Multiple Shower Heads

[Deansocial]

And yes once again, we don't allow no stinkin' plastic pipe in this town.

What's wrong with Pex, Marcus?

Tom

What's right with it?

 

[Holzhacker]

We don't deal with PEX around here so I don't really know what's 'wrong' with it. I did actually help a guy on a job up in WI years ago where it is allowed and it seemed fine. Very easy to work with obviously.
A lot of our Codes aren't based on there being something wrong with a product. We tend to have fairly strict mechanical Codes. As tjbnwi mentioned we use conduit and hardpipe.
Our strong electrical Code goes back to fire issues.
Our strong Plumbing Code goes back to a very strong Plumbers Union and the idea that 'The Plumber protects the health of the nation'. That's a phrase every union trained plumper gets drilled into his head.
Unfortunately compliance out in the field tends to be fairly lacking. The stuff I write up on a regular basis is crazy.
Speaking of crazy oddly enough, I found a PVC drain line in a 35 story high-rise yesterday morning. Some idiot cut the main galvanized stack and spliced in PVC for a couple vanities.

 

[tjbnwi]

The issues I have read about with PEX have been fitting related. There appears to be a non-standard standard, where different brand fittings are not compatible with different brand tubing.

One advantage I've have heard of with PEX is if the water freezes, there is a less likely chance s of a split. The PEX will expand, then go back to its normal size once thawed.

PEX is great for underfloor heat retrofits.

Marcus,

Hopefully that was on the 35th floor, if not good thing the supports held.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

I'm not a plumber but I have done my share of plumbing and PEX is much easier/faster than any hard pipe method I've seen. As Tom pointed out, it doesn't fail if it freezes but rather just expands until thawed.

I think if one uses the right tools, techniques, and fittings, it is a great solution. Copper is good with the right installer but it takes longer and if it freezes, you're out of luck.

Tom

 

[woodie]

The issues I have read about with PEX have been fitting related. There appears to be a non-standard standard, where different brand fittings are not compatible with different brand tubing.

As I understand it there are only two general types of fittings crimp/compression and expansion. Pex-a tubing works with both crimp and expansion fittings, although it's more expensive. Pex-b and c cannot be expanded so it only works with crimp/compression method. Pex-b is the more commonly used but it also works with the more widely available crimp fittings. Shark type fittings work on all the above but they're advised against in areas that are inaccessible.

 

[GPowers]

When I remodeled my master bath, I added several "water features" in the shower. There is a main temperature control valve (thermostatic valve). Then there are on/off valves for each item: overhead rain head, handheld sprayer and body sprays. The thermostatic valve had several "out" lines, well check the picture and maybe it will be more clear. I agree on the PEX, it is awesome stuff and beats having to solder all those joints for sure:

Man you spent a lot of money on your sharkbite type connectors.  Why not use the Zurn connectors?

 

[waterguy22]

'm now in Columbus, IN.  This is an old farmhouse with a well supply.  Luckily all of the supply piping is exposed in the basement so I can get to everything pretty easily.  Right now, it's PVC from the pressure tank to the water softener and then it switches to 3/4" galvanized all the way to the water heater.  I'm nearing the end of a complete remodel now and I can't wait to get moved in.