How To Install PEX Plumbing In A Home From Start To Finish

Learning how to install PEX plumbing in a new home consists of gathering the proper tools and then running the material. This material is designed to be used in place of conventional copper and PVC tubing. The flexibility of this material makes it ideal for installations that require a lot of bends and turns.

In order to properly install this type of material a few specialty tools are required. The tools include a cutter that is designed especially for this material, fittings, a ring crimping tool, crimp rings, a go/no-go gauge and a crimp ring removal tool. Once the tools have been collected the installation can begin.

When the installation involves running the new tubing through existing floors or studs, holes will need to be drilled prior to running the tubes. When running lines through a stud it is imperative to drill the holes into the middle area of the stud, this will prevent nails from penetrating the tubing during the installation of interior walls. As an extra precaution, nail plates can be installed on the studs sides providing additional protection for the tubing.

After the holes have been created, the next step is to cut the proper length of tubing that is required. The cutting tool that is designed for this material must be used to ensure a clean burr free cut. The next part involves running the lines from the point where the water flow will be originating to the manifold that is installed in the house.

Leaving additional length on each end will allow for additional modifications. While running the tubing use clamps to secure them to the joists, also leave a little slack in the line to account for expansion and contraction. Hanger designed clamps are best used in this situation.

Once the lines have been run, the next part is to attach them to the fixtures. To complete this part of the installation the go/no-go tool, copper or plastic insert, crimping tool, and crimp rings are required. Using the cutter tool to make sure the piping has a clean cut, then take a crimp ring and slide it over the end of the tubing.

Next insert a copper fitting into the pipe all the way to the fittings shoulder. Move the ring back to within an eighth of an inch of the shoulder. Holding the crimp tool at a ninety degree angle slip it over the ring and squeeze it shut. Performing this operation will secure the ring to the pipe. To test if the crimp is going to hold, use the go/no-go tool and slip the go end over the crimp. If the go side fits without any problems then the job is a success. In the event that the go side does not fit, the process will need to be repeated.

The final step involves the manifold and mixing valve installations. The mixing valve is used to regulate the hot water passing through the system. The manifold acts as a distribution center for the water lines running throughout the home. This device is very effective when a leak occurs on one line, because the lines can be shut down independently. The mixing valve limits the mixed hot water and allows a person to set it at a desired temperature. When everything is installed the water can be turned on.