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path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
Mar 23, 2014

Replacing pex water line...Any advice or hints

Have to replace water line at house and our RV has same type of pex line.

I'm thinking it is just a matter of getting clamps tight. But there is usually something I don't think about until I'm actually involved with a project that I say to myself "why didn't I think of that earlier"

I have 85 pounds of water pressure, what do you think I should test it to prior to putting into service?

Any other helpful hints or helpful advice?

Thanks

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  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2014
    using some heat from a heat gun or even a propane torch


    good idea,Thanks

    Do you have the crimp tool and the crimps?

    Yes got tool that handles rv size and house size.

    Didn't even think about sharkbite.


    Have RV ready to go in driveway just in case my plumbing adventure turns into "OK, I'll call a plumber" project.

    Yet another use for RV. In case I mess up we'll still have bathroom.

    Thanks for hints
  • F105's avatar
    F105
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2014
    ScottG wrote:
    I'm not sure where you are in W. Wa. but if your anywhere near McLendons, I think they will lend you the crimper if you buy the parts from them.


    I think he's in Washington State,not WV - so he may be a bit far away. Good to know that however.
  • rav's avatar
    rav
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2014
    I would put an air test on the lines- you can call your local building department for guidelines or google it. not sure if 85 psi is high or not, our well is at 50-60 psi. if you find it is too high Watts makes a pressure reducing valve. JMHO
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 23, 2014
    I'm not sure where you are in W. Wa. but if your anywhere near McLendons, I think they will lend you the crimper if you buy the parts from them.
  • F105's avatar
    F105
    Explorer
    Mar 23, 2014
    Executive wrote:
    If you don't already own the tool and clamps, SharkBite fittings are the ONLY way to go. They're a bit expensive but so is the clamping tool, plus the fittings are way easier to use especially if you're working in tight corners......Dennis


    SharkBite fittings have been shown on the This Old House show. I'm impressed with them after seeing how easy they seem to be when the pros use them.

    I've never used them,but I'm a bit skeptical about using them in a house - being hidden behind walls,etc and not knowing if they leak until it's too late. But I guess the same is true with copper piping also.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2014
    If you don't already own the tool and clamps, SharkBite fittings are the ONLY way to go. They're a bit expensive but so is the clamping tool, plus the fittings are way easier to use especially if you're working in tight corners......Dennis
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2014
    Do you have the crimp tool and the crimps?

    Personally I prefer the Sharkbite (Home Depot) or Gatorbite (Lowes) fittings/valves.
    Just cut the PEX straight/no barbs and then push fitting/valve on.......done!
    With a 'special tool' (just a 'U' shaped donut---$2) they can be removed/reused.

    They ARE more expensive but man do they work and make the job go so much faster. And they DON'T leak. Like I said.......DONE!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 23, 2014
    I take it your using crimp style clamps? If so then using some heat from a heat gun or even a propane torch (held far enough away) to soften the Pex will allow it to slide easily over the barb. Makes the job much easier and won't hurt it a bit!

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