Another plumbing question

[Carl]

Has anyone used PEX, or similar in applications larger than the RO/DI lines?

 

Lowe's carries 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" PEX flexible tubing, along with a few dozen types of connectors.

 

I'm looking to use it to run fresh and pre-mixed water from basement to first floor.

 

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howT...mprove/PEX.html

[steveoutlaw]

They use it for houses so I don't see an issue with it. It's a pipe/barb fitting/crimped o-ring application.

[Carl]

Steve, I assume it would work as well...and certainly easier to put in than traditional PVC.

 

I am considering putting it in between the basement and first floor for water changes. Do you think 1/2" would be good enough to do a 20 gallon water change...I don't think I'd need the 3/4"

 

And if I have extra piping...I assume I could use it to plumb the skimmer.

[steveoutlaw]

You might want to look at the price of the plumbing both the PEX and PVC. I'm not sure how much the crimping tool costs, but I imagine the fittings would be more expensive that PVC fittings.

 

Also, 1/2" PVC is pretty flexible so it may not be as hard as you think to plumb it.

[Carl]

This is what I'm thinking...

 

Can I use the PEX without the crimping tools...and just use it with the plastic (what do you call those connectors we all use on our RO/DI filters???) xxxx types of connectors...where you just push it in...and it's sealed.

 

I may have to snake the PEX through a wall...and again across part of the basement where the HVAC return is running. So it's worth it to me to pay 2x for the piping, if I don't have to open up drywall.

 

And at Lowes, right under the PEX tubing were 100 or so of these quick connectors of all different types and sizes...so I'm hoping that will work.

[keeperoftherreef]

This is what I'm thinking...

 

Can I use the PEX without the crimping tools...and just use it with the plastic (what do you call those connectors we all use on our RO/DI filters???) xxxx types of connectors...where you just push it in...and it's sealed.

 

I may have to snake the PEX through a wall...and again across part of the basement where the HVAC return is running. So it's worth it to me to pay 2x for the piping, if I don't have to open up drywall.

 

And at Lowes, right under the PEX tubing were 100 or so of these quick connectors of all different types and sizes...so I'm hoping that will work.

 

 

PEX pipe is sold on the John Guest website so you shouldn't have a problem with those fittings.

[davelin315]

Sean Frickelton, owner of the new store in Reston, the Aquarium Company, used that to plumb many of his lines. It's all connected with the John Guest fittings as well. I've been considering using it for some applications in my house and would consider it for future installations as well for aquariums. Post up in his forum to ask him about it.

[Carl]

I think I'm going to give it a try....the PEX and John Guest fittings.

 

First application will be to run lines from my sump on the first floor to some sort of drain in the basement for the water change.

 

And also run a line from my 55 gallon barrel of pre-mixed salt water in the basement, back up to my sump on the first floor.

 

It does bring up a question from another thread of course...how do I now plumb my sump...via john guest fittings and pex...into the sewer line of the house? If I can't figure this out...I may have to install a utility sink in the basement, and just dump it into the sink.

 

-Carl