On Jun 1, 9:12*am, "TomR" wrote:
mike wrote:
On 5/31/2013 10:58 AM, TomR wrote:
mike wrote:
I'm replacing 44' of buried 3/4 galvanized water pipe to the water
meter at the sidewalk.
Looks like PEX is the way to go.
. . . ,
Suggestions?
I think that, given the choice, I would go with the 1" instead of
3/4". Like you said, it is only a one time cost and the difference
isn't all that much compared to the whole job.
As others suggested, it may be a good idea to go to a plumbing
supply place near you (such as a Ferguson's etc. or whatever is near
you). *They will have the selection of Sharkbite fittings you need
if that is an issue.
Turns out there's a Furgeson's a mile from here.
Got two pieces of advice from them:
Don't bury sharkbite connectors.
All the PEX they sell is pretty *much the same as you get at home
depot.
Well, I wonder what they mean by that. *I am pretty sure though that, while
"PEX is PEX", the PEX that can be installed using the expansion method is
made using a special different process which is partly why it may be priced
a little higher. *And, I think (but I don't know for sure) that only Uponor
makes that type of PEX (that can be installed using the expansion method)..
I think Uponor calls that "AquaPEX" (their brand name), and I think that
type of PEX is called PEX-a. *PEX-a is made with one type of process, while
"regular" PEX (which is actually PEX-b) which is a different process.
"Regular" PEX -- meaning "PEX-b", the PEX that they sell at Home Depot,
Lowes, and lots of other places (including plumbing supply places like
Ferguson's) -- cannot be installed using the expansion method that can be
used with Uponor PEX.
Uponor AquaPEX (which is PEX-a) can be installed with the same fittings and
using either a crimping or clamping method that can be used with any other
PEX tubing (including PEX-b). *The difference is that Uponor AquaPEX can
also be installed using an expander system and using Uponor ProPEX fittings.
Since the Ferguson's near you said, "All the PEX they sell is pretty much
the same as you get at home depot.", I wonder if that means that they do not
sell Uponor PEX that can be installed using the expansion method. *That's
fine, if that's what they mean. *On my last check, the Ferguson's near me
only stocks "regular" PEX which is pretty much the same as HD or Lowes PEX
etc. *They told me that is because not many people in my area use the Uponor
PEX and the expansion installation method. *But, they do sell Uponor PEX
which uses the expansion method and they can have delivered to their
location from their warehouse the next day for pickup. *Maybe your
Ferguson's works the same way, and maybe that's what they meant.
I only mention this because, if you do the research, I think you'll find
that all PEX is not the same -- most is, but the Uponor/expansion type is
different and is the only one that can be installed using the expansion
technique. *The Uponor YouTube videos explain that and
*http://www.pexsupply.com/resources/videos*has some videos on the same
topic.
After consideration, I plunked down the $90 for the pex crimper tool.
I feel better about having a good outcome. *And there's lots more
spring in my step, because my wallet is a lot lighter. ;-)
That sounds like a workable solution for what you want to do.
My comments on the Uponor AquaPEX stuff is not intended to suggest that you
need to use that or that there is any problem with what you are planning on
doing. *I just wanted to pass on the info in general since there really are
different types of PEX tubing that are used for regular plumbing (PEX-a and
PEX-b, for example). *I think the Ferguson's near you would confirm that if
you ask them in detail, but they probably only deal with and stock mostly
the "regular" PEX-b product that is similar to what HD and Lowes etc. sells.
And, just for the record, as thehttp://www.pexsupply.com/resources/videos
videos show, there are also different types of PEX for different
applications such as for baseboard heating systems, etc.
Good luck in your project. *Let us know how it works out.
I thoroughly researched the PEX back in 2007 before I took the plunge
on a PEX re-pipe.
I even discussed it privately with Ed.
I chose Wirsbo / Uponor... expansion method with ProPEX brass
fittings.
I got all my stuff (including awesome copper / brass homerun
manifolds) from
http://www.pexsupply.com/
Awesome service, great pricing & great selection. I figured I'd go
with a company that sells a LOT of material.
My buddy & I subsequently re-piped his ex-wife's house.
Every thing worked..no problems, no leaks. It's been about 5 years.
Oh IIRC PEX-a,b or c relates to the method used to "cross-link" the
PE.