To PEX or not To PEX

[tvoneicken]

Does someone have recommendations for a reasonably priced crimp tool available online?

[murreywalker]

Why not use Sharkbite fittings?

Unless space prohibits, you're miles ahead in terms of ease of use, and potentially less expensive.

[Silverflames]

I have seen some cheaper versions a lowes.

[Melody Ranch]

I have used copper, Shark Bite (never had a problem with vibration leaks) and PEX. This time I am going to try....Sea Tech PEX Fittings VTS. It is available elsewhere too. Lets see how that goes.

[BobKidd]

I picked my crimper up at Menards for around $90 does both 1/2 nad 3/4. While we are talking about pex I was thinking of useing it for in floor heating in the camper. I can't seem to find any posts where someone has done this.

Bob

[Silverflames]

How would you hook it up? To the hot water heater? Or would you have a separate unit?

[ElCamino Man]

I didnt read all 5 pages but Ill throw in my opinion.

I had to plumb in my bathroom and kitchen, including water heater in my AS. My Dad said to use Pex since it was so simple. I went to the local hardware store and checked out Pex. The tubing itself is super affordable, about $.60 a foot. But the fittings are ridiculous! $8 per "T". I would have had $50 sunk in Ts alone! Thats not including 90s or any other fittings. I looked at CPVC and couldnt believe the cost difference. I had about $50 invested in EVERYTHING I needed to plumb my entire AS with CPVC. Yes, it was more work, but the cost difference made it a no brainer. Making a fix is as easy as cutting the pipe and pumbing in new at something like $.30 a fitting

[Silverflames]

I went with CPVC as well. Cost, ease of use, no tools to buy, and no learning curve on a new product. I live in Fl so there very few times when it could get cold enough to freeze covered pipes. It sounds like pex ability to handle freezing this is its greatest strength. Oh yea cost.. Did I mention cost?

[Jackfre]

Originally Posted by keithgrowe

How would you hook it up? To the hot water heater? Or would you have a separate unit?

He was showing a P&H distributor the new water heater flex connections they have come up with. One thing in the SB. The distributor asked if SB was approved for soft copper. Factory response was due to the inconsistent dimensions of soft copper the SB product is not good for soft copper.

[BobKidd]

I was thinking and on demand water heater and also trying to look at solar options.