I had some plumbing problems this last weekend and based on looking at the pipes, I think I have more on the way. I could keep putting copper back, but my water is slightly corrosive and I wouldn't mind going to plastic. Anyone have any experience installing PEX Pipe? It doesn't look real tricky. I'd have to buy the tools but they look real easy to use. Plus, there may be some value to the old copper pipe.
I think my motorhome has PEX tubing. Isn't that the semi-clear flexible tubing? It seems to work but I've had a few leaks now and then.
"FAM" wrote: I think my motorhome has PEX tubing. Isn't that the semi-clear flexible tubing? It seems to work but I've had a few leaks now and then.
It's probably similar. I'm not too worried about it leaking if I install it right. They're using it in newer houses now days so I know it's good stuff. I just don't know how hard it is to work with and install.
The flexible tubing used in new houses is super easy to work with and quite reliable. I didn't know that's what you're talking about.
"Bender" wrote: It's probably similar. I'm not too worried about it leaking if I install it right. They're using it in newer houses now days so I know it's good stuff.
One rv salesman we worked with described RV's as rolling earthquakes. Stuff inside always seems to work its way loose, which is what I attribute our leaks to. In a stationary house I would imagine it would be pretty trouble free.
One thing to do is to be sure to attach the tubing securely. In our motorhome turning on/off the water in the kitchen sink makes the tubing clunk on the inside of the wall back in the shower area. Because the tubing is so flexible, the changes in water pressure can move the tubing around just enough to make some annoying noises.
Our house when we lived in Nebraska was primarily that type of pipe. You could see it in the basement and it never was a problem even with the extremely cold temperatures out there. The only annoying thing was that the pipes seemed to move more often and made some weird noises when the pressure built up.
"troyman" wrote: the pipes seemed to move more often and made some weird noises when the pressure built up.
You thought it was the pipes 😲
Supposedly it moves a lot. Especially when it changes temperature.
I had another pipe start leaking today. I'm going to replumb the house with PEX. Wish me luck!
So far...I'm pretty impressed. Thanks to Larry and Dale (you don't know Dale) I got the manifold up, and water to everything but the dishwasher, washing machine, and one shower. This stuff goes in pretty easy. If not for some trouble with one of the showers and a missing fitting for the dishwasher I'd have gotten everything done in a day!
Now I know who to call when I need a plumber 😉
"JohnDF" wrote: Now I know who to call when I need a plumber 😉
Larry and Dale?
Pex is actually everything they make it out to be. It's very easy to install and there are literally no fittings. The pipes run from the distribution box (manabloc) to the sink or toilet or whatever. I had a little trouble with the shower and had to buy a special fitting because I couldn't get the crimp tool on it, but the stuff is amazing.
Here's the installed Manabloc. It act like a circuit break on the electrical side. Makes it pretty easy to shut stuff on and off.
Attached files 
Looks nice and neat. What size is the PEX tubing? It may just be the picture, but it looks kind of small.
"FAM" wrote: What size is the PEX tubing?
The size varies. The white stuff coming in the top and bottom is 3/4". Then there's 1/2" and 3/8". Since you're running everything from a manifold to an individual fixture you can run smaller pipe. I've got 3/8" to the sinks and toilets and 1/2" to the showers. They claim that running 3/8" to the sinks will save water because the smaller pipe will waste less while you're waiting for the water to get warm. In the sinks it does actually seem to get warmer faster. I haven't noticed any pressure difference anywhere.
"Bender" wrote: [quote="FAM"]What size is the PEX tubing?Since you're running everything from a manifold to an individual fixture you can run smaller pipe.
That makes sense. Faster warm-up sounds like a nice benefit too.
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