I gather that 1/2″ PEX isn’t suitable to connect a tub/shower valve to the tub spout because the internal diameter of the PEX and especially its fitting is too restrictive, which will cause the shower to dribble while using the tub spout.
Can you use PEX tubing for tub spout drop?
The tub spout can be copper, brass, or galvanized pipe. You cannot use pex because the pipe coming out of the valve needs to be able to support the weight of the tub spout and handle the abuse of pulling/ pushing down of the divirter built into the spout.
What kind of pipe do you use for a tub spout?
The slip-fit tub spout is designed to slip onto a 1/2″ copper pipe without the use of any threads. The end of the copper that will be used must be free of burrs or rough edges, when using this type of spout.
Can you use sharkbite on tub spout?
A Sharkbite would hold and quite well. However, your tub spout will be able to spin round and round and round. You don’t want this effect with a tub spout so don’t use a Sharkbite. using a sharkbite would make removal impossibe, without destroying the spout.
Can you use PEX for shower faucet?
Use threaded PEX water line fittings for shower valves. … A plastic bracket forms the sharpest 90-degree angle permitted for this brand of PEX.
Can you connect PEX directly to faucet?
Benefits of PEX over Copper Because it’s so flexible and easy to use, connecting PEX to a faucet or other valve takes less time than connecting to copper. There are far less fittings required because of its flexibility, and connecting PEX to a faucet is done with a crimper, requiring no soldering.
Can I use PEX for shower riser?
Yes, it’s the I.D. of the pex tubing that restricts the water just enough that it will fill the riser to the showerhead and drip out. Don’t feel bad, it’s a fairly common problem. most important that you used an elbow with ears on it to keep the tub spout very secure ..
Is PEX better than copper?
We generally belive that Plumbing PEX Tubing is much better than Copper for most, if not all, plumbing systems. … PEX Tubing is much more resistant to freeze-breakage than copper or rigid plastic pipe. PEX Tubing is cheaper because it takes much less labor to install. PEX Tubing is quickly becoming the industry standard.
What is PEX A and PEX B?
Again, the main distinction lies in the manufacturing method, which is what assigns an A, B or C to PEX. PEX A is made using the Peroxide, or Engel, method. PEX B is formed using Silane, or Moisture Cure, method. This is the most common PEX pipe type out there.
What do you do if your tub spout is too short?
If your bathtub spout pipe is too short, then you can extend it two different ways. The first way is to weld a coupling and piece of extension pipe onto the spout pipe. The second method uses a pipe-fit plumbing fitting instead of a coupler and welding torch. They both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Article first time published on
Is 1 2 PEX big enough for shower?
As long as the supply lines for the shower tie into a 3/4″ line, 1/2″ will be fine. I use a Delta shower faucet that already has pex adapters made into the valve body, no threading or sweating, just crimp and you’re done.
Can you use SharkBite on threaded pipe?
SharkBite slip on fittings only work on pipes with a smooth end, but they make many fittings that are a combination of threaded on one end and slip on for the opposite end to connect a threaded pipe to plain end pipe.
Can you use PVC for a tub spout?
PVC can be used only for drain lines (including indoors, despite what the answer below says). If you want to use it for your tub and shower drain, you can. CPVC can be used for water supply lines, and you can use it for the connection between the shower valve and the shower spout.
Are tub faucets universal?
There is no specific reason bathtub faucets are not universal besides the fact that different contractors install different types of bathtub spouts when building the bathroom. So, ultimately, it all depends on how your bathtub is built.
Why is PEX plumbing bad?
Potential chemical leaching is another downside of PEX piping. Due to its chemical composition, the PEX pipe material may leach toxic chemicals including bisphenol (BPA), MTBE, tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA), and others.
Where is PEX not allowed?
PEX can’t be installed in high heat areas. You can’t install PEX in high heat areas like near recessed lighting. This also means you can’t connect PEX directly to a hot water heater, but you can use a connecting material to do this.
