I just love PEX! PEX is truly a DIY plumber's dream!IN the picture you can see all the plumbing to the upstairs shower. In addition to the drain you can see the hot and cold water supply.
Can you guest which is the hot water supply?
From my perspective the four reasons to use PEX are:
1) Very Inexpensive
At least inexpensive with respect to copper plumbing. I have estimated that the PEX is roughly one quarter the price of a system built with copper.
2) Easy to install
Just drill the holes in your joists, if required, thread the PEX pipe from the entry point to the appliance and your done. Be sure to follow the building code requirements for placement of holes in any joists.
3) Faster to install
Because you can bend the PEX you can create one complete length with no joints, elbows, etc. This save a lot of work, plus eliminated the nasty effort of soldering copper in tight spots.
4) Makes you look like a pro
The PEX system makes it easier to build a manifold-based system which eliminates the nasty competition for hot or cold water among two or more applications. No more scolding shower surprises when someone else turns on a faucet.
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Installing the Water System: Materials Purchased
PEX wins Hands Down!
PEX versus Copper Piping: Pros & Cons