Union with pex?

[Pulse]

What are the options for unions when using pex? ..lets say for a filter..

I can use a combo of these two, but is there a better way?

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Webstone-H-40424W-1-Threaded-x-FNPT-Union-Full-Port-Ball-Valve-Lead-Free

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Wirsbo-Uponor-LF4521010-ProPEX-LF-Brass-Male-Threaded-Adapter-1-PEX-x-1-NPT

 

[Slomoola]

FYI - Just stating the obvious

Unions typically have rubber or similar gaskets. If you have chlorinated city water, not a good recipe for long term success. Chlorinated water eats rubber gaskets for lunch. In my city, you can smell chlorine in the water in the early morning hours. Look for parts with no rubber. SharkBites and Pro Press fittings have 2 or more rubber O-rings. Steer clear.......

Ball valves like what you linked are water hammer makers. Unless you gently slash SLOWLY close/open them. Gate valves are better. They open and close much slower. Not such a big deal for houses. On a 6" main or larger, no ball valves are used. So look for a gate valve.

Lastly look for a valve that already has the connections you need. Adding adapters equates to more failure (leaks) points and cost slash complexity. Keep it simple as possible.

There are many out there to pick from. One from Hope Cheapo below.

PLUMBFLEX 1 in. Full Port PEX Barb Ball Valve Water Shut Off with Tee Handle 10615PV - The Home Depot

The Plumber s Choice - 3/4 Full Port PEX Barb Ball Valve Water Shut Off with Tee Handle - this product is as convenient to use as it is durable.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Pulse]

This is just residential, so all ball values will be used. Water hammer is irrelevant for the few times you would need to change a filter/whatever.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Webstone-H-30424W-1-Expansion-PEX-x-FNPT-Union-Ball-Valve-Lead-Free

The above ball valve is pricey, but it eliminates a connection.

If i can find a 1" MNPT x MNPT, that would prob be the least amount of connections from this ball valve to the filter system.

 

[John Gayewski]

If your going to use unions with pex the components need to be well supported. I see no reason not to use the fittings you have linked as long as everything is supported.

 

[Pulse]

If your going to use unions with pex the components need to be well supported. I see no reason not to use the fittings you have linked as long as everything is supported.

definitely

Soldering certain sections is always an option, but if you wanted to be able to change something out and you were using solely pex, how would you do it?

 

[John Gayewski]

definitely

Soldering certain sections is always an option, but if you wanted to be able to change something out and you were using solely pex, how would you do it?

Solely pex would change to brass or stainless at some point with threaded fittings and unions.

 

[Slomoola]

The above ball valve is pricey, but it eliminates a connection.

How about the one I linked? Only $14.53.

 

[John Gayewski]

How about the one I linked? Only $14.53.

That's pex b.

 

[Slomoola]

Okay, how about a 1" valve in PEX A? 18 bucks and change?

 

[Reach4]

While piping, you might want to consider adding in a bypass. You also might want to consider adding a boiler drain valve on the output of the filter.

My bypass provision is to expect to put a potable water hose between the pressure tank drain valve and that boiler drain valve if needed. I have not needed a bypass. But I feel better knowing I have that provison.

I do have unions combined with my input and output valves for the filtering. I don't think I will ever use that feature.

Well or city water?

 

[Pulse]

Okay, how about a 1" valve in PEX A? 18 bucks and change?

I think you are missing the main point of my post, using unions, haha

Well or city water?

bypass for sure

city water

 

[Slomoola]

I think you are missing the main point of my post, using unions, haha

You want easy removal. I get it. You did ask for a better way. Are you removing a filter later or the entire filter holder and unions? Sounds like you want the entire thing to be removable. It's your house. Use the unions.