How to Replace Copper Pipes Using PEX
Key remodeling projects usually entail opening up the ceilings, floors, and walls. Such projects offer a great opportunity to inspect and replace any old or faulty plumbing fixtures.
Water pipes require regular inspection since they carry huge volumes of water under extreme pressure. A major burst can be extremely devastating. You should call us to replace old pipes, and this is something you’ll have to do at one point in time.
Some years ago, water pipes would be replaced by installing brand new pipes made of copper. These pipes were joined with soldered fittings. Soldering them required using a flame-based soldering torch. Assembling the fittings also demanded a lot of skill.
How to Replace Copper Pipes Using PEX
From the 1950s to 2000, copper pipes were the main type of pipes used in the plumbing industry. There were widely used in new constructions and replacing older galvanized iron pipes. Galvanized iron pipes were the standard pipes before the introduction of copper pipes.
However, the use of copper in making pipes has been fading in the last two decades, mainly as a result of the manufacture of more reliable pipes, known as PEX pipes.
PEX is a type of polyethylene comprising of molecules that are cross-linked to create flexible, strong, and durable plastic tubing.
Although copper fittings and pipes are still manufactured today, most professional plumbing companies prefer using PEX pipes for new constructions, extensions, and repairs.
PEX is also ideal for DIY enthusiasts since it’s easier to work with than soldering copper pipes and fittings. PEX tubing can be connected using crimp-ring type of connectors with the help of a crimper.
They can also be connected using push-fit type of connectors. Both connection methods are ideal for joining new PEX tubes to existing copper pipes. However, push-fit type of connectors are more ideal for use by DIY enthusiasts since they don’t require any specialized tools.
Here are the DIY options you can try when you notice a leaking or corroded copper pipe during your home remodeling project:
Spot Fix
In case of leaking copper water pipes, you may choose the easiest approach to repair them by cutting out any damaged section and use PEX to replace it. Such a minimum approach will only require you to use a push-fit type of connector to do the repair.
Re-Piping
The best solution to plumbing problems that come with old copper pipes is re-piping them with PEX. Although the initial cost of re-piping might be high, it will save you from frequent repairs and damages.
Re-piping involves bypassing and disconnecting all the existing copper pipes and installing new lines with PEX. You can choose to follow the existing pattern or come up with a new manifold/branch system.
Replacing The Visible Runs
A good compromise between spot fixes and full re-piping is replacing visible runs. This is where you replace large pipe sections, at least 10 feet sections of copper piping with PEX. When replacing, you’ll branch out the supply line as needed.
Most DIY enthusiasts prefer to replace the visible runs since it’s not as costly and ambitious like re-piping. Although this approach seems a bit complicated, it’s actually simpler than going spot fix. You can easily replace visible runs with these common supplies:
PEX tube cutter
De-burring apparatus (for copper pipes)
Mini copper pipe cutter
10-foot parts of ½ inch PEX tube
Several ½ inch tees (push-fit type)
Two ½ inch straight couplings (push-fit type)
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