How to Use Pex Plumbing & Fixtures
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is a relatively new type of plumbing material used to convey hot and cold potable drinking water in residential and commercial buildings. PEX is a very strong, durable and corrosion-resistant material that is molded out of a high-density plastic. PEX has special requirements when installing fittings, and has a unique system of clamps when compared to all other types of plumbing. Understanding more about how to use PEX will help you connect it to fixtures, such as sinks and toilets. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cotton rag
- Copper or stainless-steel crimp rings
- PEX fittings
- PEX crimp tool
- Fixture supply lines
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Instructions
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1
Clean the exposed end of the PEX pipe with a cotton rag. Remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the pipe within 3 inches of the end of the pipe.
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2
Select the PEX fitting that you need to install on the end of the pipe. For hooking up most fixtures, such as faucets or toilets, you will need to install a 1/2-inch threaded compression valve.
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3
Slip a copper or stainless steel PEX crimp ring over the end of the pipe and slide it down about 1/8 of an inch.
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4
Push the barbed end of the fitting into the PEX pipe until the fitting is as far in the pipe as it will go.
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5
Place a PEX crimping tool around the crimp ring and clamp down until the handle makes a "click" noise. This will apply even pressure to the entire ring and create a permanent seal between the pipe and the fitting.
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6
Place a PEX fitting gauge around the freshly crimped ring. If the "go" opening fits around the crimp, the fitting is properly sealed. If the opening does not fit around the crimp, the connection must be cut off and reapplied using the same process. This gauge ensures a watertight bond every time you install a PEX fitting.
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Screw one end of a faucet or toilet supply hose onto the end of the PEX valve until tight. Screw the other end of the supply hose onto the male threads that are on the underside of the toilet, faucet or other fixture that you want to connect.
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Tips & Warnings
Unlike copper pipe, PEX pipe should never be heated with a blow torch.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
