Moving Plumbing - DIY Chatroom

MikeyP · 01-16-2009, 09:42 PM

I'm remodeling our bathroom. The sink is in a different place so there are two supplies that run from the tub that will not be used. I have to run the tub supply to a different location. Do you recommend I change what was a T to an elbow and just connect the tub or can I just cut the cooper tubing below the floor and cap it off?

I also plan on using shark bite to run from the existing copper to pex tubing because it will be a lot easier to get it through the floor and into the shower wall. Any thoughts/concerns????

**thekctermite** · 01-17-2009, 03:15 AM

Your plan for moving the pipes sounds fine. I'd terminate any lines that aren't going to be used as opposed to capping however.

The Sharkbite fittings are nice but they don't have ICC code approvals yet, so an inspector might frown upon it. Also, I would not suggest installing a fitting of that type in a concealed location. I'm honestly not sure if they're listed for concealment in wall and floor spaces.

I think your best bet for making connections to the PEX is to spend $20 and rent a PEX tool. All rental places have them, and working with PEX is super-easy! I've found the connections to be highly reliable, and anybody can do it (as opposed to soldering, which a lot of people are not good at). If nothing else, run all your copper and make the connection to the existing PEX (after soldering everything) with a 1/2" sweat to 1/2" PEX fitting.

MikeyP · 01-17-2009, 10:24 AM

I didn't explain this very well. There is already copper in the floor. I want to connect pex. Do you have the same opinion?

zosoplumber · 01-17-2009, 10:43 AM

Yes, pex is much more simple and user friendly. You will still need to buy the adaptors which will have to be soldered to the existing copper lines(not hard at all) they sell slip in adaptors, that you could solder into a joint(ie; couplings, elbows) or they sell ones that slip over the pipe, which is probrably what you would use. And I would eliminate any dead ends in your copper.