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Couple of plumbing questions (pvc versus pex)?

Okay, I am learning/having to install the pipes to a new kitchen (home I just bought)..it has pvc pipes about 4 inches into the floor (sticking up) and then about 10 feet hanging in the basement (ceiling area)..these are not connected to anything, just hanging there.There are current copper pipes in the home and they do not reach the pvc pipe (nor do they have attachments for them; only an elbow).I want to know which is better pvc or PEX?And if it is either one,how do I attach it to copper pipes? I should also mention that the copper pipes along the ceiling are 1 and the extensions going to washer,bathroom, and former kitchen are 1/2. The pvc pipes hanging down from the new kitchen are 1/2. Any ideas from any handyman would be great. One more thing-no I cannot hire a plumber because I can't afford one. I am a lady; not richie rich. Either way..all advice is accepted and appriciated. Oh and if you could tell me what supplies I would need also, thanks.

Answer:

Pex is superior to CPVC water supply line especially if there is a risk of freezing. I seriously doubt that you have 1/2PVC as an interior supply line.PVC inside of the home is normally used for non pressureized waste lines.Its size ranges from1-1/2 to 4. If you use pex you will also use fewer fittings as pex is flexible .Use the shark bite fittings to mate your pex to your copper. Get rid of the cpvc that you have and use pex in place of it. Pex can be cut with a plastic tubing cutter or a common utility knife. If you use the shark bite fittings no specialtools are required. If you use the brass fittings and crimp rings you would have to rent a crimping tool.To purchase the tool for half inch fittings would cost about $100.00. You shouldn't have to use a torch at all if you use the pex with the sharkbites. It sounds like you need 2 - 1 to1/2 sharkbite fittings.Maybe 2 pex 1/2 compression 90's(sharkbite) if you can't make the bend up through your floor.And 2 stops (shut-off) valves suitable for pex. You'll also need 2 sink supply tubes to hook up your kitchen sink.The braided type would be the easiest for you to work with.Just be sure they are long enough.
This Site Might Help You. RE: Couple of plumbing questions (pvc versus pex)? Okay, I am learning/having to install the pipes to a new kitchen (home I just bought)..it has pvc pipes about 4 inches into the floor (sticking up) and then about 10 feet hanging in the basement (ceiling area)..these are not connected to anything, just hanging there.There are current copper pipes...
Pex To Pvc
Pex Vs Pvc
From one female handy-woman to one soon-to-be..... Yes the PVC is for waste, and the copper for clean water. Find where the waste should go into the sewer and determine the minimum bends it will take to get there. Go to your hardware store and purchase the right amount of pipe and elbows. You may have to get one transition piece if the sewer inlet is larger than the 4 pipe you have, this will transition you down. If possible, use the white PVC that is permanently bonded. You can use the kind that screws together, but that can leak, and really should only be temporary. Then when installing, take you time, be sure to measure twice, cut once and be patient. If you have any long horizontal runs, be sure to have some slope to it to help with drainage. Check some DIY website for more details. As far as the clean water, I used a product called SharkBite to connect to our old copper pipes. This connects PEX to the copper and doesn't require the expensive tools. With PEX, you want to keep the bends/curves to a minimum so not to sacrifice water pressure. Yeah, in the long run all copper is probably better, but sweating pipes is not fun, and is dangerous and should be left to the professionals (I did it for the bathroom and was afraid I was going to burn the house down).

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