PEX Question

[Tony in SD]

Can you heat PEX to bend it in smaller radius’?

 

[Butch(OH)]

There are differences in Pex A and B but it's not generally recommend other than to warm it with a heat gun if the ambient temps are cool. But like anything else if you Google it you will find videos of people heating it with a torch and bending it, I wouldn't. They sell bend brackets that hold the minimum recommended radius at the box stores.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

If I'm not mistaken, if you have to bend tighter than the minimum radius, you need to install an elbow.

 

[caterpillar guy]

IF you want a sweep to connect the pex with Supply house has them in Stainless Steel. Smaller but like a conduit sweep so not a tight turn like an elbow is. Let things flow easier and faster that way. Cost is not that much different and no leeching of components in the brass fittings.

 

[Used-to-be-iowa-dave]

I haven't had good luck with plastic sweeps, especially for tubing sizes greater than 1/2"

 

[stevieb49829]

Can you heat PEX to bend it in smaller radius’?

Tony, how tight of a radius are you talking about? And what size PEX? steve

 

[Tony in SD]

Tony, how tight of a radius are you talking about? And what size PEX? steve

3/4" PEX I’d like 3" radius

 

[Butch(OH)]

3/4" PEX I’d like 3" radius

Your not going to bend that tight. Your going to need fittings.

 

[stevieb49829]

Do they make PEX premade sweeps?

 

[mark1955]

personally, i would never use plex to begin with. just asking for trouble down the line.

 

[Mule Meat]

personally, i would never use plex to begin with. just asking for trouble down the line.

And may I ask. What trouble would that be??

 

[Tony in SD]

personally, i would never use plex to begin with. just asking for trouble down the line.

To the contrary. I’m using PEX to avoid trouble. As in splitting copper pipes. My project is in an out building that may or may not be heated in the future.

 

[stevieb49829]

To the contrary. I’m using PEX to avoid trouble. As in splitting copper pipes. My project is in an out building that may or may not be heated in the future.

Other than the cost of PEX fittings and crimp rings, is there a reason you don't want to use a couple of elbows. Tony?

 

[Tony in SD]

Other than the cost of PEX fittings and crimp rings, is there a reason you don't want to use a couple of elbows. Tony?

I’m more of an electrician than a plumber. I use a Greenlee heater to bend and form electrical conduit all the time. Especially around complex curves. So I was wondering if I could form PEX in the same manner. But after reading the posts on here and further research on my own, I have decided to use 90* elbows and crimp rings. Thank to everyone for your advice.

 

[stevieb49829]

I’m more of an electrician than a plumber. I use a Greenlee heater to bend and form electrical conduit all the time. Especially around complex curves. So I was wondering if I could form PEX in the same manner. But after reading the posts on here and further research on my own, I have decided to use 90* elbows and crimp rings. Thank to everyone for your advice.

Ya, when I was reading up on PEX a few years ago, there was something about heating it (like you and others routinely do with CPVC). What I remember is that heating PEX moves its internal structure back to its original configuration, which normally would be a straight tube. Great for fixing frozen bulges, not so good for making curves. steve

 

[showcrop]

personally, i would never use plex to begin with. just asking for trouble down the line.

Pex won't dissolve from the inside out like copper does.

 

[Eman85]

To the contrary. I’m using PEX to avoid trouble. As in splitting copper pipes. My project is in an out building that may or may not be heated in the future.

Keep in mind while the PEX will expand and contract and not split if frozen the fittings will crack.

 

[DoubleO7]

personally, i would never use plex to begin with. just asking for trouble down the line.

Please tell us what piping is 100% reliable 100% of the time.

 

[john in la]

What are you trying to do that you need that tight of a curve????
The most common area for that tight of a curve is at stub out.
And they make a special copper fitting for that.

PLUMBFLEX 8 in. x 1/2 in. PEX Copper Stub Out 90° Elbow with Wall Flange P12-SO8F - The Home Depot

Prevent dirt and debris from entering your pipe profile by choosing The Plumber's Choice PEX Copper Stub Out 90° Elbow with Wall Flange. Ideal for any budget.

www.homedepot.com

 

[stevieb49829]

What are you trying to do that you need that tight of a curve????
The most common area for that tight of a curve is at stub out.
And they make a special copper fitting for that.

PLUMBFLEX 8 in. x 1/2 in. PEX Copper Stub Out 90° Elbow with Wall Flange P12-SO8F - The Home Depot

Prevent dirt and debris from entering your pipe profile by choosing The Plumber's Choice PEX Copper Stub Out 90° Elbow with Wall Flange. Ideal for any budget.

www.homedepot.com

John, is that stub out flange to be attached to a backer, or just a stud and maybe the sill plate?