crimp connection to a barbed 1/4 shut off valve (for toilet water supply). I didn’t have a lot of pipe length to work with and I got the crimp ring on two of the barbs but…
Chris
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Can you re-crimp the end of a PEX tube?

If you take apart an existing PEX connection, is it going to perform correctly if you re-crimp the same end of the tube - without cutting it - to a new fitting? Often with PEX you can flex it a bit and get a little more length, and probably if that…
StayOnTarget
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What size manifold for 1" pipe from meter?

I am running all new water supply in an old house (c 1884). The incoming line from the meter is 1" galvanized (no idea how much mineral buildup is inside). Will it be sufficient to replace all of the plumbing using 3/4" manifolds (one hot & one…
JLL
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Would it make sense to put 2 pinch clamps on every PEX fitting as an insurance against leaks?

When installing PEX tubing would there be any benefit in putting 2 pinch clamps over each nipple instead of 1 to prevent leaks? I am not concerned about the cost, as I bought more than 2x the clamps I need as a wholesale lot at a huge…
ajeh
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Should I run 1/2" pex from a manifold to each fixture or 3/4"?

Right now my setup is 3/4" cpvc pipe running from the water heater and then branching off into 1/2" cpvc pipe to each fixture. If I buy a manifold will there be a a pressure drop if I run 1/2" pex directly to each fixture? Every manifold I've looked…
Dusty580
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PEX minimum radius of curvature

The photographed PEX radius of curvature is approximately 2 feet. What is a reasonable curvature for PEX piping? What is the minimum RoC? I ask because if I can avoid using a 90 degree shark bite, that is one less failure (leak) point. Although…
gatorback
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PEX repipe and hot water issues

We just repiped out 45 yrs old house with PEX and the whole process was very smooth and I’m glad we did this. I knew the water pressure would change going from 90 psi water pressure to I don’t know what but I feel like I’m taking a shower in slow…
Tracy Anderson
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What kind of plumbing should I use to replace PB tubing?

I am looking for insight. I am the 3rd owner of a single-story home built in the late 80s. It has 3/4" polybutylene (PB) plumbing running through the attic with 1/2" PB branching off. We have 2 full baths, and of course the kitchen, and 2 spigots…
Datwyl
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Troubleshooting pex leakage

I replaced all the copper in my home with pex in 2008. I have had a seepage leak on one of my hot water fittings. I took it apart and cleaned all the parts and reconnected it, and still the seepage. Does that indicate that the manifold needs to be…
John Scooter Scotney
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Install outside spigot from PEX piping

I want to install an outside spigot from my PEX piping inside the house. The previous line was extracted, and I can't find where it was to follow that same route. However, my basement window is boarded with a hole in the center, and I figure I can…
Dawn
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Which is better, brass or plastic fittings for pex-a pipe (which uses expansion fittings)?

We are replumbing an old house with pex-a in a north central Texas. I have seen pros and cons for using brass vs plastic fittings. There does not seem to be a consensus on the best choice. Price is not the deciding factor; we want the best…
Ken Smith
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Can pex be used underground?

I have 2" PVC coming from my well, connecting to a PVC shutoff valve and then to an existing spigot. I want to removed existing spigot and extend water line 140ft to my RV location and install a hydrant style spigot. Can I use 3/4 or 1" PEX piping…
Dean
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