Hey guys, first of all happy new years to ask me help desk and everyone behind the scenes. Great site. Now to why I'm here. I want to change all of my water lines. I've read a lot about pex piping. I know there are some pro and cons about pex. My question is am I better off with copper or pex piping? I live in Chicago and copper tends to freeze here in the windy city. I'm sure you guys know what happens when copper pipes freeze.

Hi David...

PEX tubing... no doubt, but run everything a tubing size larger than normal as the fittings fit internal to the piping and reduce the tube sizing, accordingly.

Here, a 1/2" PEX tubing will have a fitting that fits inside the 1/2" tubing leaving you with a 3/8" internal diameter of the fitting...this makes the 1/2" PEX tubing a 3/8" tubing...;)

Keep the PEX tubing at least 24" off any appliances that deal with heat like hot water heaters or boilers.

Also, PEX tubing rocks when it comes to freezing... tends to expand and not burst... great choice in cold climates!

Glad to discuss more if you want...

Mark

PS: All kinds of different PEX systems out there. Check your local plumbing supply store and see if they will RENT the special tools required for these systems... could save you a couple hundred bucks!

David, I agree with Mark. Here's a good read about Pex. Good luck http://www.toolbase.org/PDF/DesignGuides/pex_designguide.pdf

So can I use pex pipe from my water boiler? Since the water from the boiler is pretty hot. Also, what size would I use coming from main line into the house? I think there is 1 1/2 inch galvanized right now. :confused:

Hi DA140...

How many bathrooms in the house and how big is the water heater?

And no, you cannot use PEX right off the boiler as I indicated above... ;) You must run copper tubing to at least 24" off all appliances that have any heat source and then you can start running PEX from there.

Let me know more...

Mark

Well, this is a two story building with a finished basement. Basement and first floor have kitchen sink, bathroom sink, toilet, shower, and two water lines for outside which is only cold water. Also two washers.
Second floor has a kitchen sink, shower, bathroom sink, and toilet.
Are there any pics available that shows this type of plumbing?



Thank you Massplumber2008

Hi Davidadrian...

Actually, Parttime posted a really nice link with almost all the information you need to design your own system.

Click on the link in his post. It takes a couple minutes to upload but it is a great resource that I have consulted a few times myself over the years... ;)

Pop back with any questions, OK?

Mark

Thank you for your help Massplumber2008 and parttime. You guys are all right.;)