Find Out Why Uponor PEX is Awesome
Uponor PEX is fantastic to work with because of its memory.
Uponor is the largest manufacturer of PEX and one of the all-time PEX manufacturers out at that place. You won't discover Uponor PEX in a box store. And yous'll see in the video that all PEX is not the same. Here's what you need to know nigh PEX if yous're non familiar.
Uponor PEX Pros
What makes Uponor one of the best PEX manufacturers is the memory of the material. Uponor PEX tin be reshaped but it volition return to its original shape. Uponor PEX tin can exist expanded insert a connection and the PEX will contract to course a bail that won't leak. The ring and the tubing are made out of the same textile.
With Uponor PEX you don't need to brand as many connections and that reduces the possibility for leaks.
Where to Get Uponor PEX
You can caput to Uponor'due south website to find its PEX or through professional plumbing supply companies.
PEX Supply Pipe: Everything You Demand to Know
What is PEX Pipage?
PEX pipage (shorthand for cross-linked polyethylene) costs less than half the cost of copper and installs much faster. And since it's flexible, PEX makes remodeling jobs easier. PEX has a strong "memory;" it e'er wants to spring back to its original shape. And so working with a ringlet of PEX is like wrestling with a giant Slinky. For about jobs, you're better off buying 10-ft. "sticks" instead. You may have to pay a few cents more per foot and install a coupler or two, but you lot'll avoid frustration and kinks. Even plumbers who run miles of PEX every yr often buy sticks than coils.
Which is Better – PEX or Copper?
PEX has several advantages over copper pipes:
- PEX is cheaper than copper. Half-inch PEX tubing costs about 1-third the price of copper. Some of the savings will become towards purchasing a special tool to install the fittings. But if you lot're doing a medium-to-large plumbing job, you'll usually save on PEX over copper.
- PEX fittings are faster to install than copper. If y'all use a manifold and 'dwelling-run' system, information technology's like running a garden hose to each fixture — super fast and easy. But fifty-fifty if y'all install PEX fittings in a conventional main line and co-operative system, the connections are quicker to make than soldering copper.
- A PEX supply won't corrode like copper. If y'all live in an expanse with acidic water, copper can corrode over time. A PEX supply is unaffected by acidic water and is therefore a better pick in these areas.
Watch this video to learn more virtually the PEX revolution:
What About PEX vs. CPVC?
A PEX supply and CPVC price about the same. But there are a few reasons why PEX may be a better choice. First, a PEX doesn't crave glue, which ways you don't have to piece of work in well-ventilated spaces or wearable a respirator. PEX is less likely than CPVC to burst if it freezes. Besides, since PEX is more flexible and bachelor in long lengths, it can work better for 'line-fishing' through walls in remodeling situations.
Do I Need Special Tools?
Yeah. When plumbing with PEX, you can employ stab-in or compression fittings to make the connections, but they're too expensive to be practical on large projects. Connections for most PEX supply jobs require a special tool. There are several PEX supply connection methods, merely but ii affordable enough to be practical for DIYers: crimp rings and cinch clamps. Crimp rings are a band of metallic, usually copper, that you lot slip over the fitting and shrink with a crimp band tool. The master drawback is that you'll demand either dissever crimping tools for half inch and iii-quarter inch fittings, or a universal tool with a swappable insert (not shown). Sure-fire clamps work more like the traditional band clamps you're probably familiar with. You lot slip the sure-fire clamp tool over the protruding tab and squeeze to tighten the cinch clamp. The same tool works for all sizes of sure-fire clamps.We similar the i-handed version shown in the photo because you lot tin can hold the ring in identify with one hand while tightening it with the other. The only other special tool you need is a scissors-similar cutter for the tubing.
How Practice I Splice PEX Fittings Into My Existing Pipe?
In that location are several methods. The easiest is to cut out a department of plumbing pipe and slip in a stab-in tee (left). SharkBite is one common brand of stab-in plumbing fixtures. This method doesn't crave soldering, which can be a big time-saver. Just check with your plumbing inspector if you're planning to bury this connection in a wall or ceiling. Some areas don't allow stab-in fittings to be concealed. Another method is to solder in a tee and a PEX supply adapter. So slip the PEX supply tubing over the adapter and attach information technology with your chosen connection method (right). You lot tin can also use a stab-in tee to connect PEX fittings supply to CPVC. Read the label to observe the compatible plumbing fixtures.
