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Questions tagged [pex]

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic pipe that has gained popularity due it being cheaper (and often easier) than copper or PVC. Use for questions about working with the pipe, and use with the [plumbing] tag

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a flexible plastic pipe commonly used in both new and existing installations. PEX offers

  • Lower cost than copper and often PVC
  • Requires no glue, just crimping or push-in/stab connectors (like the Sharkbite brand)
  • Easier adaptation to existing installations (push-in connectors work with copper and PVC, and compression adapters are easy to find)
229 questions
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Does Pex tubing have any advantages over copper?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of Pex tubing? How does it compare to copper?
Tester101
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What is the advantage of PEX pinch clamp vs. crimp rings?

I just saw these for the first time today at Lowe's: The advantages I can see over the crimp style are: A single tool can work with multiple PEX sizes That single tool is cheaper than a single-size crimp tool (~$40 vs ~$80) The tool grabs and…
Mike Powell
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Is it worth it to insulate hot water PEX tubing?

Is it worth the time and expense to put the foam pipe wrap on pex hot water pipes? I've seen mixed statements. What is your thought? But more importantly, can you back it up?
Dilbert789
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Why would you use copper over CPVC or PEX?

Are there any advantages to using copper rather than CPVC or PEX?
jlpp
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Best way to keep a PEX run in an attic (above a foyer) from freezing?

I plan on running PEX pipes both hot and cold across 16 feet of unheated attic space above a foyer. The foyer is 16' long and is off the kitchen, it isn't heated directly but is part of the house; it is usually colder than the rest of the house,…
Jeremy
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Why is my brand new PEX clear tubing turning green near the water heater?

I just moved into my house with brand new PEX (uponor) plumbing. I used clear for the hot and cold instead of red and blue, because I bought everything myself and I thought it would prevent wasting too much. I installed the PEX tubing myself after…
brfox
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Why can't you use PEX between tub and shower valve and the spout?

This took me by surprise, but I was reading the Residential Installation Instructions for Uponor PEX A, and it says, Do not install Uponor AquaPEX pipe between the tub/shower valve and tub spout. What's the reason for this restriction? Why would…
Evan Carroll
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How should I configure my plumbing with PEX?

I have a house built in 1940, which has a mix of copper, PVC and galvanized pipe for its plumbing at present. I am going to be gutting the upstairs bathroom in the near future, and have access to most of the rest of the pipes, giving me an…
The Evil Greebo
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Do sink shut-off valves have to be centered under the sink, one on left and one on right?

I’m re-doing a small bathroom and because of size constraints need to route both shut-offs on the left side under sink one above the other. They will be hidden and accessible inside the vanity. Is there any reason not to do this? Thank you.
ACS
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Does PEX require home runs?

I've been told that PEX requires home runs to a manifold (or star topology, to borrow from networking) to maintain the same flow rate/pressure as copper. Anyone else heard this?
jlpp
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Does PEX leach BPA when used for hot water plumbing?

Would using PEX for potable hot water result in having Bisphenol A (BPA) leached into the water? Does PEX have BPA content?
Blessed Geek
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How can I remove the residue that is building up in PEX tubing?

I have a pex plumbing system that has been slowly clogging / losing pressure. Our sulphur treatment system injects peroxide into the pressure tank then flows upstairs to the filter system. The oxidizing process creates a white film (from the…
Dennis
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In order to avoid shutting off water to the whole house, can I temporarily terminate a PEX pipe at a closed shut-off valve?

I am helping the in-laws remove their countertops and disconnect their kitchen sink in preparation for new countertops and a new sink. The only wrinkle is that the existing sink does not appear to have shut-off valves. I am guessing the plumbing…
ivorysoap
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Is putting a pex tube underground and then through a concrete slab OK?

I have a house with a basement and I'm building a garage about 50 feet away in the backyard. The garage will be on a concrete foundation and I want to run both power and water out there. (I want the water for a mess sink and an exterior hose…
GoneFishing
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Can I convert/adapt to PEX from copper tubing?

I'm remodeling a bathroom, and some of the copper tubing needs to be replaced, due to leaks and the need to reposition fixtures. Is it feasible and recommended to convert from copper tubing to PEX? For instance, could I use something like this…
tnorthcutt
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