How To Run Pex Pipe

Can you run PEX pipe underground?

Some plumbing contractors may be surprised to know that PEX is approved for use in underground as well as in-slab applications. Installing PEX pipe in the slab or underground can help reduce costs because there are no hangers required and less ladder time for installers (adding to installation efficiencies).

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.

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.

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.

How long will PEX last underground?

PEX has a life expectancy of 40-50 years, made possible by its durable and non-corrosive materials. Burial also reduces sun exposure, which would otherwise degrade the piping. Additionally, PEX tubing materials allow for expansion, making them resistant to freezing/cracking underground.

Can PEX be buried outside?

PEX tubing is approved for direct burial outdoors, a practice most often necessary when running a water supply line to a house. PEX, since it can expand, resists freezing more effectively than rigid pipe, but PEX can still burst if water freezes in a line. Embedding PEX in sand protects it from any rocks in the soil.

How deep should you bury a water line?

Water filled pipe should be buried at least 12″ below the maximum expected frost line. It is recommended that thermoplastic piping be run within a metal or concrete casing when it is installed beneath surfaces that are subject to heavyweight or constant traffic such as roadways and railroad tracks.

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.

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.

Will PEX pipe 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.

Can mice chew through PEX pipe?

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.

When should you not use PEX pipe?

PEX Plumbing Pipe Disadvantages While PEX has numerous benefits, it should not be used outdoors. PEX can’t be recycled. PEX can’t be directly connected to a water heater, requiring an 18-inch copper or PVC line directly connected to the water heater.

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.

Is 1 2 PEX big enough for hose bib?

1/2″ is fine for individual fixtures such as sinks and dishwashers, but high flow fancy showers should be 3/4″ Also, your trunk line should have been 3/4″. It also depends upon the water pressure supplied by your utility or well. If it’s high enough, you can “get by” with 1/2″ but bigger is usually better.

Can I run PEX through attic?

If you are using PEX, you can run it through your attic. PEX will NOT burst unless you live in a place that gets like 50 below. And it does not freeze as readily as metal pipe.

Can I use SharkBite underground?

Who says SharkBite fittings can’t be used underground? It’s time to set the record straight: Yes, SharkBite brass push fittings can be used underground.

Is it necessary to insulate PEX piping?

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 freeze?

PEX pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. But putting frequent stress on the system weakens it, increasing chances of failure and leaks. So, to preserve the strength of your pipes, you should use the same standard insulation precautions with PEX to keep it from freezing.

Which is better PEX or PVC?

When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won’t corrode. Freeze resistance. It’s resistant to freezing (once again, due to its flexibility, which allows the PEX piping’s diameter to expand as the water pressure changes).

Can PEX be exposed to sunlight?

PEX piping is highly susceptible to damage by sunlight. If exposed to sunlight, the molecular structure disintegrates. This causes the piping to become brittle and rupture. Most manufacturers put UV stabilizers in PEX tubing to provide at least 30 to 60 days UV protection.