Rough in valve, can I use Pex?

sudsontap · 10-06-2006, 11:07 PM

Remodeling bathroom, and I'm tiling the tub surround and replacing shower tub faucet from and old 1980's delta to a new price pfister. I know I will need to change the rough in valve with the one that came with the new faucet but I was wondering if I could use pex instead of cooper due to the fact that the new valve is much bigger and will require a bit of cutting and resoldering. Is it worth it? Or should I just stay with copper due to it being such a small job? If you think I should go with pex where can I get all the supplies I'll need. My local HomeDepot doesn't have a good supply of pex. I'm from Newberg Or.

Double A · 10-07-2006, 12:27 AM

Pex seems to be a decent material for water but like any plastic, its downfall can be the method of joining it to fittings. If you can crimp it, then by all means, do so. If not, stick with the copper. A leak in the wall is no fun in a new bathroom, especially in a tub/shower surround.

Check with your local plumbing inspector to see if you need permits and to see if pex is allowed in your area. You don't want to use something that is not code approved for your area.

Ron The Plumber · 10-08-2006, 11:41 AM

We use pex all the time and recommend it.

Double A · 10-08-2006, 12:34 PM

Ron, when used with the proper tools to install, I agree that PEX is an excellent choice. But, this is a homeowner and not another plumber. If they have access to the tools, then use them, but I would not put compression style fittings in an inaccessible location, hence, the copper recommendation.

Ron The Plumber · 10-08-2006, 12:40 PM

I agree on the compression fittings, yes here in Oregon which is where he lives, allows pex, he will need to go to a supply house to get the proper fittings, I think HD will rent out the crimper tool.

10-06-2006, 11:07 PM	#1
sudsontap Newbie Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1	Rough in valve, can I use Pex? Remodeling bathroom, and I'm tiling the tub surround and replacing shower tub faucet from and old 1980's delta to a new price pfister. I know I will need to change the rough in valve with the one that came with the new faucet but I was wondering if I could use pex instead of cooper due to the fact that the new valve is much bigger and will require a bit of cutting and resoldering. Is it worth it? Or should I just stay with copper due to it being such a small job? If you think I should go with pex where can I get all the supplies I'll need. My local HomeDepot doesn't have a good supply of pex. I'm from Newberg Or.

10-07-2006, 12:27 AM	#2
Double A I blame ProWallGuy Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 244	Rough in valve, can I use Pex? Pex seems to be a decent material for water but like any plastic, its downfall can be the method of joining it to fittings. If you can crimp it, then by all means, do so. If not, stick with the copper. A leak in the wall is no fun in a new bathroom, especially in a tub/shower surround. Check with your local plumbing inspector to see if you need permits and to see if pex is allowed in your area. You don't want to use something that is not code approved for your area.

10-08-2006, 11:41 AM	#3
Ron The Plumber Journeyman Plumber Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 1,994	Rough in valve, can I use Pex? We use pex all the time and recommend it.

10-08-2006, 12:34 PM	#4
Double A I blame ProWallGuy Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 244	Rough in valve, can I use Pex? Ron, when used with the proper tools to install, I agree that PEX is an excellent choice. But, this is a homeowner and not another plumber. If they have access to the tools, then use them, but I would not put compression style fittings in an inaccessible location, hence, the copper recommendation.

10-08-2006, 12:40 PM	#5
Ron The Plumber Journeyman Plumber Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 1,994	Rough in valve, can I use Pex? I agree on the compression fittings, yes here in Oregon which is where he lives, allows pex, he will need to go to a supply house to get the proper fittings, I think HD will rent out the crimper tool.

Rough in valve, can I use Pex?