Experience with PEX tubing 1

[AEBuck]

I'd like to hear from folks that have experience with PEX tubing for domestic water systems in commercial buildings - either owners or contractors. Please tell me the good and the bad for ease of installation, longevity and the like. So far, would you do it again or revert back to copper? Thanks.

 

[Foada]

I have it in my house. It was originally run from the main lines (3/4" copper) to each of the required outlets. Basically the copper was run in a straight line down the center of the house and the Pex was used to tap off where necessary. I recently added a water softener which required some modification. I had to add and extend a couple of Pex lines and it was a breeze to use with the exception of the cost of the crimping tool($40 - $110). I still had to solder in the copper connection nipples but did not have to worry about elbows and cuts as you would for copper. The only down side that I found came from my brother who is an electrician. He stated that there are certain building codes that require the copper be grounded to earth ground. This of course would be difficult if everything is run with the plastic Pex. Other than the building codes(which I am sure vary) the stuff is great. I made 7 crimps and not a one of them leaks, and it was much easier to run than copper.

 

[boo1]

Pex is accepted in all the US building codes and now in CA. The major draw back is the criticality of the joint compression. Typically there is a go - no-go tool for measuring the fit up. The tooling for crimping the connection is manufacture specific.

Additionally watch for nail strikes and sharp edges.

 

[hydrae]

The plumbers I work with use PEX exclusively now

Reasons:
It can freeze and thaw without damage.
Highly flexible, allows some bends without fittings. Fitting stock is greatly reduced.
Can be installed everywhere quickly and easily when using the brand name joints the require the special tools.
The cross linking fixed the problems with black poly.
The requirement for the special tool keeps the work in the plumbers hands (no handyman repairs)
Hydrae

 

[zdas04]

hydrae,
Where are you at? Are most jurisdictions that you work with beginning to accept it?

David

 

[hydrae]

The jurisdictions (cities and counties with state oversight)use the Uniform Plumbing Code (UFC), so when it was accepted by the UFC they had to start accepting the product. I first saw it used in 1997. I work in Oregon and Washinton.

Hydrae