Hi all. First some back ground. My house was built in 1993, and I've developed several pinholes over the last few years from low pH well water (otherwise, the water is excellent). I've added a neutralizer and have my pH now at 7.0, but of course, the horse is out of the barn.
The original sections of copper I haven't replaced are very thin, two or three turns around with a cutter and they're cut, so I'm ripping out my kitchen ceiling and replacing all the plumbing on the second floor with PEX.
I've researched everywhere including here (lurker) and have settled on PEX A by Uponor. I have the Milwaukee M12 expansion tool, pipe, fittings, etc. but haven't started because I'm trying to pin down the last few details before diving in.
Regarding the stubouts under the toilets, what's the best way to accomplish this? Even with a neutralizer I'd like to eliminate all copper behind enclosed walls as long as I'm going through with this, so I've seen people take the PEX right out of the walls and add valves directly. I'm not crazy about floppy PEX and would prefer a more substantial pipe to put the angle stops on. Instead of copper stubouts, can I use a drop ear and nipple to come out of the wall, or is the threaded aspect of the drop ear/nipple not a good idea. If it's OK, is a brass drop ear less susceptible to acidic water?
I have other questions but will start with this. Any insight greatly appreciated.
John
The original sections of copper I haven't replaced are very thin, two or three turns around with a cutter and they're cut, so I'm ripping out my kitchen ceiling and replacing all the plumbing on the second floor with PEX.
I've researched everywhere including here (lurker) and have settled on PEX A by Uponor. I have the Milwaukee M12 expansion tool, pipe, fittings, etc. but haven't started because I'm trying to pin down the last few details before diving in.
Regarding the stubouts under the toilets, what's the best way to accomplish this? Even with a neutralizer I'd like to eliminate all copper behind enclosed walls as long as I'm going through with this, so I've seen people take the PEX right out of the walls and add valves directly. I'm not crazy about floppy PEX and would prefer a more substantial pipe to put the angle stops on. Instead of copper stubouts, can I use a drop ear and nipple to come out of the wall, or is the threaded aspect of the drop ear/nipple not a good idea. If it's OK, is a brass drop ear less susceptible to acidic water?
I have other questions but will start with this. Any insight greatly appreciated.
John
