I am getting ready to do some PEX plumbing for the first time and I am
learning about the various types of PEX systems and connections. I have
done copper and PVC/CPVC plumbing before but I want to learn and start using
PEX.

Here's a YouTube video I found that explains 6 types of PEX connections:

PEXsupply.com - 6 types of PEX connections (time 8:35)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvAzcJpM0k


Which of these types of PEX connection systems would you suggest or
recommend? I expect to be doing enough PEX plumbing now and in the future
that I am not worried about the cost of the tools. But I would be
interested in knowing how the different systems compare in terms of the cost
of the fittings, the brand or type of PEX tubing required for each system,
etc.

P.S. I also found these two that give more general info about PEX:

Plumbpedia 4 PEX Water Pipe Part 1 (time 6:50)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZyVrw4gV5k



Plumbpedia 4 PEX Water Pipe Part 1 (time 6:50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJMKVGSFc-Y&NR=1

On Feb 23, 4:11*pm, "Len56" wrote:
I am getting ready to do some PEX plumbing for the first time and I am
learning about the various types of PEX systems and connections. *I have
done copper and PVC/CPVC plumbing before but I want to learn and start using
PEX.

Here's a YouTube video I found that explains 6 types of PEX connections:

PEXsupply.com - 6 types of PEX connections (time 8:35)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvAzcJpM0k

Which of these types of PEX connection systems would you suggest or
recommend? *I expect to be doing enough PEX plumbing now and in the future
that I am not worried about the cost of the tools. *But I would be
interested in knowing how the different systems compare in terms of the cost
of the fittings, the brand or type of PEX tubing required for each system,
etc.

P.S. I also found these two that give more general info about PEX:

Plumbpedia 4 PEX Water Pipe Part 1 (time 6:50)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZyVrw4gV5k

Plumbpedia 4 PEX Water Pipe Part 1 (time 6:50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJMKVGSFc-Y&NR=1

Crimp or clamp , clamp I perfer it is all I use.

On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:11:58 -0500, "Len56"
wrote:

I am getting ready to do some PEX plumbing for the first time and I am
learning about the various types of PEX systems and connections.

Riddle me this. Does your local code, EVEN allow PEX?

Oren wrote:
On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:11:58 -0500, "Len56"
wrote:

I am getting ready to do some PEX plumbing for the first time and I
am learning about the various types of PEX systems and connections.

Riddle me this. Does your local code, EVEN allow PEX?

Yes, it does.

wrote:
On Feb 23, 4:11 pm, "Len56" wrote:

Here's a YouTube video I found that explains 6 types of PEX
connections:

PEXsupply.com - 6 types of PEX connections (time 8:35)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvAzcJpM0k

Crimp or clamp , clamp I perfer it is all I use.

Thanks. The PEXsupply.com video did say that the HydroPEX clamping tool is
the tool that they sell the most.

"Len56" wrote in message ...
I am getting ready to do some PEX plumbing for the first time and I am
learning about the various types of PEX systems and connections. I have
done copper and PVC/CPVC plumbing before but I want to learn and start using
PEX.

Here's a YouTube video I found that explains 6 types of PEX connections:

PEXsupply.com - 6 types of PEX connections (time 8:35)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvAzcJpM0k


Which of these types of PEX connection systems would you suggest or
recommend? I expect to be doing enough PEX plumbing now and in the future
that I am not worried about the cost of the tools. But I would be
interested in knowing how the different systems compare in terms of the cost
of the fittings, the brand or type of PEX tubing required for each system,
etc.

P.S. I also found these two that give more general info about PEX:

Plumbpedia 4 PEX Water Pipe Part 1 (time 6:50)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZyVrw4gV5k
QuikConect fittings are very expensive but not as expensive as the brass versions of Shark Byte (I believe). Crimp connections are relatively inexpensive. A Quik connect T for example is about 9 or 11 bucks and valves about 14$. These are 3/4" prices but the 1/2" are also expensive. Also you have to be absolutely sure if you use the push in plastic fittings that you have it ALL the way in. Listen for 2 clicks. The second one takes a lot of hand pressure. Try to assemble as much of it as you can before it is in the wall or floor. I asked for some tips in this group about 3 weeks ago but didn't get any response. Also I had the misconception that the PEX was very flexible to make bends. .I learned that is not so. You need a pretty large radius to make a bend or turn without the need ells or T's. It goes up fast though.







Plumbpedia 4 PEX Water Pipe Part 1 (time 6:50)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJMKVGSFc-Y&NR=1

On Feb 24, 6:12*am, "Len56" wrote:
wrote:
On Feb 23, 4:11 pm, "Len56" wrote:

Here's a YouTube video I found that explains 6 types of PEX
connections:

PEXsupply.com - 6 types of PEX connections (time 8:35)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwvAzcJpM0k
Crimp or clamp , clamp I perfer it is all I use.

Thanks. *The PEXsupply.com video did say that the HydroPEX clamping tool is
the tool that they sell the most.


I bought / buy my supplies from PEXsupply.com. ...they are the best.

Over the last couple years they have improved their online parts
ordering, selection..... and now with that informative video, really
explain the the range of PEX connection choices

Back when I was started to look at PEX for re-pipes (2005) the info
was not neatly collected so I had to gather it all myself.

I did not discover the clamp type system and SharkBites were not
widely available.

I chose among these systems at the time:
copper ring crimp
stainless sleeve crimp
PEX ring expander

I settled on Wirsbo / Uponor PEX ring expander system.....not sure
exactly why.

