Shower only PEX to shower head ok?

[Dar Dack]

I've tried searching and most just talk about to tub spout. I'm putting in a 3/4 bathroom in my basement, and just want to make sure I can use 1/2" PEX to a drop ear for shower head. Something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-2-in-...r-90-Degree-Drop-Ear-Elbow-APXDEE12/301541098

 

[Reach4]

No problem with just a showerhead.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[John Gayewski]

Yeah it's fine, and I like the 3 screw drop ear 90's. Don't like the PEX b

 

[Dar Dack]

Yeah it's fine, and I like the 3 screw drop ear 90's. Don't like the PEX b

Why not PEX b? Do you use a?

 

[John Gayewski]

Why not PEX b? Do you use a?

It's just not as good. B PEX is just polyethylene with a PEX coating. PEX B can't be reformed as PEX A can. And the system of fittings for PEX b is just bad. If I were water I'd get a headache riding though there.

First choice PEX A second choice hyperpure (PE-RT).

Actually first choice is copper for what your doing.

 

[wwhitney]

First choice PEX A second choice hyperpure (PE-RT).

Curious--in your book, is the advantage for PEX-A over PE-RT just the longer track record of PEX-A? Or is there something else?

Cheers, Wayne

 

[John Gayewski]

Curious--in your book, is the advantage for PEX-A over PE-RT just the longer track record of PEX-A? Or is there something else?

Cheers, Wayne

Probably. That and flexibility. And it's ability to reform/ keeps its memory.

 

[Dar Dack]

It's just not as good. B PEX is just polyethylene with a PEX coating. PEX B can't be reformed as PEX A can. And the system of fittings for PEX b is just bad. If I were water I'd get a headache riding though there.

First choice PEX A second choice hyperpure (PE-RT).

Actually first choice is copper for what your doing.

I know copper better, but i am on a budget for this.

EDIT: or did you mean just to shower head, cause that I can do, only a few feet.

 

[John Gayewski]

I know copper better, but i am on a budget for this.

EDIT: or did you mean just to shower head, cause that I can do, only a few feet.

The shower head and tub should both be copper for the best results. But pex if fine enough

 

[Jadnashua]

From the valve to the showerhead, PEX will be fine. If you were planning multiple shower heads, then the larger diameter of copper would work better, but 1/2" PEX can flow more than a stock shower head can release, so should work without issues. The ID of PEX-a fittings are larger than the other types, which can help, but again, on a single shower head, it should work.

 

[John Gayewski]

From the valve to the showerhead, PEX will be fine. If you were planning multiple shower heads, then the larger diameter of copper would work better, but 1/2" PEX can flow more than a stock shower head can release, so should work without issues. The ID of PEX-a fittings are larger than the other types, which can help, but again, on a single shower head, it should work.

The reason cooper is better for a shower head isn't flow. It's expansion and contraction of fixed points behind an often tiled or otherwise pain in the ass to fix, wall. I've witnessed in action the snaking of the PEX after the drop ear ell is screwed in place. Over time expanding, contraction, fixed metal objects... you get the picture.

Can't say as I've seen a failure though. So there's that.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

Pipe diameter to a single shower head is a moot point. Shower heads being generally restricted to 2.5gpm or in many states 1.8gpm.