| Author | Message | ||
| Skip Rating: N/A |
I am thinking about making some changes to my fresh water system and am looking for the cons of using polyethylene tubing on the cold side. I know there are many choices(pex, copper), but like the ease and availability of the polyethylene. It is rated at 100 lbs psi @ 70 deg and I am only runnig 45 lbs. Any reasons not to use? Thanks | ||
| Greg Peterson Rating: N/A |
The only disadvantage to Polyethylene is it is not as flexible at low temperatures and cannot take high temperatures. It is more susceptible to creep deformation or “cold flow”. This means that over time the connections may be more likely to leak. I like PEX. PEX is cross-linked Polyethylene. Through one of several processes, links between polyethylene macromolecules are formed to create bridges between PE molecules (thus the term "cross-linked). This resulting molecule is more durable under temperature extremes, chemical attack, and resists creep deformation. If you do not have any concern about cold weather than regular poly may be ok. Nothing is freeze proof but I have used PEX outside and it is amazing what it can withstand. Good luck with what ever you use. | ||
| Brian Brown (Blue_velvet)
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Another option... I used CPVC in the bus and find it a snap to work with. Can be used on hot and cold sides. I'm even using it in my house for a plumbing project today, because sweating copper fittings is tough to do under remodel conditions (fire danger, water boiling, etc.) BTDT. Just a thought, bb | ||
| David Hartley (Drdave)
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The only problems with CPVC is that it is very brittle and can work harden and become more brittle. I used it a couple of times myself and had OK results, But now that I think about the potential safety of the Poly Vinyl Chloride poisoning info I decided to do my MC9 with all PEX tubing. Granted it's more expensive as are the fittings but I don't have the taste of PVC cement in the water as added flavor either. The hardest part of using rigid tubing for plumbing in a coach is that you have to make sharp turns and have little flexibility to reroute around objects. The accidental breakeage with rigid stuff has haunted me a couple of times. The PEX takes corners well and curves and remains flexible so should I throw something in the bay I don't have to worry about fracturing a water line. It took me about 20 minutes to route all my water feed lines using pex and another 15 minutes crimping the connectors. My fresh water system is entirely PEX all the way from the tank pickup to the pump and on to everything else. I used the copper water heater flex lines but that's all the metal in the system other than the brass pex fittings. I have a Shurflo 5.7 GPM variable speed pump, a prefilter and carbon block filter after the pump. I can turn on the faucet in the tank bay and shoot a stream of water 20 feet and I don't have an auxilary pressure tank hooked up yet and may not worry about it since I get full pressure showers like it is. Wish the drain pipes were that easy but they are 1 1/2" and 1 1/4" PVC, Took a day to cut and glue all of it together and take it apart again because something slipped or I forgot a connector. | ||
| R.C. Bishop
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Why not copper with flair fittings? Easy and tolerant...just remember to blow out in the winter if one lives is such a clime. FWIW  RCB | ||
| KC Jack Rating: N/A |
Crimping is the cheapest pex fitting but the new Seatech fittings are quick and easy. The fittings work kind of like a Chinese handcuff. If you have pex, carry some Seatech fittings for emergency repairs. Jack | ||
| DMDave Rating: N/A |
You better check the current $ of copper!!!! | ||
| R.C. Bishop
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Doubt if copper is more than pex with it's fittings. As I recall 4 years ago pex was the high price item. RCB | ||
| David Hartley (Drdave)
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But with PEX you only have to install it once. No flare tools and hacksaw required, No soldering and no corrosion from slightly acidic water or washdown solutions. Pex does not scale up if you happen to get a load of sulphur water or green slime from city water in the system either. Does not react with chlorine either. So flush the system with chlorine to disinfect. The brass fittings are marine grade and are very stable in chemically active environments or just use the Plastic PEX fittings for a no-metal system. Pex shakes, flexes and keeps on going. Copper work hardens, fittings are a pain and not forgiving when accidentally hit or bent too much. Stuff Happens, I just like not to worry about it once buried in a wall or other built-up space. | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat)
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Pex is the way to go. Why use something that is less reliable and more difficult to build? Pex is amazing. An interesting fact about copper that makes me think twice about using it in anything these days: According to a recent research project, 1/3 of the copper available to humans has been mined and is in use... 1/3 of it is still in the ground, yet unmined, and get this- 1/3 of it is now in landfills. We've blown through 2/3 of the copper that the earth has to offer us!!! I'll use Pex. Save what copper's left for the kids, for something important !! |