Can you run PEX to shower?

Yes, you can use PEX piping to run a shower. PEX piping is becoming an increasingly popular choice for running a shower as it is extremely durable and water tight. It is also much easier to install than traditional copper piping and has good resistance to freezing temperatures.

PEX is also very cost effective, so it can be a great option for people looking to save some money. When installing PEX, you need to make sure to get the right fittings and use the correct tools. If installed correctly, the PEX piping should last you a long time and provide a quality shower experience.

Where should you not use PEX?

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a versatile and durable material that is used in a variety of plumbing applications, however there are certain places it should not be used. PEX is not a good material choice when transporting drinking water, as it is not compatible with UV or chlorine disinfectants.

Additionally, PEX cannot be used in exterior plumbing applications where temperatures could drop below freezing, such as outdoor hose bibs, as it can crack and break due to freeze/thaw cycles. PEX is also not a good choice for radiant floor heating, as it has low resistance to high temperatures and can become brittle.

Lastly, PEX should not be used for any water systems with a water pressure above 80 psi (pounds per square inch), as it can fail under the increased pressure.

What size PEX should I use for a shower?

When choosing the size of PEX piping for a shower, it is important to consider the amount of flow you will need for your shower. If you are using a showerhead that has a lower flow rate, then you may be able to use a smaller size PEX piping than if you are using a higher flow rate showerhead.

Generally speaking, for a shower, you should use at least 1/2 inch PEX piping for regular showerheads, or up to 3/4 inch PEX piping for high flow showerheads. It is also recommended to use 3/4 inch PEX piping if you are going to be connecting two or more showerheads.

Additionally, when running PEX plumbing to your shower, be sure to install a shut off valve at the shower head location to make it easier to turn off the water while making repairs or replacing the showerhead.

Why is PEX not allowed?

PEX is not allowed in some areas due to potential safety hazards. The rigid plastic piping material can be difficult to install properly and create an unnecessary fire risk if not installed correctly.

Additionally, it is not strong enough to resist heat and pressure, like copper or other more durable materials, and can crack and result in water damage. In cold climates, PEX may also be damaged by freezing and cannot be used for outside plumbing systems.

PEX also requires special fittings to connect it and must be joined together with press-fit connections or with special crimp rings. This extra work and specialized tools can add to the cost of installation.

In short, while PEX is a popular material with some advantages, it may not be the safest or most cost-effective choice.

Do professional plumbers use PEX?

Yes, professional plumbers often use PEX, which is short for Cross-linked Polyethylene. As an increasingly popular type of plumbing pipe, PEX is made from a high-density, flexible material and is frequently used in residential and commercial piping applications.

It is more resistant to wear and tear than other types of piping and is both cost effective and easy to install. Some advantages of using PEX is that it is able to withstand high temperatures and is highly resistant to bursting and freezing when compared to other materials, such as copper and PVC.

In addition, PEX is flexible and has the ability to bend around obstacles, reducing the need for fittings. Furthermore, it can be installed beneath concrete and does not corrode over time. As there are numerous benefits to using PEX, it is no wonder it is often chosen by professional plumbers.

Is 3 8 PEX big enough for shower?

No, 3/8 PEX is not typically large enough for a shower. Typical shower supplies are in the range of 1/2″ or 3/4″, depending on the flow rate desired. 3/8 PEX can be used for a shower, but the flow rate may not be adequate.

It’s important to consider the size of the shower head, the number of openings in the shower head, the pressure of the water, and the length of the runs when determining the optimal size for a shower connection.

Additionally, there may be additional limiting factors for 3/8 PEX, depending on the particular setup. For example, some cities and localities may have regulations about the minimum size of waterlines for showers.

Ultimately, for the best results, we recommend consulting with a qualified plumber for advice about the optimal size for your particular shower.

What size water line goes to a shower?

The size of the water line that should be used to supply a shower depends on the flow rate of the shower and the building codes in your area. Generally, a 1/2-inch pipe can be used with a flow rate of 2.

5 gallons per minute, while a 3/4-inch pipe can be used with a flow rate of 5 gallons per minute and an 1-inch pipe can be used with a flow rate of 8 gallons per minute. However, in areas where the local building codes are strict, a larger water line size may be required.

Additionally, if the water pressure in the house is low, it may be necessary to install a larger water line to ensure good water flow and pressure in the shower. It is also important to ensure that the water heater is of an adequate size and can support the specified water flow rate for the shower.

Why does a shower require a 2 inch drain?

A shower requires a 2 inch drain in order to ensure that the shower drains quickly and efficiently. The larger diameter of a 2 inch drain pipe means that it can handle larger volumes of water with less restriction, allowing for the flow of a greater amount of water at a higher velocity.

This reduces the chances of clogs and backups from occurring, which could lead to water damage and other issues. Furthermore, a 2 inch drain pipe can fit more water-saving fixtures, such as bath and shower inserts, while a smaller 1 1/2 inch drain pipe is limited in this regard and can’t accommodate such fixtures.

For these reasons, a 2 inch drain is the recommended size for any shower installation.

How many fixtures can be on a 1 2 water line?

The exact number of fixtures that can be installed on a 1/2″ water line varies depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the fixtures, total flow rate needed, water supply pressure and so on.

