To PEX or Not to PEX (Page 3): Wrap up the extra PEX around a hockey puck then you can jack up your car. Why do you drive so far when you can order things?

Bill MN Loc: Western MN

jerryc41 wrote:

I got the new sink in the counter, but the PEX water lines from the faucet are about two feet too long. If I shorten them, I'll have to use PEX, which means buying an expensive collection of tools for a one-time situation. I thought I could just make a big loop of the long tubing and run it to the copper supply lines. Sound good?

Wrap up the extra PEX around a hockey puck then you can jack up your car. Why do you drive so far when you can order things?

cdayton

If it were I, I’d make a call to my local plumber, sit in my favorite chair completing the NYT crossword and, voila, have a functioning sink. Not only that, I would be contributing to the local economy. But I do admire all the expertise that Hoggers have in these matters.

Dannj

cdayton wrote:

If it were I, I’d make a call to my local plumber, sit in my favorite chair completing the NYT crossword and, voila, have a functioning sink. Not only that, I would be contributing to the local economy. But I do admire all the expertise that Hoggers have in these matters.

Sounds like we went to the same school. A few years ago I needed to (read that as wife wanted) change the faucet in our upstairs bathroom. I picked up everything I needed the day before so I could get started early the next morning...which I did. I’ll spare you the details but, bottom line, the plumber showed up at 5 that afternoon. We had a good laugh over my attempt☹️

Saycheeze Loc: Ct

I’ll second the pex shark bite. The copper to pex push on connector cost like 7 dollars. I used sharkbite under my sink...simple and inexpesive

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

brucebc wrote:

Most Home Depot's will lend you the crimping tool.

Maybe, but they will more likely rent you one. IMO the best alternative to buying those single use tools.

Ed

Petesfixit Loc: Houston Texas

I am a professional handyman with 30 plus years experience.
Get the Sharkbite slip on fittings, you'll be done in 5- 10 minutes.
Confusing disscution not nesecarry .
You're welcome.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Dave327 wrote:

Cut the pex about 1/4 to 1/2” longer than you need. It does not have to be perfectly square. The nut and derrilan sleeve is what makes the seal. Pay attention to directions on what direction the sleeve goes on. It should be the larger end up towards the nut.

Yep! That did it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Petesfixit wrote:

Confusing discussion not necessary .

Wait a minute! This is UHH, where confusion is king.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

cdayton wrote:

If it were I, I’d make a call to my local plumber, sit in my favorite chair completing the NYT crossword and, voila, have a functioning sink. Not only that, I would be contributing to the local economy. But I do admire all the expertise that Hoggers have in these matters.

I like the challenge of avoiding professionals. The last professional I called had me without water for nine days while he tried one thing after another to get my well to work. Then he sent me an erroneous bill for $7,000. After a lot of back and forth, he got it down to $6,877. I realize that doing calling a pro to work on the sink would cost only half that, but I prefer doing the job myself. All that's left is to connect the drain pipes. I saved money, and I learned a lot.

Mark-VA

You'd need special tools if you use crimp bands on the PEX, however you can buy GatorBite type fittings. You just cut the tube and slide it on the connector. The connectors are not cheap but if you're only making a few connections it fast, easy, and almost mistake proof as long as you measure properly and make sure the tube is inserted far enough in the fitting.

marvkaye

I've been using flexible braided stainless water supply lines that screw directly between the shutoff and faucet (or toilet) for years. Eliminates the possibility of a leaky compression fitting completely. Yeah, they cost more than the usual supply lines but they look nice, don't leak and are super easy to install. Just my $0.02.

Drummer Loc: IL

I have been a plumber over 40 years just make a loop

cochese

Rent the tools for a day for a few bucks

the_seadog Loc: Rhode Island

When I have need to use PEX I usually set everything up and then run to Home Depot to rent a crimper. I don't do much plumbing so this works for me.