PEX PLUMBING

[NELSELGNE]

http://www.motherearthnews.com/DIY/2006_June_July/Easier_Plumbing_with_PEX

[Amanda_931]

I'd tackle plumbing with PEX.

[Pala]

OMG PEX is teh S***.  

You can run it how and wherever you want.  The fittings take about 10 seconds to apply.  Depending on the tool, try to NOT end up putting on fittings up in-between joists.  The Rahau tool (2 tools actually) is a bit hard to manage.  I ended up in some tight spots that took a long time just because they were hard to get at.  The Worsbo tool is a single tool and manageable with one hand.  So I hear.

I ran 3/4" PEX in the utility ditch all the way to the meter.

[peg_688]

Good article in FHB this month also. # 180, pg 70 .

 Wirsbo changed it's name resently  to , Uponor,  Jan 1, 2006

[glenn-k]

PEX is super - I'm certified in it - if that's any accomplshment  I took the class.  I have the Wirsbo hand operated tool.  The underground cabin is plumbed in PEX.

[Billy Bob]

Hey, I'm certified too!..... Oh, in PEX. [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

[JT(Guest)]

Two negatives I've encountered w/ PEX are exposure to UV and for some reason, rats and squirrels(bushy tailed rats) love the taste of it. The rodent problem was at two separate outbuildings where livestock and feed probably attracted them.

[Amanda_931]

Sounds like a good reason to keep cats and dogs.

Unless they make friends with the rats (bushy tailed or otherwise).

Or get too excited about fighting over a yummy piece of watermelon rind to pay any attention to the varmits.  (The Barkers did that this very afternoon).

[glenn kangiser]

Thanks for that, JT.  I have noticed UV damage in one summers time to the point of actually causing fractures that look similar to tempered glass breakage where it hasn't come apart yet.

I used it as a circulating line on my hot tub.  Per PEX, this is a no-no.  It must be covered and protected from UV even if only with 10 mil tape.

I haven't had the critter problem with PEX yet, but have with 1/4" drip tubing.

[bartholomew]

Yep, most plastics are susceptible to UV damage... chalking, fading, yellowing, becoming brittle... unless there are UV blocking and/or UV absorbing compounds mixed in. Otherwise you just have to keep sunlight off it. Painting it well do the trick. Don't know if the paint will keep the rats away. Lead paint might kill them, but that's a no-no.