The traditional way of connecting PEX to copper involves using a threaded sweat adapter on the copper side (to connect with the PEX fitting) and soldering to create a watertight seal.
Can PEX be installed the same way as copper?
When you want to install some new PEX tubing, chances are you will want to connect the PEX to some old copper tubing rather than replacing everything. As long as the copper tubing has a threaded fitting at the end, you just have to connect a same-sized threaded fitting to the PEX tubing.
How to transition from copper to PEX?
transition from copper without solder?
- djrussell
- Plumber101. I prefer sweating copper but when I'm on a late night service call or when in a big hurry I use sharkbite.
- ARI001. Sharkbites are fine and they are rated to be closed up in a wall. ...
- Daniel Holzman. ...
- JDC. ...
- Plumber101. ...
- djrussell
- majakdragon. ...
- djrussell
- majakdragon. ...
Is PEX as good as copper?
We generally belive that Plumbing PEX Tubing is much better than Copper for most, if not all, plumbing systems. PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install. PEX Tubing is quickly becoming the industry standard.
Should I replace my copper pipes with PEX?
You can develop some problems with your copper pipes, and PEX is often a great replacement that can eliminate these problems. Keep hot water hot: PEX keeps the water warmer as it flows through the pipe so that you get hotter water on the other end.
What is the best way to connect PEX to copper?
0:091:41Connecting PEX Tubing to Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fastest and easiest way to connect PEX directly to copper pipe is by using sharkbite connectionsMoreThe fastest and easiest way to connect PEX directly to copper pipe is by using sharkbite connections. These connections require no tools and no soldering.
Can you connect PEX to copper with SharkBite?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
How do you transition from copper to PEX?
0:031:04How to Transition from Copper to PEX - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a female sweat adapter is a great way to transition from copper to PEX.MoreUsing a female sweat adapter is a great way to transition from copper to PEX.
Can you connect copper to PEX without soldering?
0:001:17DIY how to Pex to copper without soldering - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm gonna show you how we can connect PEX tubing and copper tubing the other without any kind ofMoreI'm gonna show you how we can connect PEX tubing and copper tubing the other without any kind of solar. And we're gonna use one of these snap. At things and you can buy these at your home Center. Yeah
Can you mix plastic and copper plumbing?
Interestingly you can join copper and plastic with a lot of the same fittings; a lot of people don't realise you can join a bit of plastic pipe with a compression fitting.
What is the life expectancy of a SharkBite fitting?
SharkBite fittings last a long time. In fact, SharkBite warrants the fittings for 25 years when used with SharkBite tubing.
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.
When did they stop using copper pipes in houses?
Copper was the plumbing pipe of choice from the 1950s until 2000 and was widely used both in new construction and to replace the galvanized steel water supply pipes that had been the standard into the 1950s.
Should I use PEX or copper?
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.
How reliable are SharkBite fittings on copper pipe?
SharkBites work better than plastic quick-connects on copper pipes because the lead-free brass body is rigid like the pipe and has a higher pressure tolerance. If you need to repair or replace copper plumbing in your home, a SharkBite fitting is an excellent choice.
Are SharkBites reliable?
There is a growing group of DIYers who would disagree. These groups of home owners feel SharkBite fittings are just as strong as soldering. A few of the criticisms of SharkBite and other push-fit fittings consist of; initially, push-fit fittings do not have the trustworthiness that soldering has.
Does PEX freeze?
Frozen PEX Pipes Have a Unique Reaction. Due to its flexibility, PEX can expand 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.
First, Choose and Attach A Threaded Fitting to Your Pex Pipe.
A variety of threaded fittings are available in the options listed below for connecting PEX pipe to copper or PVC pipes. Typically, these come in t...
Then, Connect New Pex to Existing Copper Lines.
No matter which fitting you choose, there are only two basic methods for connecting PEX to copper pipe. Traditional copper connections require sold...
Or, Connect Pex to Pvc Pipes.
Homes that have PVC water lines can also easily utilize PEX tubing for extensions or replacements. When choosing fittings, double-check the sizes t...
How to connect PEX to copper?
The traditional way of connecting PEX to copper involves using a threaded sweat adapter on the copper side (to connect with the PEX fitting) and soldering to create a watertight seal. Both the copper pipe and its fitting are first cleaned with a fine-bristle steel brush and then coated with flux (like this flux paste from Utility) to help the solder adhere evenly. Then, the seam where the fitting meets the copper pipe is heated with a flame torch. Once the metal is very hot, a small rod of solder—lead-free if these pipes will carry drinking water—is touched to the seam. The heat from the metal melts the solder and draws it into the seam, where it cools and creates a seal.
How is copper pipe cleaned?
Both the copper pipe and its fitting are first cleaned with a fine-bristle steel brush and then coated with flux (like this flux paste from Utility) to help the solder adhere evenly. Then, the seam where the fitting meets the copper pipe is heated with a flame torch.
