Opinions on a hybrid Pex to Copper re-pipe.

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MG70

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New to me, small, 1970's raised, pre-fab, ranch-style 3 bedroom/2 bath house, plumbing runs along the basement ceiling, 2X10 joists, currently exposed. I'm planning a complete remodel. I'm thinking of using Pex B in a trunk and branch set up And using copper (type L) for the vertical runs. The trunk portion of the plumbing is roughly a 25X25 "L" shape, so no long runs. My reason for using copper is that I'm already experienced with it (20+ years as a homeowner) and that it should be more trouble-free/durable than Pex in the hard to reach areas requiring opening walls to fix plumbing.

There will be two back to back 5X8 bathrooms between a bedroom and a kitchen. I'm especially thinking of using copper in both shower stalls and routing it up the wall opposite of the 2X6 separation wall (which will accommodate most of the plumbing, drain, vents, etc.) so that in the event of a problem, I can access the plumbing through a closet wall on one side, and a kitchen wall on the other, and not have to damage the porcelain I'm planning on installing the in the shower stalls.

I'm undecided on the stub outs for the toilet and sink, I can't decide whether to solder a 90 elbow, extension, and secure it via compression to an Angle Stop, or use a Drop Ear (female threaded, FIP) and connect it to a copper or stainless nipple and use the thread in the angle stop to secure it. The Drop Ear and threaded nipple seem overkill, and I can easily solder a 90 elbow and haven't had any problem getting a compression stop to seal, unless I tried to tighten it on a section of pipe that had already been compressed and/or didn't use a new ring.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions, or if you think I should use the brass and copper only for the stub outs and connect the rest to Pex, even in the hard to reach areas since I'm already being careful to rout them where it's easier to fix.

Thanks in advance, and a safe weekend for all!
 

Breplum

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may you live long enough to need to think about repipe repairs. Smart plan nevertheless.
for the stubs, always use a drop ear...c x c is fine except for tub spouts, then only use c x f drop ear
 

MG70

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Breplum, I appreciate the reply! Do you think Pex B to f drop ear is as "safe" as c X f drop ear? I'm very detail oriented (meaning, I'm planning to be careful with crimp locations and pressure) and work well with drywall and paint, in case it fails, so I'm willing to give it a try!

If this house location works as well as I'm hoping, it will likely be my last one. As for the wish for longevity, I always appreciate humor, but these days, seeing my father carrying on with dementia has changed my thinking to "living a long life can be overrated."

Thanks again and hope you're having a good weekend!
 
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