I guess I didnt like the idea of squeezing the hell out of the PEX
will a metal ring. It made me nervous. Plus I liked the brass
fittings & the fact that no external metal part was needed. The only
way an expansion connection can fail is:

internal fitting fails
PEX material fails

Also Wirsbo/Uponor is a major PEX mfr / supplier, another reason to
use their system.

I didn't know (at the time) that plumbers that do a ton of PEX tend to
use expander system but I found out later on.
I have a hand expander (from ebay used, 3 heads) like the in the
video...1/2 or 3/4" expansions are very easy by hand, but 1"
expansions are a lot of work, a real struggle but doable.

I think the crimp system is popular with DIY's because the tool is
cheaper.

If you're gonna do a lot of PEX....I would go with the Wirsbo/Uponor
expansion system and serious consider that battery powered expander.
They're rather spendy but super FAST & easy!

I've done a couple houses at this point and using the "home run"
design, there are less than 40 connections to make (typical 2 bath
house)

Plus (as far as I know) the expansion system is the only one with
power tool option.

When I first got my PEX supplies & tool, I made up some connections
to play with......they're really strong.
My oldest install is 3 years at this point....no problems (yet?)

cheers
Bob

SharkBites are quite, easy, reliable but kinda expensive for a whole
house. I've used them (not for PEX) for "one off" repairs, faster
than setting up to sweat a single connection.

Oren wrote:
On Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:11:58 -0500, "Len56"
wrote:

I am getting ready to do some PEX plumbing for the first time and I am
learning about the various types of PEX systems and connections.

Riddle me this. Does your local code, EVEN allow PEX?


Perhaps he's not governed by code. Perhaps he's is and not telling
them. Many variables here. Code is not God.

s

Thanks fftt. That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. I do like the fact that it appears that many or most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. And, when I look in places like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. Maybe all that anyone sells these days is already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that PEXsupply.com
seemed to have the best ones. In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website". I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos and
training info under that tab or link. They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor radiant
heating). Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. I haven't figured out yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.

fftt wrote:

I bought / buy my supplies from PEXsupply.com. ...they are the best.

Over the last couple years they have improved their online parts
ordering, selection..... and now with that informative video, really
explain the the range of PEX connection choices

Back when I was started to look at PEX for re-pipes (2005) the info
was not neatly collected so I had to gather it all myself.

I did not discover the clamp type system and SharkBites were not
widely available.

I chose among these systems at the time:
copper ring crimp
stainless sleeve crimp
PEX ring expander

I settled on Wirsbo / Uponor PEX ring expander system.....not sure
exactly why.

I guess I didnt like the idea of squeezing the hell out of the PEX
will a metal ring. It made me nervous. Plus I liked the brass
fittings & the fact that no external metal part was needed. The only
way an expansion connection can fail is:

internal fitting fails
PEX material fails

Also Wirsbo/Uponor is a major PEX mfr / supplier, another reason to
use their system.

I didn't know (at the time) that plumbers that do a ton of PEX tend to
use expander system but I found out later on.
I have a hand expander (from ebay used, 3 heads) like the in the
video...1/2 or 3/4" expansions are very easy by hand, but 1"
expansions are a lot of work, a real struggle but doable.

I think the crimp system is popular with DIY's because the tool is
cheaper.

If you're gonna do a lot of PEX....I would go with the Wirsbo/Uponor
expansion system and serious consider that battery powered expander.
They're rather spendy but super FAST & easy!

I've done a couple houses at this point and using the "home run"
design, there are less than 40 connections to make (typical 2 bath
house)

Plus (as far as I know) the expansion system is the only one with
power tool option.

When I first got my PEX supplies & tool, I made up some connections
to play with......they're really strong.
My oldest install is 3 years at this point....no problems (yet?)

cheers
Bob

SharkBites are quite, easy, reliable but kinda expensive for a whole
house. I've used them (not for PEX) for "one off" repairs, faster
than setting up to sweat a single connection.

In article ,
"Len56" wrote:

Thanks fftt. That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. I do like the fact that it appears that many or most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. And, when I look in places like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. Maybe all that anyone sells these days is already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that PEXsupply.com
seemed to have the best ones. In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website". I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos and
training info under that tab or link. They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor radiant
heating). Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. I haven't figured out yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.


I'm appreciating this thread, because I need to learn how to maintain /
repair the PEX system that came with the remodeled place we just bought.
After looking at that first video, I'm surprised by the popularity of
the expander system. To me it looks damn tedious (assuming a hand tool,)
and also looks to me like the tubing is stretched far beyond the
weakening point.

I did find the "learning center" by clicking on the Pex Plumbing link
from the home page. That page has a clear link to the learning center
which is:

http://www.pexsupply.com/pexplumbing.asp

fftt wrote:

I bought / buy my supplies from PEXsupply.com. ...they are the best.

Over the last couple years they have improved their online parts
ordering, *selection..... and now with that informative video, really
explain the the range of PEX connection choices

Back when I was started to look at PEX for re-pipes (2005) the info
was not neatly collected so I had to gather it all myself.

I did not discover the clamp type system and SharkBites were not
widely available.

I chose among these systems at the time:
copper ring crimp
stainless sleeve crimp
PEX ring expander

I settled on Wirsbo / Uponor PEX ring expander system.....not sure
exactly why.

I guess I didnt like the idea of squeezing the hell out of the PEX
will a metal ring. *It made me nervous. *Plus I liked the brass
fittings & the fact that no external metal part was needed. *The only
way an expansion connection can fail is:

internal fitting fails
PEX material fails

Also *Wirsbo/Uponor is a major PEX *mfr / supplier, another reason to
use their system.

