Repairing Guides

how to repair pex water lines

by Adeline Bode Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Inspect the PEX. For repairing the leaking PEX piping; investigate the PEX brand that has been installed during plumbing of the house.
  2. Re-Check the Leakage. Inspect the entire PEX leakage with a soap solution. ...
  3. Repair the Leak. Use stainless steel clamps and insert fittings to repair the leak. ...
  4. Crimp the PEX Tubing. Once the leak has been repaired, it's time to put the PEX tubing back into shape. ...

Part of a video titled How to Fix Pex A and Pex B - 2 Different Ways - YouTube
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If you just take a heat gun to it leave it there and give it even heat distribution it'll fix itselfMoreIf you just take a heat gun to it leave it there and give it even heat distribution it'll fix itself.

Should PEX piping be insulated?

PEX doesn’t sweat in high humidity and is resistant to bursting in freezing temperatures. While PEX does not ordinarily burst in the cold, the water in the pipes can still freeze. It is important to insulate PEX pipe in an attic, particularly in cold-weather areas.

How to patch leaking PEX piping?

  • Turn off the water supply line in the house.
  • Drain the damaged line and ensure that the area to be patched is clean and dry so that the epoxy putty will properly adhere to the pipe.
  • Tear off enough plumbing epoxy putty to fully cover the surface around the leak.
  • Knead the putty until it is pliable enough for application.
  • Apply the putty to the pipe.

More items...

How to do your own PEX plumbing?

Things To Consider When Installing A Plumbing System

  • Decide Where The Main Stack Will Be. The main stack is a pipe roughly 3 or 4 inches in diameter. It generally runs from the basement to the roof.
  • Install Your Drains and Vents. Drain and vent pipes are usually 1 to 1.5″ in diameter. ...
  • Draw A Diagram and Get Your Permits. You’re going to need a building permit to install your plumbing. ...

How to install PEX pipe?

The One Drawback of PEX Pipe Even Plumbers Didn’t See Coming

  • The Problem. Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or ...
  • Risk Factors. ...
  • The Unavoidable Solution. ...
  • Preventative Measures. ...

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Can PEX piping be repaired?

Much like installing PEX tubing, repairing it is also an easy process. If you're using a crimp or clamp connection systems (both being very popular), using brass PEX fittings with copper or stainless steel crimp rings is the most inexpensive method of repairing PEX tubing.

Can you splice PEX water lines?

1:142:01How do I splice into Pex pipe? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to probably have to get a plumber to come out cut the line and put the properMoreYou're going to probably have to get a plumber to come out cut the line and put the proper compression fittings in there. So you can have a connection to your ice machine.

What causes PEX fittings to leak?

The leaching of zinc also makes the fittings weaker, resulting in dezincification. In PEX pipes, the zinc build-up can cause your kitchen and bathroom fixtures to clog. It also causes fittings to crack or break, leaking water within your walls or underneath your house.

How do you repair PEX PVC pipe?

1:433:15How to Repair Plumbing with PEX Tubing | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually takes the tubing. And what they have is a another piece of the tubing slightly larger andMoreActually takes the tubing. And what they have is a another piece of the tubing slightly larger and fits perfectly on the outside. Now with this type of tool you now expand the tubing.

How do you fix a leaking PEX fitting?

0:282:05Leaking PEX Pipes : Plumbing Help - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere is all PEX crimpers have adjustable screws on them you tighten it and it will tighten theMoreThere is all PEX crimpers have adjustable screws on them you tighten it and it will tighten the crimp on there. So that way you can take your pipe. Put in your crimper crimp down on it.

How do I join PEX?

1:085:15Connecting PEX-A to PEX-B - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe recommended method to transition is to use a pex b insert style fitting into both the pex a andMoreThe recommended method to transition is to use a pex b insert style fitting into both the pex a and pex b pipe we'll use the crimp ring on the pex.

What is the lifespan of PEX pipe?

30 to 50 yearsWhile you can expect PEX to last for 30 to 50 years, copper piping will outdo it by about two decades, with a typical lifespan of 50 to 70 years. Copper is a more durable option that isn't susceptible to rodents or sunlight. These pipes can easily handle water pressure of up to 1,000 psi.

How do you check for PEX leaks?

10:1217:24Skoolie Plumbing: Pex Pressure Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd see if make sure there's no leaks anywhere. So here we go we should be able to hear a hissing.MoreAnd see if make sure there's no leaks anywhere. So here we go we should be able to hear a hissing. Sound. If there's a leak.

Can you Recrimp PEX?

When done correctly, it's possible to reuse PEX fittings after the copper crimp rings have been removed. Knowing how to remove copper crimp rings may look difficult at first but with the right tools and steps, it's easier then expected.

How do I fix a leaking plastic water pipe?

0:403:42How To Repair Leaky Pipes - Ace Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr glass wrap or patch products are usually water activated mix the ingredients in the package andMoreOr glass wrap or patch products are usually water activated mix the ingredients in the package and wrap the leaking area now when it cures it hardens like a cast epoxy putty is activated.

How do you repair a plastic water line?

0:481:51How to Repair a Plastic Plumbing Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext thing we're going to do let's go ahead and take our glue. And put it around the entire pipeMoreNext thing we're going to do let's go ahead and take our glue. And put it around the entire pipe where our damaged area is make sure you get enough on there to cover the entire repair kit.

Can you use SharkBite on PEX?

SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE pipe. SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and SDR-9 HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications.

How to repair a leaking water line?

The easiest way to repair a leaking water line is to cut out the damaged part of the PEX line and use a stab-in connection or crimp type band clamp. If the PEX has a simple cut or hole, you can just cut the bad area out and slip the ends into the stab-in connection.

What to use to cut PEX?

