How to Install Pex Pipe Waterlines in Your Home. Part 2. Plumbing Tips!
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- Опубликовано: 26 дек 2012
- This is the second part of a video on installing pex pipe in your home. Included is the actual beginning of the piping along with a number of tips to make you installation easier.
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I was a contractor for 35 years; probably still am at heart, and now I write about the stuff. "Great video, and nice insight into the what things really are on the job.
You're welcome TheOldkid888 . We're happy watching your videos. We learned a lot about plumbing.
This video gives me great hope for the new waterlines in the house. Thanks for posting this video!
Very informative. Nice work. I can always tell when an installer knows what they're doing...because their installation looks like artwork...indicating care and good practices. I'm getting ready to install my new tankless water heater and will be using PEX and a crimp ring connection system. I adopted this system after watching my plumber use it, and have been successful finishing out my bathroom remodel. Thanks for taking the time to demonstrate proper installation.
Ed
Hello Ed,
Thanks very much for the kind words!
Much appreciated!
Hopefully your installation will go well for you!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Great video - I really appreciate this. I am by no means a plumber and after watching your videos a few times I re-did my entire house. Thanks so much!
+Big James
You are more than welcome!
I am glad everything worked out for you and congrats on the project!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Thanks very much for this excellent series of videos. I had a very similar situation with my house that had been on a well for 30 years. I had replaced several sections of copper over the past 6 months and recently discovered two locations with pin holes. That was it for me - time to change it all out. I have never worked with PEX before but by watching your videos and buying a crimp ring tool and materials from Home Depot, I have now changed out all the copper in my basement. It took me a couple of weekends and no leaks!
Hello Jim;
You are more then welcome and thank so much for the kind words!
Congrats on the project!
The crimp ring system is very popular and works well!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
What a great idea.We have an older home and we're going to try it ,thanks.
Good real world demo of how pex works. Better than bench top videos.
Hello Malcolm,
Thanks for the kind words.
Hopefully it will help with any future projects.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Great job with the details in the annotations - nice touch!
Hello DraincablesDirect;
Thanks so much for the kind words!
I think it helps a little with the installation.
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Excellent video my friend.. I just recently started buying rentals and flip properties. My first 2 properties, one built in the 80's has all copper plumbing and the other built in the 50's has old galvanized steel piping. I've gone through some growing pains with regard to finding quality skilled labor and with all that is required repairing/replacing old plumbing. I was afraid of messing with electrical or plumbing on my own. I found an excellent Electrician willing to teach me the basics. Then I was at a local REIA group and one of the guys there told me about PEX piping and the systems and explained how easy plumbing has become with the invent of this new technology. WOW! This will save me boatloads of money and RUclips makes learning to do most things pretty simple. Thanks for the educational video!
Hello Keith,
Agree 100%!
It is a excellent product for any replacement of waterlines. Much cheaper than copper and so much easier to install. It has been around for a number of years now and has proven itself. Big thing about it is installation. It cannot be used outside in direct sunlight or near florescent lights as either one will break it down over time. That is the only thing to look out for when installing. I will place a piece of insulation on the pipe if I come across this situation.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Keith
You are more than welcome!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Great stuff here Al !! As always, I am impressed with the attention to detail & how you explain what you are doing and also why. The annotations bring everything together!
Your new camera is great! The video quality is excellent and I like how it focuses automatically when you move it around, that's pretty cool!
Thanks for the info on what the markings on the Pex mean! Cool!
I'm looking forward to pt 3, this is a great series of videos on Pex and how to install it!
Very nice work Al !
Very helpful video on pex, and thanks for those tips!!!
Enjoy your videos, and love the PEX..
Hello PlumbingMadisonWi;
I am glad you enjoy them.
Pex is pretty amazing stuff. I use it every where now. Just a great product!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Thanks for the great walk through!
Hey Al !!!
Been Lookin Forward to the Series Al !!!
Man I love seein a Professional at Work !!!
Glad you didn't have to Bore Every Joist !!!
Al I like those Pex fittins No Wrestlin the Rings !!!
Great Tip on Positioning Tees !!!
Man it makes Sense to Follow Roll to Stay Straight and Tight !!!
Al I can't Wait for Part 3 Brother !!!
Great Video and Fantastic Job Al !!!
Great vids very professional and easy to follow....
Hello MrDjchaz75,
Thanks!