I didn't know (at the time) that plumbers that do a ton of PEX tend to
use expander system but I found out later on.
I have a hand expander (from ebay used, 3 heads) like the in the
video...1/2 or 3/4" expansions are very easy by hand, but 1"
expansions are a lot of work, a real struggle but doable.

I think the crimp system is popular with DIY's because the tool is
cheaper.

If you're gonna do a lot of PEX....I would go with the Wirsbo/Uponor
expansion system and serious consider that battery powered expander.
They're rather spendy but super FAST & easy!

I've done a couple houses at this point and using the "home run"
design, there are less than 40 connections to make (typical 2 bath
house)

Plus (as far as I know) the expansion system is the only one with
power tool option.

When I first got my PEX supplies & tool, *I made up some connections
to play with......they're really strong.
My oldest install is 3 years at this point....no problems (yet?) *

cheers
Bob

SharkBites are quite, easy, reliable but kinda expensive for a whole
house. *I've used them (not for PEX) for "one off" repairs, faster
than setting up to sweat a single connection.

On Feb 25, 6:35 am, "Len56" wrote:
Thanks fftt. That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. I do like the fact that it appears that many or most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. And, when I look in places like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. Maybe all that anyone sells these days is already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that PEXsupply.com
seemed to have the best ones. In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website". I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos and
training info under that tab or link. They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor radiant
heating). Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. I haven't figured out yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.




PEX-A -B or -C refers to the process used to cross link the
polymer.

really PEX should be PE-Xa (polyethylene cross linked - process A)

Wirsbo PEX is PEX-A .....I'd stick with their tubing & fittings
They call it AquaPEX (they should be more careful with their wording)

here is a website (they dont sell any PEX prodcuts) but I have found
their info to be solid (if a bit "old school" / conservative)
http://www.plumbingworld.com/pexpipe.html ex

I thought you had found the videos on PEXsupply.com ......... good
videos, should be easier to find

I haven't been back to PEXsupply.com in over a year but I do know
that they are responsive to requests for info & have greatly improved
their website since I first went there (2004)

WIrsbo has a lot of info on their website but they are not very
responsvie to email or telephone calls...what you find is what you
get.

I haven't had the need to do heating system, so I dont know much
about the tubing requirements but PEX-A might be ok....but I'd ask
Wirsbo / Uponor about heating apps for their AquaPex and their
expansion system

cheers
Bob

fftt wrote:
fftt wrote:

I bought / buy my supplies from PEXsupply.com. ...they are the best.
Over the last couple years they have improved their online parts
ordering, selection..... and now with that informative video, really
explain the the range of PEX connection choices
Back when I was started to look at PEX for re-pipes (2005) the info
was not neatly collected so I had to gather it all myself.
I did not discover the clamp type system and SharkBites were not
widely available.
I chose among these systems at the time:
copper ring crimp
stainless sleeve crimp
PEX ring expander
I settled on Wirsbo / Uponor PEX ring expander system.....not sure
exactly why.
I guess I didnt like the idea of squeezing the hell out of the PEX
will a metal ring. It made me nervous. Plus I liked the brass
fittings & the fact that no external metal part was needed. The only
way an expansion connection can fail is:
internal fitting fails
PEX material fails
Also Wirsbo/Uponor is a major PEX mfr / supplier, another reason to
use their system.
I didn't know (at the time) that plumbers that do a ton of PEX tend to
use expander system but I found out later on.
I have a hand expander (from ebay used, 3 heads) like the in the
video...1/2 or 3/4" expansions are very easy by hand, but 1"
expansions are a lot of work, a real struggle but doable.
I think the crimp system is popular with DIY's because the tool is
cheaper.
If you're gonna do a lot of PEX....I would go with the Wirsbo/Uponor
expansion system and serious consider that battery powered expander.
They're rather spendy but super FAST & easy!
I've done a couple houses at this point and using the "home run"
design, there are less than 40 connections to make (typical 2 bath
house)
Plus (as far as I know) the expansion system is the only one with
power tool option.
When I first got my PEX supplies & tool, I made up some connections
to play with......they're really strong.
My oldest install is 3 years at this point....no problems (yet?)
cheers
Bob
SharkBites are quite, easy, reliable but kinda expensive for a whole
house. I've used them (not for PEX) for "one off" repairs, faster
than setting up to sweat a single connection.

On Feb 25, 6:35 am, "Len56" wrote:
Thanks fftt. That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. I do like the fact that it appears that many or most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. And, when I look in places like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. Maybe all that anyone sells these days is already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that PEXsupply.com
seemed to have the best ones. In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website". I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos and
training info under that tab or link. They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor radiant
heating). Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. I haven't figured out yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.




PEX-A -B or -C refers to the process used to cross link the
polymer.

really PEX should be PE-Xa (polyethylene cross linked - process A)

Wirsbo PEX is PEX-A .....I'd stick with their tubing & fittings
They call it AquaPEX (they should be more careful with their wording)

here is a website (they dont sell any PEX prodcuts) but I have found
their info to be solid (if a bit "old school" / conservative)
http://www.plumbingworld.com/pexpipe.html ex

I thought you had found the videos on PEXsupply.com ......... good
videos, should be easier to find

I haven't been back to PEXsupply.com in over a year but I do know
that they are responsive to requests for info & have greatly improved
their website since I first went there (2004)

WIrsbo has a lot of info on their website but they are not very
responsvie to email or telephone calls...what you find is what you
get.


