What water lines do you prefer?

[sahls01gmc]

I'm re-modeling my Master Bath, and this time I have quite a bit of plumbing to do. The shower is going where the furnace and water heater are, which those are moving to where the washer and dryer are, which are moving to where the shower was. Long story short, lots of water lines to be moved and reconnected.

 

 

Copper is what is in place right now. My only concern is my lack of confidence in soldering all of those joints. Should I practice to build my confidence?

 

Pex is what I am leaning towards using. Typical use would be the crimp fittings. Don't have the crimper, so would have to buy/rent one.

 

The other option is to use the SharkBite fittings. I've used them for small things here and there which work great....except they are pricey!

 

 

 

 

Should I bite the bullet on the SharkBite fittings, buy a crimper for Pex fittings, or boost my confidence and use copper lines?

 

Any suggestions are more than welcome!

[ifixedit]

My brother has been in the plumbing and heating bizz for a long time, my dad was as well and I spent some time in it too. Pex seems to be the choice these days if you are o.k. with the look, I personally don't care for it simply because it looks cheap and I'd much rather see nice straight copper lines.

 

Soldering copper line is very simple and with a little practice you can be good at it in no time. All you need is a small propane torch, some emery cloth to clean up the ends of the pipe where the fittings connect, a roll of solder and a can of flux and a brush. The key with copper is making sure the joints are clean and fluxed, and not getting it too hot. As you heat the fitting if the flame turns green you are too hot. When you heat the fittings touch the solder directly to the upper portion of the joint area and the solder should melt and immediately flow into the fitting all the way around to the bottom of the fitting and that's it, your done, no need to keep applying solder and end up with it dripping everywhere. I'd suggest you do a little research online, I'm sure there's a ton of videos showing how to solder copper pipe that you can check out, then get a few pieces of scrap copper and some fittings and do a little practicing first, it's pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

 

One other little thing: Make sure any joints you solder do not have ANY water present or you will not get a good joint or have a terrible time at a minimum. If you are connecting to existing lines be sure they are completely drained of any water before attempting to solder. Good luck!

[txab]

First is... what does local code permit? I'd use Pex for long runs under floors or through attics as long as it's well insulated. I'd use crimp over shark bite, my opinion. As noted sweating copper is not that difficult. I use copper in walls and spaces that are covered. Pex is more affordable for your long runs and easier to use than copper

[sahls01gmc]

Thanks for the tips!

 

I think copper may be the way to go.

 

Can I reuse any fittings already installed? Not trying to be cheap, but if they're good I'd like to use them.

[sahls01gmc]

First is... what does local code permit? I'd use Pex for long runs under floors or through attics as long as it's well insulated. I'd use crimp over shark bite, my opinion. As noted sweating copper is not that difficult. I use copper in walls and spaces that are covered. Pex is more affordable for your long runs and easier to use than copper

Local code allows any method, so we're good there. Everything is shifting about 5 feet, so there aren't any long runs needed. Majority of the copper pipe could be re-used since it was all surface mounted to the walls. Only difference is I will take the extra time to install it in the wall.

 

Thanks!

[YukonJak]

^{I agree with Mr. IFIXEDIT}

^{Use the copper, I taught my 10 year old grandson in just two hours to be pretty efficient. His dad had him help redo their shower because he did not know how to do it and was going to hire it out. Instead I told him his son could do it and it turned out pretty damn good.}

^{Follow the instructions you were given above and practice, most important thing is CLEAN, DRY, RIGHT FLUX AND SOLDER, RIGHT AMOUNT OF HEAT.}

^{I say proper amount of heat & solder on joint is that is flows around all the way once with one drip and a wipe.}

^{Be proud and confident in yourself you can do it.}

[OldHobo]

 

Can I reuse any fittings already installed? Not trying to be cheap, but if they're good I'd like to use them.

 

In my opinion, trying to re-use previously soldered fitting will be and exercise in frustration. The cost of new fittings, T'ees, elbows, etc. is not that much. Use new ones, prep the joints as stated above and pat yourself on the back for a job well done and a new skill learned.

[KMGZ400]

I personally would use pex... It's very easy and works well

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

Id go old school and stick with copper. Especially if thats whats there already and theres not much changing. Just my opinion.

[Beer Belly]

If you can get a Propress Power Tool, along with the copper fittings.....easiest thing going

[sahls01gmc]

If you can get a Propress Power Tool, along with the copper fittings.....easiest thing going

The price of the Propress is almost the same as the budget for the entire bath.... It is sweet though!

[Beer Belly]

The price of the Propress is almost the same as the budget for the entire bath.... It is sweet though!

Luckily I was able to get one from work.....if you could rent one, you could plumb the whole thing quicker than h*ll

[Hozer]

I built a home three years ago and the plumbers used Pex w/ crimp fittings throughout and I've been very happy with it. The main advantages to the Pex were the ease of routing since it's flexible, and the ease of putting everything on a home run to a central block with individual shut offs. Even for just a one room remodel, I'd probably still go with Pex to avoid needing to solder anything and to make routing it a bit more forgiving.

[ifixedit]

Absolutely nothing wrong with Pex, my brother has been in the plumbing and heating bizz for years and he uses both Pex and copper now days, depends on what the customer wants. For the "perfectionist" nothing beats nice straight copper lines and those pretty soldered joints, but Pex certainly works as well, just doesn't look as nice as copper. But, there again who's going to stand down in the basement mechanical room scrutinizing and staring up at the plumbing all day long? When you're there you do notice it though. it's a personal preference thing.

[sahls01gmc]

I decided to just go with copper. All I needed was copper pipe and fittings, so I've only spent $40 so far. Practiced a couple fittings, and quickly perfected the art. Besides, drywall hides everything!

 

I was surprised to see how easy it was to sweat joints together. Enough heat and patience.....and you're done!