Hopefully it will help with any future projects!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Hello Scott Parrish;
Thanks very much for the kind words and you are more then welcome!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Great job,
Got to love the Pex
Hey Fritz;
Finally got around to putting some of it together for a section.Takes a lot of time as you well know!
Thanks for the compliments Fritz!Means a lot coming from a professional yourself!
I try and stay away from as much drilling as possible.Getting lazier as I am getting older!LOL!
The rings on the fittings make the job go a lot smoother!
Letters down and the pipe stays straight.You want it as neat as possible!
Part 3 to follow soon! Stay tuned!
Tks for commenting and enjoy your night!Al
Thanks a million for posting!!!
Hello leeshels;
You are more then welcome!
I hope you get along well with any future projects!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Thanks, you too!
Hello Doug;
I have run pex underground before and it is a very common practice now.
You should insulate it under the slab a swell.You can run it inside another pipe as well if you wish as this will give you the flexibility to remove and increase the size if you ever have to.
I purchase my fittings at the wholesalers myself.
I am a big fan of insulation myself. Can never be enough!
Direct runs from the source to each fixture is a great way to go!
Tks for commenting and G.L. with the project! Al
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Great information and tips!
+Budget Plumbing & Rooter
Thanks for commenting! Al
Nice in depth video. Thanks
all we have were i live is true value.besides that i haven't had to do a whole lot of plumbing in a long time except the occasional leak repair.today was the first time i've ever heard of pex pipe.is it better than good old pvc? and if so it still looks expensive.i'm guessing though that one of the benefits is that it won't burst when it freezes.
Hey Ray;
Thanks very much for the kind words!
Just trying to cover all the basis!
Got spoiled by Santa with an early xmas gift! The quality is much better then the old one!
Recieved a stand on Christmas day as well. Pretty pumped about that also!
You are more then welcome my friend!
Part 3 should be out today I am hoping!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy the long weekend! Al
Hello Mrnathann;
The Veiga system come with stainless steel rings that are attached to the fitting which makes installation much easier. No need of trying to place a ring or clamp on to make the joint. Price is comparable to the crimp system. I have been going with this system as of late because of price and speed. they work fantastic and the fittings are all bronze.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
How do you like the Viega pex press system over than the more popular copper ring press systems? I've been looking at the Viega pex press system and I'm quite interested but I'm not seeing much reviews on it. The only gripe i do have tho is the manual press tool, they look big and bulky compared to the Mil3 crimp tools, whats your take. Also could you do a review on the viega manual press tool would appreciate it. Thanks.
Your the man, thanks for the very informational video.
I've learned a lot. Thank you, sir
Hello Mongo the Mad,
You're welcome!
Hopefully it helps with future projects!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Hello JD;
The toll is a little difficult to use, but it builds up the forearms. You probably saw the break in it and that helps with the crimping procedure.
I am not sure if I would call it fresh or not. It looks that way, but I just got a new HD camera and the picture quality is much better!
Thanks for the kind words JD and have yourself a good evening! Al
Thanks Al, you are the man!
Fantastic, you do a great job.Thanks !!
Hello ASAP;
Congrats on the install! Hopefully everything will work out for you!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Hi guys!Great video
great videos, thanks for putting these together
Hello Kieth;
Thanks for the kind words!
You are more then welcome!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Hey Al,
Great video series and job !!! I need to find me someone with that tool and set up to try it out. The more I see, the more I am interested in seeing if I like it or not. Take care, Brett
Very good advice and info here thanks
Hello Jim;
Thanks very much for the kind words!
Pex is here to stay! It has been around for over 30 years!
Much less then that in North America, but is arriving by storm!
Very popular now and most plumbers are excepting it well! It took a little convincing to get me into the product, but I think it is the cat's pajamas now!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Hello Karl;
Copper rings are very popular now and many home owners who are doing their own projects are using copper rings. They work very well. Sharkbites are an excellent product as well. I have used many for quick repairs. I am still a believer in solid joints which would be the ring application as compared to the sharkbites. I am finding places where sharkbites have been installed now for a good number of years without any problems.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Hello Dicofole;
Thanks! Glad you liked it!These waterlines were type L copper and were only 25 years old which is short for Type L copper.40 to 50 years is more common in a home.It does depend on the water though,but for the most part I deal with 40 to 50 in the older homes.Pex has been around for 3 decades.This isn't a new product by any means.I believe it will last for a very long time if the proper guide lines are followed.1" pipe would not be required here.