Actually they are very responsive. The local mom & pop plumbing place is
a full stocking Wirsbo distributor. I can buy stuff there for less than
the online places or big box and when I was doing the radiant heat in
the house they gave me a ticket to attend a local sales/training session
held by Wirsbo. They demonstrated all of the tooling and techniques and
I got the various manuals and engineering design guides and a contact
number to call to ask questions. Its also great having local stock
because you might be in the middle of a project and forgot to get
something. I had that happen late one day and the one owner dropped it
off on his way home.

I haven't had the need to do heating system, so I dont know much
about the tubing requirements but PEX-A might be ok....but I'd ask
Wirsbo / Uponor about heating apps for their AquaPex and their
expansion system

cheers
Bob

Smitty Two wrote:

I did find the "learning center" by clicking on the Pex Plumbing link
from the home page. That page has a clear link to the learning center
which is:

http://www.pexsupply.com/pexplumbing.asp

I think they added those links in the last day or two, possibly in response
to the email I sent them. To me, they are still hard to find partly because
they are buried down on the page and people have to scroll down to even see
the links. But at least they are there. The "Learning center" link just
points to a text page, but no to their videos. They do have one link to one
of their videos (which I think they just added), bu they have other videos
on YouTube that they could provide links to.

Since their website is called PEXsupply.com, I think they should have a
clear TAB or main link at the top of their home page that says "PEX Learning
Center". That's what I put in my email suggestion to them. I was glad that
they quickly wrote a direct response to my email that specifically addressed
what I wrote and wasn't a form letter. That's rare these days.

In article ,
"Len56" wrote:

Smitty Two wrote:

I did find the "learning center" by clicking on the Pex Plumbing link
from the home page. That page has a clear link to the learning center
which is:

http://www.pexsupply.com/pexplumbing.asp

I think they added those links in the last day or two, possibly in response
to the email I sent them. To me, they are still hard to find partly because
they are buried down on the page and people have to scroll down to even see
the links. But at least they are there. The "Learning center" link just
points to a text page, but no to their videos. They do have one link to one
of their videos (which I think they just added), bu they have other videos
on YouTube that they could provide links to.

Since their website is called PEXsupply.com, I think they should have a
clear TAB or main link at the top of their home page that says "PEX Learning
Center". That's what I put in my email suggestion to them. I was glad that
they quickly wrote a direct response to my email that specifically addressed
what I wrote and wasn't a form letter. That's rare these days.

Yeah, I looked at the learning center page *after* I posted the link,
and it's weak at best. And I could only find one video, also.

A lot of websites are just too damn noisy. Completely disorganized, with
so many different things on one page that it's impossible to navigate
through the site with any logic. PEX Supply (which obviously carries a
hell of a lot of stuff other than PEX) is a typical disorganized mess.

I tell all my suppliers at work, you want to improve your website, copy
McMaster Carr. I think it's hands down the best website on the whole WWW.

On Feb 25, 9:37*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,



*"Len56" wrote:
Thanks fftt. *That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. *I do like the fact that it appears that many or most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). *When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. *And, when I look in places like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. *Maybe all that anyone sells these days is already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. *I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that PEXsupply..com
seemed to have the best ones. *In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website". *I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos and
training info under that tab or link. *They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor radiant
heating). *Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. *I haven't figured out yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.

I'm appreciating this thread, because I need to learn how to maintain /
repair the PEX system that came with the remodeled place we just bought.
After looking at that first video, I'm surprised by the popularity of
the expander system. To me it looks damn tedious (assuming a hand tool,)
and also looks to me like the tubing is stretched far beyond the
weakening point.

I did find the "learning center" by clicking on the Pex Plumbing link
from the home page. That page has a clear link to the learning center
which is:

http://www.pexsupply.com/pexplumbing.asp

Smitty-

I thought the same about the expansion system but I researched &
agonized before taking the plunge.

For 1/2" connections (the vast majority of residential connections)
the hand tool is EASY to use, expansions take 4 or 5 effortless
pumps.

Truth be told....the 1" connections take two fairly strong guys to do
with the hand tool. I've only had to do a handful of 1" conncetions,
but enough to start to think about a battery powered tool.

The "doubler ring" beefs up the tube at the connection. I've done
practice connections without the doubler and they cannot be taken
apart by hand. With the doubler ring, the connections are very
strong....soaked in boiling water, the connections cannot be defeated
by hand.

To disassemble the connections, one needs to cut away the doubler ring
(I use a utility knife) and then carefully shave through about 1/2 of
the tube wall thickness without nicking the fitting. With the
connection thus weakened it is possible to "pry" the tube off the
fitting by hand.

I think that one of the reasons the expander system is popular with
pro plumbers is that the battery expander & auto-rotation adapter
makes expansions about as easy as using a battery powered drill to
countersink a hole. A few seconds & you're done, but at $650 for a
used unit....pretty spendy.

cheers
Bob

In article
,
fftt wrote:

On Feb 25, 9:37*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,



*"Len56" wrote:
Thanks fftt. *That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you
taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. *I do like the fact that it appears that many or
most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with
regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). *When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing
they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. *And, when I look in places
like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. *Maybe all that anyone sells these days is
already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. *I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX
videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that
PEXsupply.com
seemed to have the best ones. *In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they
say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website". *I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an
email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos
and
training info under that tab or link. *They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor
radiant
heating). *Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the
expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. *I haven't figured out
yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.

I'm appreciating this thread, because I need to learn how to maintain /
repair the PEX system that came with the remodeled place we just bought.
After looking at that first video, I'm surprised by the popularity of
the expander system. To me it looks damn tedious (assuming a hand tool,)
and also looks to me like the tubing is stretched far beyond the
weakening point.

