Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX

dgreen · 03-07-2012, 12:14 PM

Hello Everyone,

I figured this would be a good place to ask a question regarding my basement bathroom install so here is goes.

Our home has existing copper pipes and I would like to run PEX lines for the basement bathroom. I will have a vanity, shower and toilet.

Would it make sense to run a hot & cold line to the bathroom with a shutoff valve at the copper and PEX connection. Then put a 3 way out manifold inside the bathroom wall or ceiling that would feed the the toilet, sink and shower? Or am I better off runing the manifold at the copper & PEX connection and running additional lines for each.

Any opinions on the sharkbite PEX tubing and fittings from home depot?

Thanks alot for any help

jaydevries · 03-07-2012, 11:40 PM

i would put ball valves at where you tap into copper preferably 3/4" and then plumb like it was copper but in pex of course
sharkbite are ok the cinch clamps i prefer since one tool crimps all sizes and easy to cinch in tight spots

Beepster · 03-08-2012, 11:15 AM

I studied and studied and studied pex for my basement bathroom addition and in the end decided to use copper.

I didn't like the crimper for the fact you have to keep it calibrated. I liked the expander, but the box stores don't carry the supplies.

If you are in the trade it may be worth it, but for my small projects i will stick with what I know.

B

Daniel Holzman · 03-08-2012, 12:15 PM

Ditto on the crimper, I am not sold on the need to calibrate. I use Wirsbo tubing and fittings, which of course requires the expansion tool, sold only at plumbing supply stores, not the big box stores.

**TheEplumber** · 03-08-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Holzman

Ditto on the crimper, I am not sold on the need to calibrate. I use Wirsbo tubing and fittings, which of course requires the expansion tool, sold only at plumbing supply stores, not the big box stores.

You guys take the calibration too seriously. The tool remains calibrated for so long that you often misplace the gauge

jaydevries · 03-08-2012, 04:28 PM

i have never had to recalibrate my ring clincher but i use the viega pureflow press all most always now. due to no calibration and bronze or poly fitting both for the dezincification

03-07-2012, 12:14 PM	#1
dgreen Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 1	Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX Hello Everyone, I figured this would be a good place to ask a question regarding my basement bathroom install so here is goes. Our home has existing copper pipes and I would like to run PEX lines for the basement bathroom. I will have a vanity, shower and toilet. Would it make sense to run a hot & cold line to the bathroom with a shutoff valve at the copper and PEX connection. Then put a 3 way out manifold inside the bathroom wall or ceiling that would feed the the toilet, sink and shower? Or am I better off runing the manifold at the copper & PEX connection and running additional lines for each. Any opinions on the sharkbite PEX tubing and fittings from home depot? Thanks alot for any help

03-07-2012, 11:40 PM	#2
jaydevries Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ohio Posts: 1,006	Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX i would put ball valves at where you tap into copper preferably 3/4" and then plumb like it was copper but in pex of course sharkbite are ok the cinch clamps i prefer since one tool crimps all sizes and easy to cinch in tight spots __________________ be careful my advice only comes from general knowledge i know about the 4 rules it takes to plumb and they are 1 poop needs to flow down hill. 2 hot on left cold on right 3 i get a pay check on Mondays 4 do not chew finger nails at or after work.

03-08-2012, 11:15 AM	#3
Beepster Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 399	Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX I studied and studied and studied pex for my basement bathroom addition and in the end decided to use copper. I didn't like the crimper for the fact you have to keep it calibrated. I liked the expander, but the box stores don't carry the supplies. If you are in the trade it may be worth it, but for my small projects i will stick with what I know. B

03-08-2012, 12:15 PM	#4
Daniel Holzman Civil Engineer Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 3,585	Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX Ditto on the crimper, I am not sold on the need to calibrate. I use Wirsbo tubing and fittings, which of course requires the expansion tool, sold only at plumbing supply stores, not the big box stores.

03-08-2012, 04:28 PM	#6
jaydevries Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ohio Posts: 1,006	Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX i have never had to recalibrate my ring clincher but i use the viega pureflow press all most always now. due to no calibration and bronze or poly fitting both for the dezincification __________________ be careful my advice only comes from general knowledge i know about the 4 rules it takes to plumb and they are 1 poop needs to flow down hill. 2 hot on left cold on right 3 i get a pay check on Mondays 4 do not chew finger nails at or after work.

Question about Plumbing Basement bathroom with PEX