Pex Question - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Inner10 · 08-20-2009, 11:21 PM

Sorry for the ignorant post but I can't help to notice all the different ways I've seen pex terminated on jobsites. I've seen copper rings, stainless steel crimp rings (look like a mini version of CV boot clamps) and stretched pipe.

Are they all good or is there one that is clearly better then the rest?

shesaremonclus · 08-21-2009, 06:19 AM

Ive been using copper rings for a couple years now I just guage them and have had no problem. I now only use pex for my supplies and PVC on my waste.

SC sawdaddy · 08-21-2009, 11:30 AM

When I built my house in '99 the two choices I considered were copper, (too expensive + the freezing and busting thing) and pvc (easy to repair if necessary + price efficient) My plumber talked me into pex but I always had a bad feeling about it.
After ten years it looks like I wasted my worry on the pex. So far no trouble.
I still use pvc in my remodels and additions though. Old habits I guess

BCConstruction · 08-21-2009, 05:13 PM

I would always use copper over plastic. I have seen far to many plastic supplys fail. If copper is put in correctly and all pipes are insulated where they could freeze then you should have zero problems with copper. I know it takes longer to install but it's def a long term option. They have a system in the UK called speedfit and it's a twin walled design. They say that the fittings have an average lifespan of 15 years! Plastic is also affected by hot and cold cylcles a lot more tha copper and becomes brittle over time.

mics_54 · 08-21-2009, 10:02 PM

inner10 I prefer the stainless ratchet clamps...one tool for all size clamps. Also they are easier to remove for repair...but I've only had to repair one. All the repair I've done is on copper.

Inner10 · 08-22-2009, 08:24 AM

Thanks mics, I see this Wirsbo (or something like that) pipe that uses the expander, then the pipe shrinks over the fitting, it looked really positive. I guess they are all approved methods and just as good as the other; as long as its done correctly.

Not knowing anything about plumbing it was sort of a curiosity thing.

mics_54 · 08-22-2009, 10:36 AM

I tend to avoid wirsbo since their official attitude is to limit sales "plumbing contractors". I couldn't believe one supplier here asked me to get my plumbers business info before they would sell to me. I'm a general contractor and they wouldn't sell it to me directly.

bert0168 · 08-22-2009, 10:44 AM

I just did a repair consiting of removal of the corroded cold water piping in a basement.
Replaced it all with PEX. USed the stainless ratchet rings.

This was the 3rd time I used it. First two the HO insisted on it for his hot and cold supplies as well as for a radiant system. I was skeptical then but 2 years now and no leaks. We used the sharkbite fittings for that. Mucho bucks!

After this recent job with the rings and the reduced cost of installation, I probably won't go back to copper. I was impressed.

Inner10 · 08-22-2009, 01:43 PM

I ripped up part of my kichen and had to move some copper pipe around, I cut it popped on a shark bit cap and then when I was ready to re-hook poped it back off like nothing. I was blown away how easy they go on and off; very pricy but what a slick system!

WarriorWithWood · 08-22-2009, 02:01 PM

I've used both the ss ratchet and the copper rings. I like the copper rings because they're cheaper and look better, but they require different dies in my crimper for different sized pex. I like the SS ratchet because 1 tool does all sizes. It's a preference thing, I like them both the same.

BCConstruction · 08-22-2009, 04:34 PM

I noticed the other day that lowes now stock fitting like the speedfit type made by Vanguard. They are the most simple to remove and extremly secure.

**Double-A** · 08-23-2009, 11:47 PM

Are these code approved by your local code? Just because Lowe's sells them bears in no way on their code approval.

As for a plumbing supplier not wanting to sell to a non-plumber, more power to them. They are picking their products and the client's they sell them to. What is wrong with that?

Do yo have to be licensed to install plumbing in a home that you don't own in Alaska?

mics_54 · 08-23-2009, 11:57 PM

No I hire and fire plumbers as it pleases me. I buy materials to build houses. It's another means the plumbing trade uses to flex its he-man mentality to protect a trade that can't stand on it's own merits without illegitimate means of coercion.

ARealplumber · 08-24-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mics_54

I tend to avoid wirsbo since their official attitude is to limit sales "plumbing contractors". I couldn't believe one supplier here asked me to get my plumbers business info before they would sell to me. I'm a general contractor and they wouldn't sell it to me directly.

It says a lot when people turn down cash money doesn't it? I think that speaks volumes about unqualified people and product liability. And wanting to keep a good name for their product.

BCConstruction · 08-24-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double-A

Are these code approved by your local code? Just because Lowe's sells them bears in no way on their code approval.

I shouldnt see why not. They are basicly an upgrade to the sharkbite fittings but a lot easier to remove when serviceing. In the UK they are the only system that is used. The sharkbite type fittings tried to make a hit in the UK but they couldnt compette with the JG Speedfit. They aint cheap though.

mics_54 · 08-24-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

It says a lot when people turn down cash money doesn't it? I think that speaks volumes about unqualified people and product liability. And wanting to keep a good name for their product.

yea it's rocket science. That tubing is real technical stuff.

Haaser · 08-25-2009, 05:52 PM

IMO... PEX Sucks... i know im going to get ALOT of

for this comment.. but i cant help it...

the ONLY place PEX should be Allowed is in Mobile Homes.

most plumbers will tell you the reason they use it is because its Quick and Easy to run.

the problem comes when a home owner wants to add a dish washer or ice maker they are forced to hire a plumber to come in and install it. or go rent the correct tools to do it. so a 10 min job turns out costing 500 dollars.

Stick with Copper or at least PVC.

mics_54 · 08-25-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

IMO... PEX Sucks... i know im going to get ALOT of

for this comment.. but i cant help it...

the ONLY place PEX should be Allowed is in Mobile Homes.

most plumbers will tell you the reason they use it is because its Quick and Easy to run.

there are a few people that think it sucks.. but they, like you, also rarely say why. Copper looks cool and I like it in exposed applications like boiler rooms etc. but it has so many advantages I can't help but like it.

Haaser · 08-25-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mics_54

there are a few people that think it sucks.. but they, like you, also rarely say why. Copper looks cool and I like it in exposed applications like boiler rooms etc. but it has so many advantages I can't help but like it.

i gave one reason when i said:

Quote:

the problem comes when a home owner wants to add a dish washer or ice maker they are forced to hire a plumber to come in and install it. or go rent the correct tools to do it. so a 10 min job turns out costing 500 dollars.

there are a few more, like cost, looks, dependability, ease of use for the end user.

i know there are alot of pros as well... like ease of install so as to lower labor costs...

the reason i like copper or PVC over PEX is ease of end use. PVC is dirt cheep and any one with a second grade education can make repairs.
Copper costs alot more but it (like you said) looks better and is still easy to repair.

Dont get me wrong, PEX has its place, mobile homes, under-floor heating...

i just dont think it should be used in commercial construction. (hotels and motels)

reveivl · 08-26-2009, 12:22 AM

I don't get it, why is it bad for the ho? Crimping pex is harder than soldering Cu? Why would you as a gc worry about what is easier for the ho to repair or remodel...

Why is it ok in mobile homes but not elsewhere?

Maybe I'm missing something, please explain.