I did find the "learning center" by clicking on the Pex Plumbing link
from the home page. That page has a clear link to the learning center
which is:

http://www.pexsupply.com/pexplumbing.asp

Smitty-

I thought the same about the expansion system but I researched &
agonized before taking the plunge.

For 1/2" connections (the vast majority of residential connections)
the hand tool is EASY to use, expansions take 4 or 5 effortless
pumps.

Truth be told....the 1" connections take two fairly strong guys to do
with the hand tool. I've only had to do a handful of 1" conncetions,
but enough to start to think about a battery powered tool.

The "doubler ring" beefs up the tube at the connection. I've done
practice connections without the doubler and they cannot be taken
apart by hand. With the doubler ring, the connections are very
strong....soaked in boiling water, the connections cannot be defeated
by hand.

To disassemble the connections, one needs to cut away the doubler ring
(I use a utility knife) and then carefully shave through about 1/2 of
the tube wall thickness without nicking the fitting. With the
connection thus weakened it is possible to "pry" the tube off the
fitting by hand.

I think that one of the reasons the expander system is popular with
pro plumbers is that the battery expander & auto-rotation adapter
makes expansions about as easy as using a battery powered drill to
countersink a hole. A few seconds & you're done, but at $650 for a
used unit....pretty spendy.

cheers
Bob

Yeah, that's a tad spendy all right. What about power tools for the
clamping system? I could make a pair of dies for my pneumatic rivet
squeezer pretty easily. Someone must have done that, though?

My immediate need is just to fix some small issues around the house,
like a slow drip under the bar sink. I also want to figure out how to
put a hot water recirculator under the kitchen sink.

On Feb 25, 9:09*pm, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,



*fftt wrote:
On Feb 25, 9:37*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,

*"Len56" wrote:
Thanks fftt. *That's a lot of good information and I appreciate you
taking
the time to write it.

I'm leaning toward the Wirsbo/Uponor expander system, but I am not
completely sure yet. *I do like the fact that it appears that many or
most
professional plumbers use that system.

One thing I am not quite sure about yet is that the video says that the
Wirsbo expander system requires PEX-A tubing and cannot be used with
regular
PEX tubing (or something like that). *When I look at the PEXsupply.com
website, I don't seem to see anything which states that the PEX tubing
they
sell is PEX-A as opposed to "regular" PEX. *And, when I look in places
like
Home Depot or Lowes, I don't see anything about PEX-A vs. "regular" PEX
tubing in what they sell. *Maybe all that anyone sells these days is
already
PEX-A, but I don't know.

Finding the PEXsupply.com videos on their website is not that easy in my
opinion. *I originally found them when doing a YouTube search for PEX
videos
and I had to look at a lot of videos before figuring out that
PEXsupply.com
seemed to have the best ones. *In some of the PEXsupply.com videos they
say
to "check out our PEX Learning Center on the PEXsupply.com website".. *I
couldn't find anything called that on their website, so I sent them an
email
a few days ago suggesting that they put a clear tab or link on their home
page called "PEX Learning Center" and have links to all of their videos
and
training info under that tab or link. *They did write back right away and
said they will consider that in future planning of their website.

Another thing that I am looking into is the possible use of PEX for hot
water radiator heating supply and return pipes (not the under-floor
radiant
heating). *Apparently, PEX-Aluminum-PEX is used for that, and the
expander
system doesn't work with PEX-Aluminum-PEX tubing. *I haven't figured out
yet
if the stainless steel ring crimping system can be used with
PEX-Aluminum-PEX, but I'm checking that out.

I'm appreciating this thread, because I need to learn how to maintain /
repair the PEX system that came with the remodeled place we just bought.
After looking at that first video, I'm surprised by the popularity of
the expander system. To me it looks damn tedious (assuming a hand tool,)
and also looks to me like the tubing is stretched far beyond the
weakening point.

I did find the "learning center" by clicking on the Pex Plumbing link
from the home page. That page has a clear link to the learning center
which is:

http://www.pexsupply.com/pexplumbing.asp

Smitty-

I thought the same about the expansion system *but I researched &
agonized before taking the plunge.

For 1/2" connections (the vast majority of residential connections)
the hand tool is EASY to use, expansions take 4 or 5 effortless
pumps.

Truth be told....the 1" connections take two fairly strong guys to do
with the hand tool. * I've only had to do a handful of 1" conncetions,
but enough to start to think about a battery powered tool.

The "doubler ring" *beefs up the tube at the connection. *I've done
practice connections without the doubler and they cannot be taken
apart by hand. * With the doubler ring, the connections are very
strong....soaked in boiling water, the connections cannot be defeated
by hand.

To disassemble the connections, one needs to cut away the doubler ring
(I use a utility knife) and then carefully shave through about 1/2 of
the tube wall thickness without nicking the fitting. * *With the
connection thus weakened it is possible to "pry" the tube off the
fitting by hand.

I think that one of the reasons the expander system is popular with
pro plumbers is that the battery expander & auto-rotation adapter
makes expansions about as easy as using a battery powered drill to
countersink a hole. * A few seconds & you're done, but at $650 for a
used unit....pretty spendy.

cheers
Bob

Yeah, that's a tad spendy all right. What about power tools for the
clamping system? I could make a pair of dies for my pneumatic rivet
squeezer pretty easily. Someone must have done that, though?

My immediate need is just to fix some small issues around the house,
like a slow drip under the bar sink. I also want to figure out how to
put a hot water recirculator under the kitchen sink.

