I do some property maintenance on a beach front building in San Deigo. It has 3 units (so 3 kitchens, 7 baths). The building is about 9 years old. We have had 3 of the “no burst” stainless supply lines break. One to a dishwasher, two toilet supplies. Big hassle and cleanup each time. The last two years we do inspections and replace any lines that look corroded. Still had one break, looked fine, leaked at the tubing to thread connector. Corrosion is a problem in everything at this environment, but we go through the 2 rental units pretty well each spring. Any ideas for a solution, maybe make the supply lines out of pex?
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Replies
How about just using solid metal tubing, or is corrosion too much for that as well?
I think solid tubing may be a good way to go- the older homes in the area don't seem to have that problem.
One issue for not using solid tubing is the owner wants to be able to change out faucets, dishwasher, ect easily, as the tenants in vacation rentals can be hard on things, as well as the salt environment, so fixtures do need pretty frequent replacement. At this point they will consider anything to not have blowout leaks.
Thanks- Stan
I've seen the burst proof supply line burst also. I know they make a new one with a built in over flow valve. So if it's designed for 4 gpm for a sink and it bursts and flows 10gpm it's supposed to shut off automatically. I never tried one though.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Why not put a shut-off inline on the PEX, then go PEX to the fixture? You've still got "wiggle room" for changing out fixtures and your client can sleep nights. Some of the newer "Made in China" no-burst lines are absolute garbage - check your packaging.
Cheers,
Ken
Adventure is just bad planning.
I agree that the solution is 3/8" PEX supply lines. They also take out any tortional stress on the bottom of the faucets that can cause problems. I like the look of copper stub-outs though even with PEX in the walls.
great pictures, thanks. It looks like you can put the standard plastic fitting on for the toilet- am I seeing that right? Same tool makes that end on the pex?
Yep, PEX out of the floor, shut-off, 3/8" feed to tank, compression both ends. You can always start with a new piece of feed to your dishwasher, sink or toilet the next time you do the work or re-use the existing lines - your choice. Good luck!Cheers,
Ken"They don't build 'em like they used to" And as my Dad always added... "Thank God!"
Oops, pics here. Sorry about that.Cheers,
Ken"They don't build 'em like they used to" And as my Dad always added... "Thank God!"
I've never worked with pex but that looks like a great way to set up sinks. Are those special fitttings made for pex or standard shutoff and toilet nuts. I guess you just put the ferrel on the pex, slip it into the valve and tighten the nut.
If I'm wrong please correct me. I really do like the idea on just carrying a piece of pex and cuting what ever lenght supply line. I hate carrying a 12,16,20, and 30" flex in all configurations.
I would suspect that on the sink side you would use the supplied ferrel and nut that a new faucet comes with. Thanks for the info, Jeremy.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Just keep a supply of average length polybutylene supply lines in your repair box. The factory-molded end fits against the appliance connection. The other end is just cut with scissors, the nut is slid on, then the ferrule. Tighten nut and you're outta there.Cheers,
Ken"They don't build 'em like they used to" And as my Dad always added... "Thank God!"
I see. Thats not regular pex water line. Those are made to be used as only supply lines. I'll have to pick some up. I guess HD or my supply house should have those. Thanks
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Is it a standard nut and ferrule that is used on the supply lines?
I searched polybutylene and found that alot of areas won't allow the use of it. Chlorine is said to break it down and cause leaks. Is this a different base in the new supply line so this won't happen?
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Sorry that it isn't allowed in your area - the chlorine must be added at a blistering level. Anyway, it's permitted where I live and renovate. Considering how often you might be changing out fixtures you've got nothing to worry about as far as serious reaction to chlorine is concerned. You can write the install date on the back of the line with a fine tip Sharpie marker to keep track of the time it's been installed. Try this site for more info: http://www.propex.com/C_f_env_polybu.htm orhttp://www.oatey.com/oateypex/pex_merflex_brochure.pdf Good luck.
Cheers,
Ken"They don't build 'em like they used to" And as my Dad always added... "Thank God!"
I like the oatey pex supply lines. I'm going to use them from now on. Thanks. Now more steel braid for me.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
Are you sure it was "steel braid" I think of late I have seen more braided silver nylon strands than steel."For instance, Hillary Clinton said in a recent visit that ethanol is 'a perfect example' of how we can wean ourselves from foreign oil. Of course, she has voted against measures promoting ethanol production not once, not twice, but 17 times during her six years in the Senate." The Federalist Patriot
Thats possible. BTW, what do you use?
I'm done with braided i think. I'll use pex or copper from now on. Unless you recomend a gooood braided.
Headstrong, I'll take on anyone!
If it's exposed, I use chrome plated brass & bend it.
Speed flex by Eastman is my preferred SS braided line.
But on most of my jobs fluidmaster is used ( I don't get to choose what the engineers spec)
I have had good luck with brasscraft, but I think they were the first to use that silver nylon crap.
I have noticed that the blue & gold packages at HD are braided plastic not SS"For instance, Hillary Clinton said in a recent visit that ethanol is 'a perfect example' of how we can wean ourselves from foreign oil. Of course, she has voted against measures promoting ethanol production not once, not twice, but 17 times during her six years in the Senate." The Federalist Patriot
GreatWhite,In the first pic, is that PEX rated for UV exposure?Mongo
The poly lav and toilet supply lines pictured in previous post are what I use. One thing that was not mentioned, this type of supply line does not seem to be affected by chlorine. Some of the plastic flex line's use rubber gaskets or o ring's, chlorine in city water can deteriorate these.