Some places don’t. I’d rather use PEX and SharkBites when possible . While there’s no way I could have done all of the work they did, I like having the knowledge needed to make further repairs/additions on my own. We promise that you’ll be able to fix any leaky pipe in your house after you read and watch today’s tutorial. You can still use SharkBites with copper. So much easier to get the pipes where you need them. What is the big difference? Uponor manufactures PEX tubing using the Engel method, a hot crosslinking process. If you are thinking of installing PEX tubing, the two main challenges are getting the necessary tools and finding the right fittings needed for the job. Its flexibility gives the tubing the advantage of being snaked through walls and other confined spaces, resulting in fewer walls having to be broken into for installation … No leaks and works fantastic. It might be different for your PEX system so follow the manufacturer directions. Place the SharkBite depth tool on the PEX and make a mark with your marker. Roth PEX tubing is less flexible at cold temperatures. Remove burrs from the edge. Little side note, you can leave the plastic insert in the SharkBite fitting even if you use it with copper. Before connecting the PEX pipe to the water heater, find a suitable metal connector to install onto the water heater. A copper stub-out elbow and a copper pipe will do. We did use the sharkbite fittings and I have to tell you – that worked out GREAT! How to Run PEX Tubing to a Toilet. The second project was adding another faucet through the crawl space wall on the other side of my house using a shark bite to join pex to copper and added a frost free valve. - Home Repair Tutor, Shower Valve Replacement in 30 Minutes or Less...Your Complete Guide, How to Replace Shower Faucet Diverters | Home Repair Tutor, Soldering Tips (QUICK TIPS) | Home Repair Tutor, How to Fix a Copper Pipe...WITHOUT Soldering!! Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: PEX tubing is an easy-to-install alternative to copper pipe. Your contractor should devise ways to remove the pipes while... Cut access holes where necessary to remove the pipes. Hi Jeff, just to be clear, you are demonstrating Pro Pex as apposed to plain old pex – they are a different beast. Then slowly squeeze the crimping tool until you hear it pop and compress the ring. Plus you can easily catch your house on fire – never a good thing. 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. Turn the valve control knob clockwise until tight. Inserting the PEX Fitting into the PEX Tubing. PEX tubing is a durable and flexible pipe that is used for plumbing, heating, and potable water applications. You’ve probably seen it in the home store. Each SharkBite fitting has a plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid. Measure out the length of PEX you need for installation and cut it with the PEX tubing cutter. PEX seems superior to me, especially price-wise. Does pex tubing have a freezing point to where water will freeze in it and cause it to burst ? And once you have the PEX crimping tool you’re all set to begin your plumbing setup. PEX tubing has a lot of advantages in plumbing applications, but buyers should know the differences between the three types. The job took just over an hour for the two of us non-plumbers, but I love, love, love the sharkbite fittings! We were discussing the materials to use, but since teh copper existed already, we just used that. This was meant to be a high level overview and teach you the basics of PEX. Time will be the real test but so far I like pex. Slide your fitting, in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the PEX. What if you mess up the position of the crimp ring? One warning: make sure your local plumbing code allows PEX. The fact that PEX tubing comes in really long rolls makes it quicker to install because there are fewer fittings to connect. Glad you liked this one Linda. I invested in a good wet-vac. Good question Haddon, I’m assuming it does but don’t know that exact temperature. There are also push-fit fittings that can be used when installing PEX. Cut the PEX tubing slightly long to allow some room for expansion and contraction. We love PEX but it’s even easier if you use SharkBite fittings. Cut a piece of copper pipe enough to connect the stub-out elbow to the flooring. Cut PEX pipe at right angle leaving a clean edge according to your need. Pretty nice that your local hardware store gave you the tools. Crimp rings should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the PEX. To get started, identify the pipe material. Clamp: Make sure to use the right clamps and tools together. 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