My suggestion for "instant" hot water at the kticehn sink is a

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/L.../23000/Cat/534


A single small leak? Can you cut out the offending parts & re-
connect with SharkBite?

cheers
Bob

In article
,
fftt wrote:

On Feb 25, 9:09*pm, Smitty Two wrote:


My immediate need is just to fix some small issues around the house,
like a slow drip under the bar sink. I also want to figure out how to
put a hot water recirculator under the kitchen sink.

My suggestion for "instant" hot water at the kticehn sink is a

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/L...irculator-Pump
-and-Valve-System/23000/Cat/534


A single small leak? Can you cut out the offending parts & re-
connect with SharkBite?


I'll be "on site" this weekend and planning to take a closer look at it.
The leak seems to be where the PEX meets the shutoff valve but since
this is the first PEX I've ever seen, it was greek to me. Now that I
know more than zero about the stuff, I should be able to acquire tools
and supplies sufficient to devise and implement a repair.

Since the PEX system is manifold based, I'm assuming recirculating would
have to be done for each branch rather than house-wide. The lag is most
annoying in the kitchen, though, so some fix is definitely on the menu
there.

Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,
fftt wrote:

On Feb 25, 9:09 pm, Smitty Two wrote:

My immediate need is just to fix some small issues around the house,
like a slow drip under the bar sink. I also want to figure out how to
put a hot water recirculator under the kitchen sink.
My suggestion for "instant" hot water at the kticehn sink is a

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/L...irculator-Pump
-and-Valve-System/23000/Cat/534


A single small leak? Can you cut out the offending parts & re-
connect with SharkBite?


I'll be "on site" this weekend and planning to take a closer look at it.
The leak seems to be where the PEX meets the shutoff valve but since
this is the first PEX I've ever seen, it was greek to me. Now that I
know more than zero about the stuff, I should be able to acquire tools
and supplies sufficient to devise and implement a repair.

Since the PEX system is manifold based, I'm assuming recirculating would
have to be done for each branch rather than house-wide. The lag is most
annoying in the kitchen, though, so some fix is definitely on the menu
there.

This is the one i'm considering for our kitchen. Although the review
say it's a bit loud. Perhaps a remote mounting could help in that area.

http://www.chilipepperapp.com/

steve

Steve Barker wrote:

This is the one i'm considering for our kitchen. Although the review
say it's a bit loud. Perhaps a remote mounting could help in that
area.
http://www.chilipepperapp.com/


That looks interesting. I had never heard of that system before, but it
seems to make sense. And, the website gives a ton of specific information
about how it works, what it does, how to install it, etc.

fftt wrote:

Wirsbo PEX is PEX-A .....I'd stick with their tubing & fittings
They call it AquaPEX (they should be more careful with their wording)

here is a website (they dont sell any PEX prodcuts) but I have found
their info to be solid (if a bit "old school" / conservative)
http://www.plumbingworld.com/pexpipe.html

That's an interesting website. Even though it could be considerd to be a
little "old school" and conservative, they are right up front about what
they believe, why they believe it, etc.

One thing I noticed is that Wirsbo wrote that they only sell their products
to plumbing supply houses. I assume that's why I don't see their products
in places like Home Depot and Lowes. If that's the case, I'll go to a
plumbing supply place in my area (or order online via PEXsupply.com ) to get
AquaPEX. That way I'll know I'm getting PEX-A. From everything I've seen
so far, PEX-A is a better choice regardless of whether I use the expander
system or a crimping or clamping system.

Wow, get this....,

Other than buying it online at places like PEXsupply.com, I can NOT find any
places where I can buy any Uponor/Wirsbo PEX tubing (AquaPEX) or the
expander tools!

I went to the http://Uponor-USA.com website and even THEY don't say where I
can buy their products or the expander tool. All they say on their website
is that website visitors like me can request that a local installer contact
them -- no "find a dealer", no plumbing supply places, etc.

I live in New Jersey (South Jersey), and I tried going to my local plumbing
supply place this afternoon. It's one of those walk-up-counter-type
plumbing supply places where plumbers go and get what they need They don't
sell any Uponor/Wirsbo expander-type PEX tubing, parts, or tools. Two
plumbers there said that no plumbers that they know of use it. They said
they all use "regular" PEX with crimp rings. The plumbing supply store only
stocks Viega (used to be Vanguard) PEX, fittings, and tools or (for use with
the same Viega PEX tubing) stainless steel clamps and the tool for that.

Then I went online again and searched for plumbing supply stores in my area.
Only one even mentioned the brand Uponor (or Wirsbo -- apparently Uponor's
former name). I'm going to check out that one store in person tomorrow to
see what they say. None of the other plumbing supply places carry any
expansion-type PEX systems, tubing, tools, etc.

After seeing the PEXsupply.com video which said that almost all professional
plumbers use the Uponor/Wirsbo expander-type system and tools, I am stunned
to find that it is virtually impossible for me to find a place to buy the
stuff (except for online).


"Len56" wrote in message
...

One thing I noticed is that Wirsbo wrote that they only sell their
products to plumbing supply houses. I assume that's why I don't see their
products in places like Home Depot and Lowes. If that's the case, I'll go
to a plumbing supply place in my area (or order online via PEXsupply.com )
to get AquaPEX. That way I'll know I'm getting PEX-A. From everything
I've seen so far, PEX-A is a better choice regardless of whether I use the
expander system or a crimping or clamping system.

On Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:20:12 -0500, "Len56"
wrote:

I live in New Jersey (South Jersey)

What Exit?

I bought my house and it had Vanguard pex. Contact Ferguson Plumbing
for some information. Vanguard was bought-out some months or years
ago.

http://www.ferguson.com/index.shtml

They can rent the crimper tool, for a day.