Tks 4 commenting and take care! Al
VERY helpful and much appreciated! TY
Hello Dan;
You are more then welcome!
Best of luck with any future projects!
Thanks for commenting and have a great Easter! Al
Hey Brett;
Thanks very much for the kind words!
The Viega system is an excellent system. The tool is a little expensive. The fittings are bronze.
The nice thing I like about it is that you have no sleeves to deal with for the most part and the price is very reasonable as compared to Rehau.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your evening! Al
It gives the forearms a good workout as well! LOL!
Hello Tom;
Glad you liked it!The reason I roll the tees is to keep the pipe up in the bays where they can be clamped on the side of the joists.Hot lines in particular will sag if you don't clamp them.Another reason you don't want to go horizontal on the branch of the tee;if you plan on strapping the ceiling;the branch line would probably be in the way.Shooting it upward prevents this.
I hope this has answered your question.
Thanks for commenting and fire away whenever you have any questions!
Al
Great video! Thanks for sharing. I do have a question . Is the Apollo crimper tool compatible with Viega? Thanks
I'm about to install PEX for the first time in a big reno I'm doing on my home. I've always used copper many times in the past, but am switching to PEX mainly to be able to run "home runs" with 1/2" pex back to the mechanical room, but also to be able to bury it under the new basement slab.
Have you ever run PEX buried under the basement slab?
Also, where do you buy all your fittings? (I am in Toronto.)
What about insulating PEX? (I insulate copper to prevent sweating and heat loss.
hello Joseph;
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for taking the time to watch it! Hope it helps!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Enjoyed the video Al, what is the advantage to slightly angling the tee's?
Thanks for the reply, Tom
Hey Al, I have a Viega Pureflow question for you. How do you know if a pet crimp made with the cordless rigid pureflow press gun like you have is correct and proper? You're videos are top notch by the way!!
Hello ddiederic;
Pex is great for sure! Couldn't agree with you more!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
Hello dynocompe;
Thanks very much for the kind words; much appreciated!
Do it nice or do it twice is my motto!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
The Viega fittings don't use the crimp rings? How are they price wise in comparison to the ones that do use the rings? Thanks for the great videos...
thank you for uploading this video,
Hello Tiano,
You are more than welcome!
Hopefully it will help with any future projects.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Hello met416;
You are more then welcome!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Hi
I'm an apprentice plumber myself and I did this house project similar to this video.
I used copper rings and we only have white pex to use
Would you recommend using copper rings or sharkbites?
Love this video!
Hello Lakario;
I am glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Hello irami21;
You are more then welcome and thanks for the kind words!
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with any future projects! Al
Hello Bonfield2002;
Thanks very much for the kind words! Much appreciated!
I try to cover all the angles!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your evening! Al
Hello North Perth Plumbers;
Thanks for the kind words!
You are more then welcome!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Hello Capo;
It is hard to say how much it would cost depending on the size and fixtures, but I can assure you it is a lot cheaper then copper!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Nice little video series. Keep them coming.
How long should copper pipes last in ideal conditions ? and what about PEX durability ?
Would using 1 inch pipe instead of 3/4 for the mains give any advantages ?
Hello laokram;
Pex is very easy and there are a few places where copper is a necessity.
Hopefully you will be able to use it in the future.
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
In this video it looks like and I believe you mention that this is new construction and a drop ceiling has been installed which allows you to run the Pex below the floor joices. In the case of old construction with existing drywall and when you have to run the Pex horizontal to the floor joices how would you run the pipe? Do you drill holes in the joice and simply feed the Pex through?
Hi, thanks for your video! I am on a well also. Would you recommend that I cut into existing 3/4 supply lines that are available to run 3/4" to the fixtures, and then step them down to 1/2"? Thanks again.
Hello Dwayne Robare,
You're welcome!
Running a 3/4" cold water line over to the fixtures and then reducing down to 1/2" to each fixture is definitely the way to go. As far as the hot goes...if you are feeding one bathroom I would only run one 1/2" line over and tee off to each fixture. The reason I say this is that generally their is only one person in the washroom at a time and only one fixture being used. If the run isn't long 1/2 inch is suitable for the job.
The other reason for running half inch is that you only have to heat the water in a half in line as compared to a 3/4 which holds twice the volume. It will save you money over time. Years ago I ran both 3/4 hot and cold, but now I only run the 3/4 cold and feed 1/2 hot to each fixture from a header.
