PEX preferences

[Shimon]

I like the SharkBite stuff a lot. Mainly because it's quick and easy and reusable if you decide to reconfigure. They seem to be pretty well made too. I've installed a lot of the stuff on yachts too and they've held up. No complaints other than it's a little expensive...but you save a lot on the labor end!

 

[_RaT_]

The only problem with PEX that I have heard besides its inability to handle UV is that rodents can chew it up. If its in your attic/walls, that could be a real issue. I am leaning on going towards the crimp instead of clamp. I think the crimp tool with a 3/4", 1/2" and 3/8" crimp would do well although I wonder if the multi-size tool is more likely to need adjustment for the go/no go gauge versus the dedicated tool.

The crimp rings are now really common around here which is always a good indication that it works I can rent the crimping tool for around twelve bucks a day or buy one for about $100. If for any reason I foul up a crimp I use a dremel with a cut off wheel and with care can reuse everything but the crimp ring. If I add up all the dollars I have in tools to do copper plumbing it way exceeds the cost of a crimper. As well I will never catch something on fire fixing pex -- just seemed like a good way to go.

 

[studor]

I have only ever used the multi size tool and in talking to the rental guys they tell me they have never adjusted them -- there really is nothing to wear that much. I think the rodents much prefer insulation and wiring and paper or cloth of any type to pex -- not saying it does not happen but (touch wood) I have not heard of it happening yet.

 

[om21braz]

Looking to replace hot & cold lines / cutoffs to kitchen sink and I'm considering PEX for ease of installation.

Any new pros, cons or experiences with PEX since this thread originated?

 

[studor]

I just redid my wifes spinster aunts' kitchen sink taps as a Christmas present to her. The "professional" plumber had used pex to the bottom of the cabinet and then soldered the 3/8 ths copper lead to pex fittings (no shut offs of course! ) Because I did not have a crimper with me, I cut the pex off square, used to "shark bite" shutoffs and flex tubes to the taps and I was done in about half an hour including the trip to the hardware store for the shutoffs. No leaks from any joint first time :thumbsup:

 

[dieselscout80]

I'm considering using PEX to run water out to our drive way by pulling it in with a subsoiler across a pasture. I'm tapping into a 3/4" PVC line do I need to upsize to 1" PEX based on the attached chart. We plan to use the line to water a 300' strech of trees (using 1/2 gal emiters) and flowers at the driveway, but may use a sprinkler some. My thinking on using PEX is incase the line ever froze it wouldn't burst. Is that a good plan or should I just use PVC?

 

[jinman]

Because I did not have a crimper with me, I cut the pex off square, used to "shark bite" shutoffs and flex tubes to the taps and I was done in about half an hour including the trip to the hardware store for the shutoffs. No leaks from any joint first time :thumbsup:

I just used Gatorbite ball-valve cutoffs from Lowes. I can't imagine anything being easier. Not a drop of leakage either.:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: