CountryBumkin
Active Member
I have been pondering the expense of purchasing the Wirsbo PEX system/tool, and decided to bite the bullet and get it. I'll probably get a lot of use even though it will be used in just my own home.
I am starting out with a 20 year old house with PB pipe - which will probably need to be replumbed at some point, but currently I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel so I need to start working with something soon. Either copper or PEX. I think the PEX is more fool-proof (especially the Wirsbo system). Besides, I've never worked with copper and not sure how good my soldering skills are.
First question; How do I transistion from the PB to PEX? I see that Uponor makes a PB to PEX fitting but do I need a PB crimper to use this fitting? If so, I may need to hire a plumber just to make two crimps for my shower valve connection. I've seen compression type connections but I don't like the idea of a compression type fitting inside the wall where I can't check on it - but if you pros recommend it, that's what I'll do.
Second: Where the PEX comes out of wall to sink and toilet connections, how do I attach the PEX to a wall stud so the shutoff vavles are not flopping around (like my PB currently does)? Should I use a PEX to copper transition fitting then attach the copper to a stud with a U-clamp then connect that to T-valve, or is there something better and easier?
Last question: What is better the copper PEX fittings or the plastic? I would assume copper is better since it costs a little more.
Thanks.
Mike
I am starting out with a 20 year old house with PB pipe - which will probably need to be replumbed at some point, but currently I'm in the middle of a bathroom remodel so I need to start working with something soon. Either copper or PEX. I think the PEX is more fool-proof (especially the Wirsbo system). Besides, I've never worked with copper and not sure how good my soldering skills are.
First question; How do I transistion from the PB to PEX? I see that Uponor makes a PB to PEX fitting but do I need a PB crimper to use this fitting? If so, I may need to hire a plumber just to make two crimps for my shower valve connection. I've seen compression type connections but I don't like the idea of a compression type fitting inside the wall where I can't check on it - but if you pros recommend it, that's what I'll do.
Second: Where the PEX comes out of wall to sink and toilet connections, how do I attach the PEX to a wall stud so the shutoff vavles are not flopping around (like my PB currently does)? Should I use a PEX to copper transition fitting then attach the copper to a stud with a U-clamp then connect that to T-valve, or is there something better and easier?
Last question: What is better the copper PEX fittings or the plastic? I would assume copper is better since it costs a little more.
Thanks.
Mike
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