No matter what method you use, make sure you make a clean and straight cut on the PEX line. I like using a simple PVC cutter rather than a razor knife or tin snips, which can pinch or compress the tube and compromise the connection.

Is crimp band cheaper than compression fitting?

Many RV manufacturers use this type of connection as the crimp band is much less expensive than the compression fittings. When you look at the number of connections needed in an RV plumbing system, the crimp band makes economical sense. However, for a quick fix, I have used the compression fitting with great success.

Is PEX flexible?

The advantage of using PEX is not only is it flexible for installation with the ability to bend around structures rather than “sweating” elbows and fittings, but it also has the ability to expand without cracking if frozen. I personally have frozen the water lines several times (not always my fault) and was amazed when it thawed out that nothing cracked and there were no leaks! However, this is not a guarantee, as it depends on the type of fittings used. My units had the Flair-It™ system that is a plastic compression fitting, and it did not crack.

How to fix a PEX leak?

Inspect the entire PEX leakage with a soap solution. Spray the soap solution onto each joint and the ones with leaks will create small bubbles.

How to install PEX pipe?

Installation is conveniently carried out by pinching a copper ring onto an inserted PEX tube fitting over a pipe. Brass or stainless steel fittings clamps are also used for making these connections. Unlike copper piping, PEX piping is resistant to rust build up and therefore less likely to corrode from acidic water. It has a comparatively longer shelf life before the need for replacement. Unlike boisterous copper piping, PEX piping has a smooth internal surface and is flexible. Therefore it's a preferred method of quieter water transportation. Despite its durability and flexibility, PEX pipes can give way to water leaks. Know the procedure to mend PEX piping leaks.

How to make a PEX pipe joint?

To start the process, create a joint by cutting into the tubing with PEX pipe cutters. Slip the crimp ring over the ends of the tubing and push the fittings into the tubing. Slide the crimp ring to the edge and pull the crimp handles to open and place the crimp rings and finally force the rings to close tightly.

Can you use PEX tubing for outdoor plumbing?

However, these pipes cannot be used for outdoor plumbing jobs because the UV rays may spoil the material and cause serious damages. Manufactured from cross linked polyethylene and brass, these pipes, when used with PEX tubing, offer brilliant water plumbing alternatives to traditional methods.

Is PEX pipe flexible?

It has a comparatively longer shelf life before the need for replacement. Unlike boisterous copper piping, PEX piping has a smooth internal surface and is flexible. Therefore it's a preferred method of quieter water transportation. Despite its durability and flexibility, PEX pipes can give way to water leaks.

What color is PEX tubing?

1) PEX tubing comes in two different colors, solid white and solid red. (White denotes a cold water line, while red denotes a hot water line). 2) PEX tubing has printed lettering that contains the words "PEX" (see figure below). 3) PEX tubing is rather flexible and easy to bend. (Be careful not to break your supply line by testing its flexibility). ...

What is a PEX clamp?

PEX tubing is most commonly sold by-the-foot. PEX Stainless Steel Pinch Clamps - These clamps are used to secure the PEX tubing to the PEX fittings. They are generally sold in a pack of 10 and are available in all sizes. Ask Question.

What happens if a pinch clamp is not pictured?

If the pinch clamp does not look like the one pictured below, or the fitting begins to slip out of the tube when pulled, then the pinch clamp needs to be removed and replaced.

How to release water pressure in a home?

Turn the valve off. You can release the water pressure in the line that you will be working on by turning on the faucet that the line is supplying water to.

Where is the PEX swivel screw?

PEX FPT Swivel - Screws into the bottom of the faucet on your sink or shower.

What to do if there is a gap in a pipe?

If the gap still exists, exceeding 1/8", a new section of tubing needs to be cut. The key to a good cut is keeping the pipe cutter perpendicular to the pipe.

Can you pull a pinch clamp out of a tube?

The installed pinch clamp should look identical to the one pictured below. For safe measure, you can try pulling the fitting out of the tube. If done right, the fitting should not even begin to slip out of the tube.

What happens if a PEX pipe fails?

Plastic pipe failures can lead to extensive water damage, mold, and hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in costly repairs. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder or manufacturer, contact our plastic experts if you have a question about a PEX pipe problem or failure.

What is PEX piping?

A growing number of contractors and homeowners are switching from copper and CPVC pipes to cross-linked polyethylene tubing, commonly abbreviated PEX, XPE or XLPE. PEX piping is generally preferred for its affordability, ease of installation and use, adaptability, flexibility and its resistance to extreme temperatures (high and low), stress, pressure and chemicals. Durability is another benefit to this material as a PEX system can be made to perform well beyond most standard warranties if properly understood, designed and installed.

How long does a PEX pipe last?

Defective PEX pipes will not last 50+ years as advertised and quickly degrade and become brittle when exposed to hot chlorinated water. These pipes are destined to fail.

What happens if water is over chlorine?

Over-chlorination of water. Water containing high levels of chlorine is highly aggressive, especially when the water is hot. If water is over-chlorinated or if the piping system is sanitized by treatment with high concentrations of chlorine, the service life of the pipe is greatly reduced.

What happens if you fail a pressure test?

Failing to pressure test. Failure to abide by pressure testing requirements may not only result in leakages , but also require removing of entire walls/floors, fixtures and other costly repairs.

When using crimp or clamp/cinch to install a PEX system, should the tool be calibrated?

When using crimp or clamp/cinch to install a PEX system, the tool should be calibrated beforehand and periodically checked by a professional to ensure the job is done right.

Is PEX good for durability?

Durability is another benefit to this material as a PEX system can be made to perform well beyond most standard warranties if properly understood, designed and installed. This seemingly quick and flexible installation does have its downfalls, though.

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