On Feb 26, 4:20*pm, "Len56" wrote:
Wow, get this....,

Other than buying it online at places like PEXsupply.com, I can NOT find any
places where I can buy any Uponor/Wirsbo PEX tubing (AquaPEX) or the
expander tools!

I went to thehttp://Uponor-USA.comwebsite and even THEY don't say where I
can buy their products or the expander tool. *All they say on their website
is that website visitors like me can request that a local installer contact
them -- no "find a dealer", no plumbing supply places, etc.

I live in New Jersey (South Jersey), and I tried going to my local plumbing
supply place this afternoon. *It's one of those walk-up-counter-type
plumbing supply places where plumbers go and get what they need * They don't
sell any Uponor/Wirsbo expander-type PEX tubing, parts, or tools. *Two
plumbers there said that no plumbers that they know of use it. *They said
they all use "regular" PEX with crimp rings. *The plumbing supply store only
stocks Viega (used to be Vanguard) PEX, fittings, and tools or (for use with
the same Viega PEX tubing) stainless steel clamps and the tool for that.

Then I went online again and searched for plumbing supply stores in my area.
Only one even mentioned the brand Uponor (or Wirsbo -- apparently Uponor's
former name). *I'm going to check out that one store in person tomorrow to
see what they say. *None of the other plumbing supply places carry any
expansion-type PEX systems, tubing, tools, etc.

After seeing the PEXsupply.com video which said that almost all professional
plumbers use the Uponor/Wirsbo expander-type system and tools, I am stunned
to find that it is virtually impossible for me to find a place to buy the
stuff (except for online).

"Len56" wrote in message

...



One thing I noticed is that Wirsbo wrote that they only sell their
products to plumbing supply houses. *I assume that's why I don't see their
products in places like Home Depot and Lowes. *If that's the case, I'll go
to a plumbing supply place in my area (or order online via PEXsupply.com )
to get AquaPEX. *That way I'll know I'm getting PEX-A. *From everything
I've seen so far, PEX-A is a better choice regardless of whether I use the
expander system or a crimping or clamping system.

Plumber's Warehouse in SoCal carries Wirsbo/Uponor tubing, fittings &
tools...they didn't carry any PEX supplies a few years ago.

The Californina plumbing code that was adopted by the state Jan 2009 &
goes into effect later this year has finally ok'd the use of PEX for
residential fresh water. Prior to this about 180 cites allowed the
use.

More & more professional plumbing supply houses carry PEX in
California. The couple of professional plumbers that I know use
Wirsbo & and have the battery powered expanders. In tight quarters,
the battery expander is hard to beat, its a one handed tool.....any
lever style expander or crimper is at a great disadvantage where space
is tight.

I researched PEX for a long time before I made the choice of the
Wirsbo expansion system.

cheers
Bob

cheers
Bob

Len56 wrote:
fftt wrote:
Wirsbo PEX is PEX-A .....I'd stick with their tubing & fittings
They call it AquaPEX (they should be more careful with their wording)

here is a website (they dont sell any PEX prodcuts) but I have found
their info to be solid (if a bit "old school" / conservative)
http://www.plumbingworld.com/pexpipe.html

That's an interesting website. Even though it could be considerd to be a
little "old school" and conservative, they are right up front about what
they believe, why they believe it, etc.

One thing I noticed is that Wirsbo wrote that they only sell their products
to plumbing supply houses. I assume that's why I don't see their products
in places like Home Depot and Lowes. If that's the case, I'll go to a
plumbing supply place in my area (or order online via PEXsupply.com ) to get
AquaPEX. That way I'll know I'm getting PEX-A. From everything I've seen
so far, PEX-A is a better choice regardless of whether I use the expander
system or a crimping or clamping system.


PEX-A is the gold standard. They use the Engle method to make it which
produces the best cross linking. The other manufacturer's versions are
wannabes.

Oren wrote:

What Exit?

That's funny. I haven't heard that one in a long time. Exit 5. (For those
who are curious, it means what Exit of the New Jersey Turnpike)

I bought my house and it had Vanguard pex. Contact Ferguson Plumbing
for some information. Vanguard was bought-out some months or years
ago.

I am looking for the Uponor/Wirsbo PEX which is used for the expander-type
system as opposed to the crimper system. Vanguard is now Viega.


http://www.ferguson.com/index.shtml

Thanks. They have a new Cherry Hill location which is near me, and a
Turnersville location which is not too far from me. I just called them and
they said they do sell Uponor (which I found out is pronounced
"EW-pa-noor"). I'm going to go there in person later today to get more
info.

fftt wrote:

More & more professional plumbing supply houses carry PEX in
California. The couple of professional plumbers that I know use
Wirsbo & and have the battery powered expanders. In tight quarters,
the battery expander is hard to beat, its a one handed tool.....any
lever style expander or crimper is at a great disadvantage where space
is tight.

I did get to talk with a person yesterday who said he was doing a large
plumbing job where the job specs required that they use Uponor (Wirsbo)
AquaPEX with the expander, and that he had never used it before. He said
that one negative in his opinion was that in 40-degree weather the expanded
fittings have a hard time returning to their original size to complete the
connection process. But, otherwise, he thought it worked pretty well. I
won't be doing any work in 40-degree weather, so that is not an issue for
me. He also mentioned what you said -- that with the crimping systems, it
is sometimes a problem getting the tool into tight spaces where in it needs
to go. But with the xpander, you just do the expansion on the PEX tubing
end out in the open and then just plug it into place over the fitting end
even in tight spaces. He also metioned that the Uponor fittings have the
same internal diameter as the AquaPEX tubing which allows better water flow.
With the crimping systems, the fittings go inside the PEX tubing and
therefore are a smaller diameter than the PEX tubing -- so the fittings
actually reduce the water flow below what the tubing itself could allow.