Also already having 3/4" lines to cut into will supply plenty of volume for the half inch hot line.
If you are feeding more than one washroom I would run two half in line to each bathroom and branch off once you are there.
In the video I had very short runs so I ran a separate hot line to each fixture from the top of the tank.
Hope this helps!
Feel free to ask any questions whenever.....
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
Excelente trabajo , usted sí sabe trabajar profesional .
Hola Guadalupe Hernandez,
Muchas gracias por las amables palabras! Lo he estado haciendo durante más de cuarenta años. Intento estar orgulloso de todo lo que hago.
¡Gracias por comentar y disfruta tu día! Alan
did my first bathroom remodel with pex today I used the expansion fitings though gona strap and test it out later
These videos are really informative and your presentation if very clear and makes the info easy to understand. I've done several plumbing projects but all copper piping. Now with a new bathroom going in upstairs I will be running PEX and eventually retrofitting the rest of the house overtime. I was wondering why you choose to use Ts as opposed to setting up a manifold system which could have shutoffs for each run? Is that suggested if time and budget permits?
Hello John;
I am glad you enjoy the videos. Thanks for the kind words.
I always run a 3/4" line for the cold and take tees off throughout the house. I use to run the hot the same, but now run individual 1/2'' lines to each fixture.
It is illegal to place valves on the outlet lines of a hot water tank. The other thing to keep in mind is that all the fixtures in the house have shut offs on them; so you can save a few dollars and not go with the valves at the source. (not allowed on the hot and save cash on the cold).
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with your project! Al
Great video! Are there two different sets of jaws for the ridgid cordless crimmping tool? One that does copper and one that does pex? Or is there just one set of jaws that does both?
Hello Ron,
You need two different sets of jaws to do pex and copper.
It would be great if you only needed one, but two are required.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
TheOldkid888 Yeah, one set would be ideal. Thanks so much for the reply!
GOOD JOB! Was wondering though, are you not concerned with expansion/contraction since it seems you don't leave much slack in the piping to allow for it?
+dave carr
Thanks!
No worries about expansion except when passing through wooden floors and walls. 1/2" pipe I generally drill at least a 1" hole. If not you will get your creaking noises that drives everyone a little batty.
Where I clamp the pipe, the clamp itself expands as it is plastic and expands with the pipe as it moves. Big thin is not to use copper or metal clamps and if you do don't nail them tight as it could possibly cut into the pipe over time.
Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend Al
Hello AnAmericanSon;
Glad to hear it!
Anything should pop up that you want to know; just give me a shout!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Excellent video. Thank you! I did not understand, though, why it is good to slightly angle the T fittings, or why it is good to place then near the joists. Can you explain? Thanks!
Hello Ron,
You're welcome!
The reason for turning the tees slightly up is to allow for strapping to be run without running into the pipe. The same would be done if you were using copper. Generally I face the tee straight up and place a fitting 90 in the tee pointing it in the direction of where it is going.
So putting the branch of the tee on a horizontal would face it into any future strapping.
Thanks for the kind words and have a great day! Al
@@TheOldkid888 Pipe strapping? Thx, Ron
Hey Ron,
No. If the ceiling is going to be gyproc installed on it; wooden strapping installed in the same direction as the pipe. So slightly placing the tee on an angle will prevent the pipe from the branch from running into it by going over the top and down between the joists.
Let me know if this makes sense to you? Al
Excellent video series Al. Very informative. It looks like you are using PEX-B correct? I know with the PEX-A style the shortest piece of pex you can use is 2 inches. It has something to do with how close you can expand each end of the connection. Does PEX-B have the same restrictions? Have you ever used PEX-A and do you like the crimp connection/tools or cinch connection/tool better?
Thanks for your time and all the great information.
Ron.
Hello Ron,
Thanks very much for the kind words.
In this video I used Pex B. That is correct!
The length the piece of Pex-A can be cut depends the length of the nose on the tool that insert into the pipe. You don't want to make it too short as the nose will be in the fitting and you will not be able to expand the pipe properly.
Pex B operates differently as the pie can only be crimped (compressed) with either a ring or clamp and should never be expanded.
I have used both the Wirsbo and Rehau systems. Wirsbo has been around for decades and is still very popular. I preferred the the Rehau system over them all myself, but switched to Viega because of the price of the Rehau fittings. A 1/2 inch tee was costing me $10 which was a bit crazy to say the least. They have since come up with plastic fittings that are much cheaper, but another tool is required to make the connections. Viega is a very good system. I like the idea that the rings are attached to the fittings for the most part. This saves a lot of time as far as chasing rings around the floor that have fallen. They too have started manufacturing plastic fittings which are very reasonable.