How many fittings are needed for a female and male connection?
Every connection must have one male fitting and one female fitting in order for the two fittings to attach. (A male fitting features protruding threads which twist into the threaded opening of a female fitting.)
How does solder work in pipes?
Once the metal is very hot, a small rod of solder—lead-free if these pipes will carry drinking water—is touched to the seam. The heat from the metal melts the solder and draws it into the seam, where it cools and creates a seal.
Do PEX fittings need to be complicated?
But PEX connections don’t always need to be so complicated. Certain types of fittings involve neither flames nor fumes—not even special tools—and this ease of use makes for “a safer job if you don’t have the experience and equipment a pro has,” O’Brian says.
Can you connect PEX pipes to existing water lines?
Not only easy to manipulate, PEX pipe is also easy to connect to existing water lines in the house for repairs or new installations. Are you already working with copper or PVC pipe? Thanks to a wide range of PEX components that make connecting the pipes a snap, you, too, can do your own plumbing.
Can you connect PEX pipes to a manifold?
In fact, if your home is equipped with a water supply manifold—not all homes are—individual PEX pipes can be directly connected to the manifold and then fished through the walls all the way to a sink, tub, or shower to supply hot and cold water.
chickenbrown New Member
I am in the process of re-piping the hot water heating system in my house. Currently it is all 3/4" "M" tubing. I am re-piping it because the plumber before did not run the zones in proper loops and also ran loops that went up and down three stories to avoid opening up walls.
nhmaster Master Plumber
They make transition fittings. You should be using pex with an oxygen barrier. Home cheepo and blows don't carry it.
chickenbrown New Member
They make transition fittings. You should be using pex with an oxygen barrier. Home cheepo and blows don't carry it.
seaofnames DIY Senior Member
Go fancy and use Rehau pipe. There are also three different grades of Pex. A B C. They all have different properties but still last the same amount of time and such.
How to screw a PEX fitting on copper?
Slide the end of the PEX tubing that has the crimp ring or cinch clamp on it over the end of the fitting that you screwed onto the copper tubing. Push it on as far as it will go. Reposition the ring or clamp if needed by sliding it so it is about in the middle of where the PEX tubing covers the fitting.
How to connect PEX tubing to PEX?
1. Use crimp ring or cinch clamp fittings for a cheap way to connect the tubing. Crimp ring and cinch clamp fittings both consist of a band of metal that slips over the PEX tubing. You then compress the ring with either a crimp ring tool or a cinch clamp tool to secure the tubing to the fitting.
What is PEX tubing?
PEX tubing (made from high-density polyethylene) has become the go-to tubing for plumbing repairs and replacements due to it’s cheaper cost, durability, and flexibility . When you want to install some new PEX tubing, chances are you will want to connect the PEX to some old copper tubing rather than replacing everything.
How much does a PEX push fit cost?
Push-fit fittings cost at least $5 USD each.
Do you need a threaded fitting for PEX tubing?
If the copper tubing doesn’t already have a threaded fitting, then you will have to solder one on to the end first. Push-fit fittings don’t need a threaded fi tting of any kind.
Can you sand copper pipe?
The PEX and copper are now connected and you don’t need to do anything else. Make sure that the end of the copper tubing is smooth around the edges before you insert it. You can sand around the end to remove any sharp edges. If the copper pipe has a threaded fitting attached to it, you will need to remove it first.
How much does PEX save?
Installing PEX can save as much as 60 percent on project costs, and, unlike copper, PEX tubing is flexible and can be fished through existing wall spaces, reducing the scope of a retrofit project.
What are the signs of a PEX water line?
For homeowners who have PEX water-supply lines, signs of rodents, such as droppings, chewed paper or wood, or other shredded items, signal a need to take action before damage to the water supply system can occur.
Can water and building materials mix?
Water and building materials do not mix, and the pressure inherent in water-supply lines can quickly flood a large area of the home, leading to costly repairs. Photo: istockphoto.com. RELATED: 23 Things in Your Home That are Attracting Bugs and Rodents.
Can mice chew PEX?
Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.
Is PEX tubing a water supply?
For both new construction and remodeling projects, installing a cross-linked polyethylene ( PEX) water-supply system is attractive to builders and homeowners a like. Deciding factors for choosing between the two most common water-supply materials, PEX and copper, include ease of installation and cost. Installing PEX can save as much as 60 percent on project costs, and, unlike copper, PEX tubing is flexible and can be fished through existing wall spaces, reducing the scope of a retrofit project.
Can rodents chew through PEX?
While pest experts don’t know whether rodents chew through PEX to get to the water inside or simply because it’s there, PEX and rodents can be a dangerous combination. Local building codes in some communities may not permit the installation of PEX if rodent infestations are common.