PEX Code Questions

[D-Con]

I'm trying to find out about using PEX tubing as a Do-It-Yourselfer. The local plumbing supply shop I called here in Bakersfield, CA, told me they could not sell me PEX tubing and fittings unless I was "certified." Is this a local code thing, a nationwide thing, or what? Can anyone tell me what's involved with becoming "certified?"

Thanks.

[mdshunk]

The manufacturers of the pex crimpers and fittings require this certification. If they catch their wholesalers selling fittings to non-certified people, they don't let them sell their fittings anymore. The certification is a several hour class and a short test. It's held pretty often, normally. You get a stupid cardboard wallet card, and permission to buy the crimpers and fittings. When I took the class, it was free. Now the folks around here charge 50 bucks. Just call your supply house and sign up for the next class. (Yes, I do believe it's a violation of your civil liberities and basic sensibilities to do so, but sometimes jumping through a hoop is easier).

[D-Con]

Thanks! Yeah - the local plumbing supplier holds the class about once-a-month. I think it's still free. I'll get my name on the list. I've already checked out the instructions for using the ProPEX tool on the net. It's a heck of a lot easier than sweating copper pipe - I don't know what the PEX manufacturers are so concerned about!!

[Phil H]

You should check with your local code enforcement. PEX has been a bouncing ball in California. Last I heard, the California Plumbing Code still (once again?) prohibits PEX. Some juristictions may allow it despite the state code.

Briefly, The CPC did not allow PEX. The Plastic Pipe and Fitting Assoc took the state to court and won. But, the ruling was overturned on appeal.

[mdshunk]

Chances are about 99.99% that if your plumbing supply house has classes once-a-month, PEX is acceptable in your area.

[mdshunk]

- I don't know what the PEX manufacturers are so concerned about!!
Well, there was a similar piping system in years gone by called PolyButyl (I think, don't quote me on that). It was the subject of many, many class action lawsuits and multi-million dollar settlements. That type of piping was bad, but it was also poorly installed in many cases. PEX is a far superior product, and the manufacturers are covering all their bases to make sure that it also gets installed properly. PEX is fantastic stuff. PEX is a super system to use with a ManaBloc. Top notch system: http://www.vanguardpipe.com/mbloc.html

[Mr T]

Menards (at least in Ohio) openly sells Pex tubing, fittings and the crimpers. All on the shelf. The crimpers they sell come with a go/no go gauge to tell if you did the crimps correctly. The crimps were about $99. They also have how to guides on doing this (correctly). They have a very large selection of fittings. Not sure if Menards is cross country or not yet. Again you may have local code restrictions on the sale of it. All I can say is road trip!

[Phil H]

Chances are about 99.99% that if your plumbing supply house has classes once-a-month, PEX is acceptable in your area.

The problem with California is you can cross the street and be in a different jurisdiction with differnt AHJ. For instance, Bakersfield may allow different materials than unincorporated Kern County. Where I live, I can drive about five miles on one street and pass four jurisdictions with different AHJ.

[D-Con]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! I ended up doing this project with copper pipe, but I'll my next plumbing project will be done in PEX - it's just so much faster. PEX is approved for use in Bakersfield, CA, and in Cayucos, CA, where I did this particular project. I'm guessing that it really depends on the which supply house I go to as to whether I need to be certified or not. The product I'm most interested in is the AquaPEX product which uses an expander and an additional PEX ring (of a slightly larger diameter) to seal the connections as opposed to a metallic crimp ring. Seems like pretty cool stuff.

Again - thanks for the help!

[rjh]

I had to move some PEX supply lines in the basement last year. I rented a 1/2" and 3/4" pair of crimpers ($15 each / day), bought a fistfull of fittings and a bunch of extra 1/2" and 3/4" PEX pipe at Home Depot, and went to town. It's pretty simple to work with, and must faster than copper for sure.

[scuba_dave]

I had to move some PEX supply lines in the basement last year. I rented a 1/2" and 3/4" pair of crimpers ($15 each / day), bought a fistfull of fittings and a bunch of extra 1/2" and 3/4" PEX pipe at Home Depot, and went to town. It's pretty simple to work with, and must faster than copper for sure.

Where are you located? I was thinking of pex for my sunroom for radiant floor heat. Or is the radiant heat flooring a different type of plumbing
If I can take a class & DIY it may be worth it to install VS electric radiant floor heat

[Clutchcargo]

I'm using Pex to connect a bunch of baseboard radiators. The 3/4" is a bit tough to work with, very springy. I imagine it's still much quicker and cheaper than sweating copper. I plan to eventually throw all this out as I gradually switch over to radiant throughout the house, so it was a good solution.
In which state does HD stock radiant supplies? I use FW Webb in Massachusetts, but the hours are not condusive to the homeowner.

[scuba_dave]

I haven't checked HD in MA
I'm rethinking the electric radiant floor in the sunroom now
Were you able to buy the PEX without a problem?

I searched HD website but it keeps correcting "PEX" to "HEX" :(

[Clutchcargo]

I talked to the plumbing guy at HD in Somerville. He says it's on the way, they just can't figure out where to put the stock.
No issues buying pex at FW Webb.

[rjh]

Where are you located? I was thinking of pex for my sunroom for radiant floor heat. Or is the radiant heat flooring a different type of plumbing
If I can take a class & DIY it may be worth it to install VS electric radiant floor heat

I'm in Kansas City. I didn't take any classes, and figured like copper, it's either going to hold under pressure or not, so I crossed my fingers and opened the ball valves, and everything held. That was over a year ago and no leaks yet. We just put the sheetrock up over it a few months ago...

[Bismarck Jack]

This is a good thread. Sometimes it is easier to go with what you know. But copper is not easy.

I have been considering PEX for a new shower in the new bath downstairs. I would use the copper to PEX transition adapter and right on over and down to the fixture. But copper has two uses; 1. to run the water to the fixture of course, and 2. Stability of the fixtures. How do you keep your fixtures solid without the pipe adding stability?

I still think I have to use copper to go from the valves up to the shower head. How else would this work?

[Clutchcargo]

Running Pex directly to the fixture looks cheesy.
I would connect pex to copper behind the wall and secure the copper to the stud so that all you see is copper in the vanity.

[Bismarck Jack]

Good thinkin clutch:beer:

I will use that advice.

[spatters]

Found these videos online on PEX. Includes introduction to PEX, types of PEX tubing, plus good videos on how to install PEX fittings.

http://www.toolbase.org/TechInventory/TechDetails.aspx?ContentDetailID=598

(Now, if I can just find the tools. :hmmmm2: )

[Bismarck Jack]

An earlier question about what state sells PEX openly. North Dakota is one. I have seen PEX tube, fixtures and crimpers at Lowes, no certification needed...just the 99 bucks and you are on your way. Many $5.00 adapters available which leads me to believe you pay for this convenience.

Just to add. Maybe you can view Lowes, Menards, Home Depot ect online and order or call the store direct and have them send it to you. Not sure. I am guessing that stores are selling these materials based on city or area code requirements and restrictions as earlier stated.

[D-Con]

Just an update to this thread. I ended up attending the Wirsbo/AquaPex training class and got my certification for AquaPex. I can now buy AquaPex products at any plumbing supply house that carries this product line. The training was extremely basic - I got more out of the informational flyer than the training. I didn't even get to make an actual connection in the training - just observed the instructor make a single connection.

I've used AquaPex on two separate occassions since attending the training. It's really fairly easy to use, and I haven't had a leak yet (knock on wood.) It's a lot faster than copper, and there's less of a chance that I'll burn down the house.:redface:

I'm giving out my recommendation - it's good stuff!:rock: