Table of Contents
What size PEX should you use in a bathroom?
Most homeowners aren’t willing to wait 15 minutes to fill their bathtubs, so running a minimum 1/2-inch line to the tub is a good idea. Other fixtures that benefit from 1/2-inch lines are washing machines and dishwashers. Sinks and showers are water guzzlers, and you can conserve by running 3/8-inch lines to them.
Can you run PEX to shower head?
As per Uponor/Wirsbo documentation: When doing a shower/tub valve — you can use PEX for the hot and cold supply and for the leg that goes from the shower head but NOT to the tub spout.
Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Potential chemical leaching is another downside of PEX piping. Due to its chemical composition, the PEX pipe material may leach toxic chemicals including bisphenol (BPA), MTBE, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others.
Can I use blue PEX for hot water?
PEX without an oxygen barrier is designed primarily for use in potable water plumbing systems. The color of PEX does not change any of the tubing’s ratings. There would be no problem, for example, using blue PEX for hot water lines or red PEX for cold water lines.
Is 1 2 PEX enough for shower?
As long as the supply lines for the shower tie into a 3/4″ line, 1/2″ will be fine. I use a Delta shower faucet that already has pex adapters made into the valve body, no threading or sweating, just crimp and you’re done.
How many fixtures are on a 1/2 PEX water line?
For our example, our 1-inch pipe can have up to 30 fixture units, our 3/4-inch can have up to 14, and our 1/2-inch can have up to 4.
Where is PEX not allowed?
PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.
Can you use pex for bathtub spout?
The tub spout can be copper, brass, or galvanized pipe. You cannot use pex because the pipe coming out of the valve needs to be able to support the weight of the tub spout and handle the abuse of pulling/ pushing down of the divirter built into the spout.
Why is PEX banned in California?
PEX was banned in California due to some concerns about toxic materials leaking through the pipe and into water. Through various national laboratory tests, PEX has proven to be completely safe and durable. It is now legal in California and even included in principal plumbing codes.
Can PEX pipes freeze and burst?
Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.
What diameter PEX should I use?
PEX is available in 3/8- to 1-inch diameters. It’s a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines for adequate water flow. When replacing old water supply lines with PEX the standard is to use the same size plumbing, although you can transition from 3/4-inch to 1/2-inch plumbing with an adapter.
Is PEX OK for drinking water?
There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes. A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time.
Is PEX safe for drinking water 2021?
With a plumbing-pipe offering in sizes up to 3 inches, PEX is challenging traditional copper and CPVC materials for domestic water applications. This provides confirmation the pipe does not leach harmful substances into drinking water and is safe for potable systems in healthcare facilities.
How long will PEX last?
Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.
Which is better PEX A or PEX B?
PEX-A is the most flexible of all PEX tubing types, has little or no coil memory and gives installer an ability to repair kinks with a heat gun. PEX-B is a clear winner in terms of price vs. both other types.
What is the difference between blue and white PEX pipe?
Red PEX pipe carries hot water. Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water.
Is there a difference in red and blue PEX?
There are no performance differences between red, white, blue and white PEX and all are intended for use in potable water systems. The colors can be used to easily distinguish between hot and cold distribution lines.
Do you have to insulate PEX?
Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated? Yes, although PEX pipes can withstand freezing temperatures better than other pipe materials – but they are not freeze proof! If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit your pipes have a very good chance of freezing.
Can PEX fittings be reused?
When done correctly, it’s possible to reuse PEX fittings after the copper crimp rings have been removed.
Should I use copper or PEX?
PEX pipe is not only cheaper than copper but more durable too. PEX is immune to corrosion and mineral build-up, and it’s not affected by electrolysis, which can cause small pinhole leaks in copper piping. Copper pipes can last anywhere from six months to the life of a building.