Generally speaking, a 1/2″ water line is capable of supplying enough water flow to accommodate up to 3 fixtures. This includes a shower head and a lavatory faucet, or a kitchen sink and dishwasher, etc.

The size of the fixtures would need to be considered, however, as certain high-flow fixtures may require a larger pipe size to accommodate the increased flow rate. Additionally, the maximum amount of fixtures that can be supported by the 1/2″ water line would also depend on total pressure supplied by the local water system, as high pressure can allow for more fixtures or higher flow rates.

To ensure your water line can support the number of fixtures you’d like to install, it is always best to consult a plumbing professional.

Should I upsize PEX?

Whether or not you should upsize PEX piping (cross-linked polyethylene piping) depends on a few factors. It’s important to identify what the application for the pipe is and what the intended function will be.

For example, if the piping is for drainage, then it might require a larger size than what’s typically required for general water supply applications.

In terms of specific applications, water supply pipes tend to be sized according to the expected flow rate of hot and cold water. If you plan to upgrade your appliances, then you might need to size up the piping as well.

If the fixture’s flow rate is greater than what the PEX can handle, then it’s important to upsize. Additionally, PEX tubing needs to be sized to ensure a certain velocity of flow. In this case, the fluid velocity should be around 8 to 10 feet per second.

Overall, the size of the PEX piping depends on what the desired function is for the application. There are standards for water supply and drainage that dictate the pipe size, and sometimes that requires upsizing the pipe.

If you have any questions or are unsure, then it’s important to consult with a professional to get the best recommendation.

What is the lifespan of PEX?

Generally, PEX is designed to last up to 50 years or more. However, the lifespan of PEX depends on a variety of factors, including the type of environment and temperatures it is exposed to, how well it is maintained, and any chemicals or contaminants in the water supply.

In general, PEX is resistant to corrosion and can handle temperature variations from freezing to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If the PEX is exposed to temperatures beyond this range, it may be more vulnerable to damage.

Temperature spikes can affect their flexibility, resulting in shorter product lifespan.

The quality of the water may also affect the lifetime of PEX. Hard water, which contains sediment and minerals, can build up inside the PEX tubing and decrease its flow rate, leading to faster deterioration.

Contaminants like chlorine, which is often added to water to disinfect it, can also weaken the tubing over time.

Properly installed PEX systems should have fewer problems, as a certified plumber has the experience to install and maintain it correctly. And if you properly maintain your PEX system by regularly flushing the lines and installing water filters, it will likely last a long time.

In short, the lifespan of PEX can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. However, if properly installed and maintained, the lifespan of PEX should last up to 50 years or more.

How likely is it for PEX to burst?

The likelihood of PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) pipes bursting is relatively low, depending on the type of pipe and its installation methods. PEX has a high resistance to freezing and bursting due to its flexibility, as well as its ability to expand and contract with temperature changes.

It also has a resistance to corrosion and scaling which makes it more resistant to the buildup of debris, thus prolonging its lifespan.

Typically, PEX needs to be installed with the correct fittings and connections to reduce the likelihood of leaks or bursting. If the PEX is not properly installed and properly insulated from freezing temperatures, there is an increased likelihood that it may burst.

Additionally, if the PEX is exposed to certain solvents, acidic chemicals, or abrasive cleaners, it can wear down the protective layer and make it more vulnerable to wear, tear, and eventually, a burst in the pipe.

So overall, the likelihood of PEX bursting depends on the type of pipe, its installation, any chemicals it may come into contact with, and freezing temperatures it may be exposed to. If the pipe is properly installed and insulated, and the right chemicals are used, then the likelihood of PEX bursting is relatively low.

Is it better to crimp or expand PEX?

Crimping PEX is generally the preferred method for connecting the pipe as it creates a tight seal that is resistant to leaks and pressure. The crimping tool compresses the copper ring around the pipe, squeezing it tight so that the PEX tube is held in place securely.

This ensures that water won’t be able to escape from the connection.

Expanding PEX is another popular option, although it is not as secure as crimping. An expansion tool is used to open the PEX pipe fitting, and the PEX tube is then pushed inside. This method works well if the pipe is being connected to another material such as a fitting or a clamp.

However, the connection is not as strong as a crimped fitting, and it is more likely to experience leaks or pressure problems.

Overall, crimping is the safer and more reliable way to connect PEX pipe. It is generally easier to install than expanding, and it creates a much tighter connection that won’t easily come apart.

Can you connect PEX directly to faucet?

Yes, you can connect PEX directly to a faucet. PEX, or Cross-linked Polyethylene, is a flexible plastic pipe that is widely used for both supply and drain lines in the home because of its widely available, low cost, and flexible plumbing solution.

To connect PEX to a faucet, you’ll need to install a PEX-Faucet adapter, which is a metal piece that fits on the end of the PEX pipe and attaches to the faucet. Once the PEX-Faucet adapter is installed, the faucet can be connected to the PEX pipe using a standard hose or compression fitting, depending on the type of connection your faucet requires.

It’s important to ensure that all of the connections are tight and secure, as a faulty connection can cause water leakage. With the right tools, you should be able to easily connect PEX pipe directly to a faucet.