I have used Pex A with Pex B fittings on potable water as well. No issues. Most fit together easily except for the Rehau pipe with the O2 barrier. The wall thickness is a little thicker and putting that pipe onto a Viega fitting is a challenge.
Viega is my mainstay when it comes to systems now.
I prefer the crimp connection over the cinch. I have taken a cinch connection joint and turned it around in the pipe easily. This made me a little nervous, so I feel more confident with the crimp style connections myself. Just my personal opinion. The copper rings system that many of the Big box stores sell is very popular. I have seen it in many homes.
Any more questions feel free to fire away!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Thanks for the videos. How did you address attachments for the broken copper pipes in 2:20 through 2:30?
Living in the historical district of town, the main pipes coming Into my home are lead.
El Bey At that time in the video I was simply demonstrating how bad the copper lines were in the home! If the lines were in good shape they would bend and not break. I didn't reattach any pipes to them. Simply removed it!
In Part three I believe I demonstrate the adaptors that I solder onto the old pipes and then run pex from there. I actually use shutoffs that I solder on the copper in case the homeowners do not get the lines replaced in the wall; at least they are able to turn off the water to that fixture and still have water in the house!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Thanks for the very good advice. My only question would be......wouldn't it be easier to install your fittings before securing the PEX with J hooks??
yea always try to crip things at a comfortable level. not always having ur hands above your head
That pex crimping tool seems very tough to use , its not a compound tool? Wow thats some fresh wood. thumbs up.
How does pex work with freezing? I heard it was something you could install and never drain it and the freeze wouldn't hurt it. Also I've seen other videos with a big box that has shutoffs for all the sinks and appliances that need water, is this how all of these systems work? Were building a house in the near future and are curious if pex is a good fit for us!
It holds up pretty well. Matt Risinger of The Build Show has a RUclips channel with a video where he did a side-by-side freeze test to see once and for all, what holds up and what fails. He even had the camera rolling inside the freezer to catch the moment of failure.
Thanks for the video, it's very helpful! Have you every ran your main lines to a manifold and branched off of that to your fixtures?
Hello Brian;
I have done this a few times. In part 4 of this series I do that with the hot water.
I have done complete runs of hot and cold to manifolds as well.
The bonus side of this is a steady flow of water with very little volume drop and no worries of any fittings between the manifolds and the fixtures which is also a bonus.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
I will check that out. Thanks again.
Hello Brian;
You are more then welcome!
Best of luck! Al
OLDKID, just curious. I was thinking about making my own manifolds(1-H/1-C)(small 865sq/ft. House), but all the "T's" to make it, "seems" like alot of restrictions(doesn't VOLUME=good pressure?). Should I not worry about the outcome at fixtures ? Lastly, the best length starting at the Main, how far should I THEN connect the Cold/Hot-Manifolds ? Main to 5 feet away, or go 20 feet ? Would it matter because I think the locale of my fixtures wouldn't be a factor if I stretch PEX along way w/no restrictions. If a manifold has good balance and/if good Volume is also,would I get "the best of both worlds", or is that a stupid question(s) ? Thx.
Hello missmyredwolf;
No such thing as a stupid question...
If you make a manifold out of tees; the size of the tees you are using is is double that of the lines you are running thus giving you a constant flow and equal volume if other fixtures are turned on. For example...I used 3/4 by 1/2 tees in this video and I only needed the four tees to do the job. That is one of the advantage of building your own manifold.
I would start the manifolds as close to the hot water tank as you can. The less 3/4 pipe run to the hot manifold will save you money. It doesn't make any difference as far as the cold goes as long as you are running a 3/4 pipe to your manifold.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Fun!!!!!! Are you use the same tool for all tube diameters or there are different calibers on it.
Hello telosfd;
The Veiga system uses a different tool for each size pipe. Other systems use the same tool, but have interchangeable heads, I like this system as you do not have to place sleeves or clamps on the pipe. The fittings come with them installed and that prevents chasing them around the floor which happens from time to time.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Hello GetMikeNyce;
It is up to the homeowner for sure as copper has been around for decades.
