How to Use PEX Tubing for Residential Plumbing
Before installing PEX tubing, you’ll need to know how to properly cut and fit the pipe. Some plumbing systems require special tools for this, but you can use a simple hand tool to make the cut. Alternatively, you can install PEX as a traditional copper plumbing system, using larger-diameter PEX pipe to provide water to all fixtures. This method will eliminate hidden joints but require more tubing. When deciding whether to use PEX for your plumbing system, keep these advantages in mind. For example, PEX plumbing is much lighter and easier to work with than traditional metal plumbing. This allows do-it-yourselfers to retrofit an older plumbing system without paying a professional plumber to do it. It also has a higher degree of resistance to freezing and bursting. PEX also works more quietly than metal plumbing. You can also connect PEX using copper crimping rings. These crimping tools slide over PEX tubes. Then, you insert a PEX fitting into the pipe. Use a special PEX crimping tool to tighten the copper ring. This will make the PEX tube fit into the fitting. Afterward, it will shrink back to its original size, creating a watertight seal. If you’re installing PEX tubing for residential plumbing, you can install it like you would an electric cable. Just like an electrical cable, you start at a manifold in the basement, then connect it to a fixture. Then, you simply connect the PEX tubing to the adapter at the fixture. You can also connect PEX to iron pipe by hooking it up to a valve or fitting. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are a great choice for residential plumbing. They’re strong, flexible, and cost less than traditional copper or galvanized steel pipes. PEX tubing can also be used to connect copper pipes. Besides, there are a few disadvantages to PEX as compared to other types of plastic pipe. One of them is the shorter warranty and the age. When choosing your PEX pipe, consider the size and diameter. You can choose from 3/8″ to one inch. For water heaters, you’ll use 3/4 inch pipe. For other fixtures, you can choose 1/2-inch PEX tubing. You can also transition to 1/2-inch plumbing with ease. A few things to keep in mind before choosing PEX for residential plumbing: There are three types of PEX. PEX-A and PEX-B are the most flexible, and are ideal for home water supply plumbing. PEX-A is best for cold weather and freezing water applications. PEX-A is much more expensive than PEX-B. PEX-A costs between £3.50 and £7.50 for a 10 foot length. The latter is the least expensive, but lacks many advantages over PEX-B. PEX costs about 25% less than copper pipe. And due to its heat resistance, it can fit in tighter spaces than copper piping. PEX is easier to install than copper because connector fittings snap together. Installation requires no plumbing license and can be done by a novice. And unlike copper, PEX does not cause any corrosion or sediment buildup, so there’s no need to hire a plumber. Click here to learn more about plumber near me derby.