Can I apply a little torch to pex to help it bend......

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Chefwong

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My electrician did some crazy stuff by just running a torch over PVC conduit to create this sweeping bend in his 12' foot PVC conduit. He made is hot enough just to create the bend....


Can I do the same of pex to just help make the 3/4" sweeping 90.....
 
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Dlarrivee

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You can do whatever you want, but I wouldn't do that.

Cross linked polyethylene =/= poly vinyl chloride
 

Tom Sawyer

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every pex manufacturer out there says not to use a torch on their product.
 

Gary in NJ

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Not only would I not apply that much heat to PEX, I wouldn't sweat a PEX to copper joint with the PEX attached. If you compromise the PEX it will fail. The problem is it may fail long after you've pressure tested the line and the drywall is taped and painted.

If you need to make a bend, use the proper PEX fitting or a series of fitting to accomplish the required bend or turn. If you just can't get it done with PEX, change over to copper for the bend/turn and then go back to PEX.
 

hj

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PVC and PEX are two different materials. If you CANNOT bend the PEX to make the turn you need, then you either have to do it with fittings, or reroute the PEX.
 

Jadnashua

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Type A pex is the only one that can be unkinked by application of heat from a heat gun. But, it won't improve the turn radius. Each size and type of pex has a minimum turn radius and you should be able to bend it to that without doing anything special. If you require a turn tighter, then cutting and adding fittings, or rerouting is required.
 

Chefwong

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I ended up with a street 90 off the existing fitting.
It was on one end of the feed for the baseboard - and the existing fitting would not budge - even with the 24" wrench I had on it.
The spot where it was was no conducive to try adding heat to loosed her up....

All is well. thanks
 
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