Do I Accept to Use Manifolds with PEX?
No. You can install PEX fittings supply but similar you would other pipe, with master lines and branches to each fixture. Merely you lose a lot of the benefits of PEX with this system since it requires so many fittings. With the habitation-run organization, you install a manifold in the utility room or some area that's close to the chief h2o line and water heater, and run a split up PEX tube to each fixture equally shown above. This system uses more tubing, simply is fast and only requires two connections: 1 at the manifold and another at the fixture terminate. You can also use a hybrid system where you run 3-quarter inch hot and cold lines to a prepare of fixtures — for example, a bath — and install a smaller manifold behind an admission panel. And so make brusk runs of one-half inch PEX h2o line tubing to each fixture. Manifolds expect intimidating. But they really simplify plumbing runs and reduce possible leaks by eliminating the need for tees and other fittings between the main supply line and the fixture.
Does it Run across Lawmaking?
At that place is no unified national plumbing lawmaking. Before starting your PEX plumbing job, check with your local inspector for specific local requirements.
Practise I Have to Apply Ruby for Hot and Blue for Cold?
PEX comes in red and blue colors to help you keep track of the hot and cold lines. Yous tin can employ white PEX for everything if y'all adopt.
Is PEX Reliable?
PEX has been used for decades in other countries, where there are thousands of homes with 30-year-old, leak-gratis PEX. Well-nigh of the issues with PEX systems, in the United States and elsewhere, were due to sloppy installation or faulty fittings rather than the tubing itself.
Tin can I Connect PEX to My Water Heater?
PEX can't be directly continued to a water heater. First extend a pipe 18 in. from your water heater and connect the PEX to the pipe.
Which Tubing Should I Use for Interior Water Lines?
For water lines there are 3 PEX supply grades: PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. They're manufactured differently, PEX-A being slightly more than flexible. If you lot're ordering online, get ahead and spend a few cents extra for PEX-A. But don't go running around town looking for it; the deviation isn't that large. The plumbers we spoke to said they were willing to use whatever of the types in their homes. PEX is also pop for in-floor radiant heating systems, though you need PEX tubing with an oxygen barrier.
How Exercise I Connect PEX to my Plumbing Fixtures?
There are several methods. If the connectedness will exist visible, like nether a wall-hung sink, and you would prefer the look of a copper tube coming out of the wall, use a copper stub-out (left). You can connect a pinch-blazon shutoff valve to the half inch copper stub-out and then connect your fixture. In areas that are concealed, like under a kitchen sink or vanity cabinet, you lot can eliminate a articulation by running PEX supply directly to the shutoff valve. Use a drop-ear bend back up to concur the tubing in a tight bend (right). There are several types of shutoff valves that connect straight to PEX. If y'all're using a manifold arrangement with valves, you may not need to install a shutoff valve at the fixture. Ask your plumbing inspector. We recommend adding one, though. It doesn't increment the cost much and is more user-friendly than running downstairs to shut off the water when a repair is needed.
What Almost Expansion?
PEX supply expands and contracts more than copper, so don't stretch it tight. Let it droop a little between fasteners. On long runs, information technology's a skilful idea to install a loop as shown to let for contraction. Another reward of the loop is that if you mess upwards and need a little extra tubing, you tin can steal it from the loop. Also, since PEX moves as it expands and contracts, make sure to drill oversize holes through studs or joists so it tin slide easily. And don't use metallic straps to attach it. Use plastic straps instead.
Will PEX Break or Split if it Freezes?
Probably non. Manufacturers are reluctant to say so, but reports from the field advise PEX can withstand freezing. You should still protect the tubing from freezing. But since it can expand and contract, information technology'south less likely to suspension than rigid pipe.
What if I Goof? Can I Take information technology Apart?
Sure. There'southward a special tool for cut off crimp rings, and you can use side cutters to remove cinch clamps. Only a rotary tool (Dremel is i brand) fitted with a cutoff blade works great for cutting either type of connector (meet photo). After you remove the crimp ring or cinch clamp and pull the PEX supply from the fitting, cut off the stop of the tubing to get a fresh department for the new connectedness. If you harm the fitting with the rotary tool, supersede the fitting rather than run a risk a leak.
Source: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/find-out-why-uponor-pex-is-awesome/
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