Pex pipe has also been around for a number of decades. It has become more popular in North America in the last two, but was invented 5 decades ago. I have no problem installing pex and walking away without any worries. It has become very popular and is an excellent product if installed properly.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
are all pex pipes joined by push fittings?
Hello andrey162000;
It is a good system! I think it come down to the individual as far as what they prefer!
The average homeowner or renovator is not going to be able to purchase the Wirsbo system though. It is strickly a wholesale product in this area!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your week! Al
Hello John Schutt;
You are more then welcome and I hoped you enjoyed it!
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
TheOldkid888 1 second ago
Hello JD;
The tool is a little difficult to use, but it builds up the forearms. You probably saw the break in it and that helps with the crimping procedure.
I am not sure if I would call it fresh or not. It looks that way, but I just got a new HD camera and the picture quality is much better!
Thanks for the kind words JD and have yourself a good evening! Al
Hello Nutintoitbut2doit;
Thanks very much!
Pex is so much faster then copper and very easy to work with.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
pretty clean job, must be nice
+rkizer06141
You get them from time to time. Nice feeling when you get places like these to work on.
You have to try and keep things as clean as possible while you are working as well. No need of making a mess.
Thanks for commenting and have a great weekend! Al
Can you further explain why you angle the tee up when you go into a bay? Going to install Pex in hoouse we're having built, but I'm not a plumber.
Thanks
Ed
Hello Ed,
I always angle it up into the floor joists so to allow for strapping the ceiling and it allows me to connect the pipe to the side of the joists. If you were to come straight off parallel with the floor it would make strapping much more difficult.
It also gets the pipe away from any misplaced screws or nails if run along the side of the joist at center height.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
At 12:52, could you have used another purple bracket instead of the elbow fitting to reduce the number of connections/potential leak points/flow resistance? If the top of the bracket was placed toward the bottom of the joist, the pipe would dip below the joist and then the pipe would have to rise up to meet the bottom of the next joist. Could cause headroom problems if the ceiling was low. Don't know if the bracket would need to be attached to the joist, or just be used to direct the pipe horizontally.
Hello Nicholas,
The bend support requires a bit of space to make the turn. If the pipe it was joining was not up against the joist above it; I may have been able to use the support, but in this instance a fitting was required.
Thanks for commenting and have a great week! Al
Hello Silverfox0786;
I appreciate the kind words! I hope this helps you with any future projects!
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
I had a hot water line bust in my crawl space this winter. Cheap cpvc and pvc down there. Now i'm thinking of replumbing everything with PEX. What's the best T and coupler to mate PEX with cpvc and pvc? I'll be cutting some drywall above and connecting the PEX to the piping in the walls when possible. I have both a homedepot and lowes close to me. I also have a couple of locations where 3/4"cpvc is the downsized to 1/2" cpvc. I assume this is due to maintaining water pressure? I'll need some of those couplers as well. Thanks for the video!
Hello Jason;
There are a few ways to go. You can use a male pex adaptor and a female cpvc female adaptor or vice versa and then use a cpvc Tee.
Sharkbite fittings work on copper, cpvc and pex. I have made many videos on them and have done a number of tests. They are becoming very popular.
I am still old fashion and would use rigid joints and go with the adaptors. I talked to another plumber with a few more years experience then me and he recently did an entire home using sharkbite fittings. He had no issues.
I think sharkbite are ideal for quick fixes. Not sure of how long they would last, but have been around for about three decades now. Just recently made it to North America.
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with the project! Al
Would Plumbing be a good career choice in today's economy?
Hello Bobby;
I guess the big thing today is to enjoy what you are doing. It has been good to me for the past 34 years.
I think if you take pride in your work; you can make a living at it. Word does spread if you do good work and are fair in price.
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Do the whole house in pex .
Hello offplanetevent;
That would be one sure fire way to not have to worry about making any joints from cpvc to pex.
Pex is definitely the best way to go, but some people don't want to get into making the job too big.
Thanks for commenting and have a great day! Al
Hello Hever;
The Apollo and the Veiga are two different tools as far size goes. although they do look very similar; they will not work on the others fittings, only their own!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al
How will this hold up in cold weather? I was wanting to Tee off my main house water line to a detachable garage about 15ft from the main house. If I dig a trench below the frost line and run this plex line to the garage by burying the line will it hold? Thank you.
Phai T
Hello Cyn333444555;
Pex systems have been around for more then 3 decades. Not all pex is equal, but for the most part they all work very similar!
This is anything, but a new concept in waterlines. I have worked first hand with 3 different types of pex systems and have had excellent success with them all. Veiga being the go to one at present! Bronze fittings and no sleeves to chase around! Proper installation is key!
Thanks for commenting and good luck with the certification! Al
When installing Pex in a straight line, on the bottom of floor joists, is there any concern with contraction/expansion issues? I'm using Zurn Pex with copper crimp rings ...and same J-clip fasteners.
Hello CM;
There is going to be expansion with pex. Plastic expands five times more then copper.
As far as any concerns about expansion or contraction; you have no worries. The only thing to keep in mind when going through floors is to make sure the hole it is going through is not tight to the pipe; as this will cause snapping sounds on hot water piping and I am sure it will drive you a little crazy every time hot water goes through it.
Also make sure there is no strain when it goes through the floor as well. I support bend 90s as often as possible.
Thanks for commenting and you should have no issues with that system!
Best of luck! Al
Getting ready to redo the plumbing from the crawl space up to one of the showers in a bathroom in my house. I'm going to use Pex. Have you done a video on plumbing a shower? I'm watching videos here, and reading "Plumbing Complete." Thanks Al.
Hello brotherjoeradosti;
I have made a 5 part series on installing a shower. From the drain to the faucets. How to cut out the hole for the faucets as well.
This is the first video of the series.....
Shower install...Part 1.Installing the perfect shower drain for a basement.Excellent product.
Shower Install....Part 2. How to cut a Hole in an Acrylic shower.
Shower Install....Part 3. How to solder a single lever Bath faucet.
Shower Install...Part 4.Fantastic fitting for Installing a shower arm on an Acrylic shower or tub.
Shower Install...Part 5.How to mount / Install faucets to an acrylic shower or tub
Thanks for commenting and let me know how you get along! Al
PEX Tubing was developed and first used in Europe in the 1960’s. This product entered US market 30 years ago and has been growing in popularity ever since.So it has been around since the 60s looks like it has passed the test of time
Hello Billy,
The first dealings I had with it was in the early 90's. It was Kitec which had some issues.
Since then I have used Uponor, Rehau and Viega which has been in Canada for about 20 years. Uponor has been around for over 30 and no real problems with the pipe.
As I mention quite often, if the pipe is exposed to the sun or florescent lights for long periods of time; it will break down. I always place a little insulation on the pipe if I come across these situations. Besides that; it is always my go to. Took a little convincing at first, but it is a great product.
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
I hate when people swear off pex. Most of them are the "this is the way it's always been" guys. Truth is, it's all in installation. You can botch copper, cvpc, or galvanized as well. If you do it right, no matter the material, it will last.
What size of line that needs to supply the manifold and what size to go to the fixtures from the manifold. Thanks in advance
Hello Ronald,
Manifolds come in a few different sizes. Most of them are fed with 3/4 lines and 1/2" lines run to each fixture.
I have seen them with 1" inlets, but 3/4 is suffice for most homes.
If you are building a new home or doing a reno be sure to use pressure balancing faucets in your shower/bath and you will have no worries of getting a blast of hot or cold water when getting a shower.
Hope this helps!
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with the project! Al
I notice in your pex videos you use metal connecters and manifold. Do you have any experience with the plastic connectors? Better, worse? You're videos are very informative. Lisa
You do a clean job. The pex in my house looks like it was done by a drunk, crooked runs, joints where the pex was cut too short, and I paid a plumber to do it.
Hello Gary!
It doesn't take much to make the job look neat. A few measurements and a chalk line if the ceiling is open will ensure the lines look reasonably straight. Clamping every floor joist helps as well. I have seen some interesting works of art; I call them, as well. Plumbers or not; a little pride goes a long ways.
Pex is flexible as everyone knows, but a little time and patience makes a big difference in making it look good!
Thanks for commenting and enjoy your weekend! Al
I just have a 1-bath home... someone told me that before i run the lines up thru the floor and in to the wall I need to just leave a loop in the pex by the joists, just 2ish feet wide. do you know if thats true?
Hello Marc,
I generally leave extra pipe whenever I run it. I will cut it off as needed and use the shorter pieces in other places.
Rememeber that you will have to cut the pipe off and add fittings if you are planning on doing over the entire bathroom.
Leaving a few feet can help with saving a few couplings, but keep in mind that you can add onto the pipe with a few couplings.
Thanks for commenting and best of luck with the project!
Any other questions...feel free to ask. Al