I researched PEX for a long time before I made the choice of the
Wirsbo expansion system.

Based on the research I have been doing, I agree with your choice and I want
to do the same. I almost gave up and went with the regular PEX (not PEX-A)
and crimping system. But, now I think I can find a local supplier who does
stock Uponor (Wirsbo) AquaPEX tubing, fittings, and tools.

Oren wrote:
On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:00:44 -0500, "Len56"
wrote:

http://www.ferguson.com/index.shtml

Thanks. They have a new Cherry Hill location which is near me, and a
Turnersville location which is not too far from me. I just called
them and they said they do sell Uponor (which I found out is
pronounced "EW-pa-noor"). I'm going to go there in person later
today to get more info.


I know the company will rent crimping tools (locations vary). Perhaps
they have rental available for the expansion tool ?

I didn't get to go there today, ironically due to a plumbing problem in the
property where I want to start doing PEX plumbing (except this was a problem
with getting the new PVC drain/sewer lines installed).

If they are open on Saturdays, I may get there tomorrow.

I am not too concerned about the tools because I am willing to buy what I
need (except for the battery-operated expander tool -- too many bucks for
now, but if anyplace actually rents the battery-operated expander I would
definitely rent one and try it).

I went to a different plumbing supply place today that has a broken link on
their website to Uponor (which made me think maybe they sell the stuff), but
they looked at me like I was from another planet when I asked about AquaPEX,
Uponor, Wirsbo, etc., and they said they don't know anyone who stocks it.

I just ran across a link regarding a Zurn PEX class action lawsuit which
claims that Zurn PEX fittings and connections are failing. Here's the link:

http://zurnclassaction.com/index.html

I have no idea of the current staus of the case or the validity of the
claims.

I'm going to post this as a new thread called "Zurn PEX Class Action
Lawsuit" instead of continuing it here.


Here's the lin;
"Len56" wrote in message
...
George wrote:

PEX-A is the gold standard. They use the Engle method to make it which
produces the best cross linking. The other manufacturer's versions are
wannabes.

I think you are correct about that based on all that I have researched so
far.

Len56 wrote:
George wrote:

PEX-A is the gold standard. They use the Engle method to make it which
produces the best cross linking. The other manufacturer's versions are
wannabes.

I think you are correct about that based on all that I have researched so
far.


I wonder if the problem you are having is that the supply houses you
found didn't want to follow through with Uponor's requirements. I know
they won't sell to big box and they are big on educating installers.

In article ,
Steve Barker wrote:

Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,
fftt wrote:

On Feb 25, 9:09 pm, Smitty Two wrote:

My immediate need is just to fix some small issues around the house,
like a slow drip under the bar sink. I also want to figure out how to
put a hot water recirculator under the kitchen sink.
My suggestion for "instant" hot water at the kticehn sink is a

http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/L...2-Circulator-P
ump
-and-Valve-System/23000/Cat/534


A single small leak? Can you cut out the offending parts & re-
connect with SharkBite?


I'll be "on site" this weekend and planning to take a closer look at it.
The leak seems to be where the PEX meets the shutoff valve but since
this is the first PEX I've ever seen, it was greek to me. Now that I
know more than zero about the stuff, I should be able to acquire tools
and supplies sufficient to devise and implement a repair.

Since the PEX system is manifold based, I'm assuming recirculating would
have to be done for each branch rather than house-wide. The lag is most
annoying in the kitchen, though, so some fix is definitely on the menu
there.

This is the one i'm considering for our kitchen. Although the review
say it's a bit loud. Perhaps a remote mounting could help in that area.

http://www.chilipepperapp.com/

steve

I'm not too keen on the manual start "feature" on that one, though. How
often do you walk into the kitchen and say, "hmm, I think I'd like to
have some instant hot water three minutes from now?"

In article ,
"Len56" wrote:

Wow, get this....,

Other than buying it online at places like PEXsupply.com, I can NOT find any
places where I can buy any Uponor/Wirsbo PEX tubing (AquaPEX) or the
expander tools!

I went to the http://Uponor-USA.com website and even THEY don't say where I
can buy their products or the expander tool. All they say on their website
is that website visitors like me can request that a local installer contact
them -- no "find a dealer", no plumbing supply places, etc.

I live in New Jersey (South Jersey), and I tried going to my local plumbing
supply place this afternoon. It's one of those walk-up-counter-type
plumbing supply places where plumbers go and get what they need They don't
sell any Uponor/Wirsbo expander-type PEX tubing, parts, or tools. Two
plumbers there said that no plumbers that they know of use it. They said
they all use "regular" PEX with crimp rings. The plumbing supply store only
stocks Viega (used to be Vanguard) PEX, fittings, and tools or (for use with
the same Viega PEX tubing) stainless steel clamps and the tool for that.

Then I went online again and searched for plumbing supply stores in my area.
Only one even mentioned the brand Uponor (or Wirsbo -- apparently Uponor's
former name). I'm going to check out that one store in person tomorrow to
see what they say. None of the other plumbing supply places carry any
expansion-type PEX systems, tubing, tools, etc.

After seeing the PEXsupply.com video which said that almost all professional
plumbers use the Uponor/Wirsbo expander-type system and tools, I am stunned
to find that it is virtually impossible for me to find a place to buy the
stuff (except for online).



Thanks for the update. Keep us posted on your journey.