For decades, copper pipe was the ideal option for water supply lines — it still didn’t soften the water since older lead pipes did, and it resisted rust. While copper is still useful for Plumbing Services Sacramento repair specialists, cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is quickly getting the water supply pipe of choice for residential processes since it is affordable, flexible and also do-it-yourself-friendly. When combined using a manifold system, PEX eliminates splicing and decreases the danger of leaks. PEX comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate water pressure and your personal household fixtures.
PEX Diameter
When you’re purchasing PEX, the significant number is the “nominal” size. This structure standard indicates the pipe can be used with fittings of the exact same size. The flexible tubing comes in rolls of 50 feet up to 1,000 feet. PEX tubes range in diameter from 3/8-inch to 1-inch for residential programs. For decent water flow, it is a good idea to set up 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX to your most important lines. The standard when replacing old water distribution lines with PEX is always to work with the exact same size.
Manifold System
Because it is flexible and constant, plumbers may run PEX tubing from a water-supply manifold directly to every fixture. Whole-house residential manifolds usually have blue valves on one side and also crimson valves on the opposite, indicating hot and cold water lines, respectively. When running water distribution lines, the rule of thumb is to go from a wider line to some narrower line, although not the other way round. The flashlights sizes about the pectoral indicate the biggest compatible PEX tube size. As an instance, if the manifold has 3/4-inch valves, it is possible to set up 3/4-inch, or smaller, PEX tubing. Reducer fittings are essential when you need to install tubing slimmer than a manifold valve.
Water Pressure
Conserving water is an admirable goal, and by running narrower PEX lines to some fixtures, it is possible to reduce wasted water — but not all fixtures benefit from narrower lines. Most homeowners aren’t willing to wait for 15 minutes to fill out their tubs, so running a minimal 1/2-inch line to the tub is a good idea. Other fixtures that benefit from 1/2-inch lines are washing machines and dishwashers. Sinks and showers certainly are water guzzlers, and you’re able to save by running 3/8-inch lines to them. Because the pace at which a commode tank refills is usually not important, it is okay to conduct 3/8-inch line there as well.
Pressure Drop Considerations
Generally speaking, the greater the distance from the manifold to the fixture, the wider the PEX tubing ought to be. A 3/8-inch line is sufficient for lengths up to 250 feet; 1/2-inch line will produce adequate water pressure up to 350 feet; and also 3/4-inch tubing is vital to conduct a 500-foot line. Look for a maximum recommended lengths specification on the PEX packaging.
