In this article, we will learn how to install pex tubing properly. Though you may need help from a professional during the installation process, but this guide will help you to stay alert about all the processes that your employed plumber would do. In fact, you can assist him whenever needed to make it best to your own preference.
First you need to measure the pex tube. You must cut the tube of equal length from the primary tube with the help of a cutter specifically designed for pex tubes. Make it sure that you don't have any rough edges, so you must hold the tube straight while cutting it to the desired shape.
Next you need to interleave a copper crimp ring through the pipe. Once done, you must put in the pex tube through the fitting. Now, you must shift the copper crimp ring to the upward direction, so that it is positioned at the distance varying from 0.125" to 0.25" from the pex tubing.
Now you need to apply a ring crimper at 90 degree angle over the copper crimp ring. Close the ring crimper and curve the crimp ring. Rotating in 90 degree angle is really important, because if it is not done, then it may produce an uneven cut and also non-uniform crimp, resulting in not being able to cover the ribs.
Now this is the time for Go-NoGo Gauge Test. You must test the system you have attached so far with Go-NoGo tool. This test is done in order to check the adequate tolerance level. Make it sure that Go-NoGo Gauge does not slide over the fittings, if it is, then the tube is not cut appropriately.
You must understand that the Pex material tends to experience contraction by approximately 1" when the temperature changes about 10 degree C. The pipe is designed in such a way that these contractions are positioned in every 100 feet interval. So the pex tubing installation must be done in such a way that it can easily incorporate these contractions into the pipe.
In order to rectify this contraction problem, you must make a circle in the pex. Make it sure that the diameter should be about eight times of the tubing. When you are about to do vertical installation, you must ensure that you provide support in each floor. But it must be flexible enough to allow the necessary free movement of the pex.
Therefore, this is the pex installation method and how it is done. It is pretty less complicated, isn't it?