What size PEX should you use for a shower?
Sinks and showers are water guzzlers, and you can conserve by running 3/8-inch lines to them. Because the rate at which a commode tank refills is usually not important, it’s okay to run 3/8-inch line there as well.
Does PEX pipe reduce water flow?
The reality is that even PEX expansion fittings, which are sometimes referred to as “full-flow,” restrict flow rates. … At a rate of 8 feet per second, the CPVC fitting will cause less than 1% restriction in flow while PEX fittings create a 23% to 54% reduction in flow, depending on the fitting used.
Can PEX be run in concrete?
Yes, PEX pipe can be installed under a concrete slab. Since PEX pipe is supplied in coils, installation can be completed in one continuous length without the need for extra fittings. PEX pipe can also be encased within a slab, which is commonly used for radiant floor heating.
Can I use PEX for bathroom sink?
PEX pipe is a modern type of plastic pipe used for carrying potable water in residential and commercial buildings. … It also resists rust and corrosion and can carry hot or cold water to sinks, showers, toilets and many other fixtures.
What is better PEX A or PEX B?
Bottom line, PEX A is more resistant to burst pressure than PEX B. PEX A’s expansive material can handle up to 500 PSI, which makes it reliable in extremely cold temperatures. Since PEX B is a more rigid material, it will not hold up as well in similar situations.
How can you tell PEX B from PEX A?
- Check the label. If you look closely at the pipe, you will see information printed on the side. …
- The second way is to identify the style of fittings. PEX-B will have metal rings — either cramp or clamp — whereas the PEX-A uses an expansion ring made out of PEX or a similar material.
How long does PEX pipe last?
Additionally, long-term testing programs on PEX have shown that it has a potential lifespan of more than 100 years. So, while copper systems may have to be re-piped every few years or decades due to corrosion and pinhole leaks, a PEX system can last 10 times longer — or more.
Is PEX safe for drinking water 2020?
The inner pipe for drinking water is made of a plastic called cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). … There are no health risks associated with drinking water from PEX pipes. A few types of PEX-pipe may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odour if the water remains in pipes over time.
Is PEX better than SharkBite?
For that, you need to either use a copper stub-out or buy special PEX fittings for his purpose. More heat resistant: PEX is heat resistant and can even be used for under-floor radiant heating. … For example, a half-inch copper pressure tee will cost about ten times less than a comparable SharkBite brand tee.
How do you fix the gap between tub and tub faucets?
Caulk It. If you’ve got a gap of 1/2 inch or less after you tighten the spout as far as it will go, the best way to erase it is to fill it with silicone caulk. Choose white caulk or one that matches the wall color, spread a thick enough bead to fill the gap, then tool it with your finger to give it a concave shape.
How do you make a faucet extender?
Cut the top off an empty shampoo bottle. Then cut away the front about halfway with a curved section toward the bottom. Make a hold large enough to fit over the faucet in the bottle of the bottle. Slip the faucet extender over the faucet.
Can you use 3/4 PEX tub spout?
1. Use a 3/4″ PEX crimp to 1/2″ FIP adapter at the valve and a 3/4″ PEX crimp to 1/2″ FIP drop-ear elbow to hold the tub spout (with 3/4″ PEX between them, of course). … The 3/4″ PEX crimp fittings may have a larger internal diameter than the 1/2″ Sharkbite as well.
How many fixtures are on a 1/2 PEX water line?
We recommend you create a cheat sheet for your respective pipe sizes, so you don’t have to search for them later. For our example, our 1-inch pipe can have up to 30 fixture units, our 3/4-inch can have up to 14, and our 1/2-inch can have up to 4.
Will PEX fittings freeze?
Frozen PEX Pipes Have a Unique Reaction. Due to its flexibility, PEX can expand under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.
Will SharkBite fittings work on PEX?
SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.
