Installing PEX tubing (for the first time) in my cabin in Northern Maine. Crimp style tubing and curious whether it is advisable to use 90 degree brackets when the tubing is making a 90 degree turn (in the floor joists). Not sure if the PEX could eventually crimp at that point and certainly don’t want to open walls later to fix the problem)
Any other tips on PEX installation would be appreciated. System of course will be completely drained during the winter months.
Thanks,
Chuck
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Replies
There are plastic brackets that hold a PEX lin in a 90 degree turn, about 3 to 5" radius I think. You want your lines to have as few connections as possible between your manifold and your appliance.
You are using a manifold and home run... right?
Pex Tubing
I have never used the sweep tube unless I was forcing a bend like where I was coming out of the wall at a specific location and it was a tight bend. If just swinging around in a joist bay to head up the wall, just install the entire bundle of pipes that go through the bay and up through together, zip tie them together, and fasten to side wall of bay for support.
I run colds in one bundle and hots on opposite side of joist bay in another bundle and keep them separated from each other.
The only kinks I ever get was when I am unwinding by hand (not using a spool unwinder) and tangle and get impatient or when forcing it in really tight bend.
I use fittings when using 3/4" pex as it doesnt bend so nice. (tool is expensive so most guys just use 3/4" copper or CPVC if they need to in basment areas like at the main service)
Ya beat me by a few seconds (see below), and +1 on your post.
Those 90 deg. brackets are intended for where you stub out of the wall for a sink or toilet supply, not for making bends in the lines elsewhere. Of course, if the bend you have to make is a really sharp turn, then the bracket could be used, but it is usually not needed.
We use the brackets, and clips.
But that is because I'm kind of anal about how neatly things are done, and the brackets make a nice neat installation.
We also install nailing plates, when we run in walls, to make it harder for people to damage the pex.
I'm still suspicous of pex, and want to do everything possible to make sure it doesn't fail.