PEX for the DIY'er

[311Hemi]

I am going to be re-plumbing all my lines in the basement in the coming weeks due to a bathroom install and want to convert over to PEX. Are the PEX components had Menards or Home Depot fine for use to do this? I have no problems spending the money on the right tools (crimper, etc) to make sure it's done correct. I do no plan on using sharkbite style connections.

Seems I remember reading here that some only use a certain brand which is not available to the DIY'er.

Any suggestions welcome.

[Spike76]

I am not a plumber but for my own houses and cabin I have used pex and have had no problems at all

[otterman91105]

I have pex in my whole house and also never had a problem with it. Seems to work just fine.

[krinkle]

This was a maybe 2 or 3 years ago but I remember hear MPLS plumbing inspectors not approving some of the pex type piping systems from big box stores because they had not been approved by the state code. Might want to double check with your local inspector to see if the material is okay.

Other than that the stuff is pretty easy to work with.

[otterman91105]

My father in law is a plumber and he use's it in almost all of there house's but they don't buy it from a big box store instead comes from a supplier don't know if there is a difference or not you would have to ask.

[Dave]

Hemi,

I'm doing my cabin in PEX but have not yet clamped the connections. Only thing I'm still debating is using the stainless clamp bands or the solid rings that get crimped.

[311Hemi]

This was a maybe 2 or 3 years ago but I remember hear MPLS plumbing inspectors not approving some of the pex type piping systems from big box stores because they had not been approved by the state code. Might want to double check with your local inspector to see if the material is okay.

I guess this is what I was asking. I called my local inspector and am waiting to hear back.

It looks like Grainger carriers a couple brands as well (Pureflow and Zurn).

I am planning on using the copper rings.

[otterman91105]

You could also check with winnick supply in forest lake if that's not to far i think they sell whole sale.

[Archerysniper]

You could see if you can open a account with either Ferguson or pipeline both are in the Mahtomedi North saint Paul area. They both will carry the pex stuff. What ever you get it will need the UPC stamp which is for the uniformed plumbing code and is what inspectors look for.

[nobody05]

I know when I did my shop with in floor heat tubing. I bought from pexsupply. Great prices for the DIY'r. I just bought my pipe from them though. Not worth the hassle with other stuff. Returns and such of none use fittings and stuff like that.

[Redlantern]

Hemi, just wondering, how come you are converting to pex? Are your existing waterlines galvanized? If it's a matter of cost compared to copper, I think if you price out the fittings and the tools, you'll find copper isn't that much more expensive and you get a better, more durable end result, in my opinion. Working with copper isn't rocket surgery. I'd be happy to help you out if your interested (for the price of a Fedors Ribeye cooked on a grill).

[311Hemi]

I have no issues installing copper, I just figured it would be a little cheaper and much less work since I am replacing all of the existing lines. They are currently run in all the wrong places for my basement bathroom install, and I am also going to be moving the water heater. I can't frame up my walls until I move most of it due to how they ran the main lines under and perpendicular to the floor joices, right up against the foundation wall. Plus, my dad and father in law have both been wanting to buy a tool anyways so no cost to me there.

Thanks for the offer though!! Funny you mention Fedors....I live right down the street! You live in the area before?

[Get'n Jiggy]

I've had PEX plumbing and in floor heat in our house for over 12 years

with no problems. In a remodel situation like you describe I can't see

NOT using PEX.

[Redlantern]

I was raised in New Brighton but got to know Fedors from being married to

Pauls oldest daughter for a couple of years. Paul and Gordy are some of the nicest people you could hope to meet. I try to throw a plug in for them any time I get a chance. Some pretty good meats.

[PurpleFloyd]

I was at Ferguson last week and saw a display for John Guest fittings, which look to be a better solution to the older style crimped bands I used when I did my last pex project several years ago.

[311Hemi]

I was raised in New Brighton but got to know Fedors from being married to

Pauls oldest daughter for a couple of years. Paul and Gordy are some of the nicest people you could hope to meet. I try to throw a plug in for them any time I get a chance. Some pretty good meats.

I can tell you I have purchased a lot of steaks from there over the past 7 years I have lived here!

[311Hemi]

I was at Ferguson last week and saw a display for John Guest fittings, which look to be a better solution to the older style crimped bands I used when I did my last pex project several years ago.

Were they a push in? That's all I am seeing in a quick google search. I would be planning on the crimp style over the push in style.

[PurpleFloyd]

Yes. they were push in fittings.

[Down Deep]

You could see if you can open a account with either Ferguson

I have used Ferguson for two plumbing projects and they have been great with the recommendations, advice and their products are first rate and used by the pros. Their people know what their doing. Plan on practicing your measuring and crimping before your tackle your project. A simple garden hose water supply is all you need to practice a few joints. Also, expect the inspector to really look over and be highly critical of your DIY job.

[Dave]

311Hemi,

Just wondering how your PEX project turned out? Did ya use copper bands?

[311Hemi]

Turned out good and everything was easy to install. I used the material from Menards which has the UPC stamp on it. I did end up using the copper bands.

[Dave]

Will be about 3 weeks or so before I do any "crimping" but nice to know it worked well for ya. You buy the crimper at the Big M also?

[311Hemi]

Yep, went with the Sioux Chief brand one vs the other one they had there. You will also need a tube cutter to cut the pex.

I bought a crimp removal tool there as well but I struggled with that.....but I bought the cheapest one they had. Not necessarily needed but I added a couple lines after everything was all set up and wanted to re-use a couple t-fittings. It might be just as cheap to buy a couple extra fittings and not worry about the removal tool.

[Eckie]

When I did mine, I purchased a crimper that had both 3/4 and 1/2 inch crimping capability. They're about $75-$80 individually -- but about the same price to buy the one I have.

[311Hemi]

When I did mine, I purchased a crimper that had both 3/4 and 1/2 inch crimping capability. They're about $75-$80 individually -- but about the same price to buy the one I have.

That's what I bough and used.