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PEX Piping Learn how to install a PEX plumbing system. From "Ed the Plumber" episode DETP-304

(Continued from page 2)

Roughing in the Lines

Now it's time to rough in the lines to a fixture. Since you can't solder around the PEX piping, you can use a fitting called a PEX 90 that sweats right into place on a mixing valve. Once it cools from soldering, you can safely connect it to the PEX water line.

It's crucial that before you ever solder onto a mixing valve, that you take it apart. Remove any parts that might be affected by the heat from the torch. Use your standard soldering techniques when preparing the valve and fittings.

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	Figure F
	Figure G

1. Once prepared, position the fittings so that they both will face down when the valve is hung in place. Solder them into position (figure F). Be sure to let the valve cool completely before putting it into place.

2. The water lines can now be brought up from the crawl space and connected to the manifold. Hanging the manifold is simple. Position it about eye level, and then screw the top mounting bracket to the studs. Make sure that its level and secure. Attach the manifold to the bracket using the manufacturer's supplied screws. Install the bottom bracket to the manifold (figure G). Check to see that it's plumb before mounting the bracket to the studs.

3. Align the template to the manifold on the studs and either mark each hole with a nail or drill directly into it. Continue down the line until all the holes are drilled.

4. Be careful not to damage the manifold with the drill. You may need to take the manifold down when drilling.

5. With all of the holes drilled and the manifold mounted, you're ready to attach the PEX ball valves to the manifold (figure H). Reach up, find the port and screw it into place. Get one of the lines and bring it up to the valve. This ensures that each fixture gets its own shut off valve.

6. When the ball valves are in place, pull the PEX lines up from the crawl space (figure I), being careful not to kink them.

Figure H

Figure I

7. Check your marking to see what fixture each line goes to, and then cut the line to length and feed it through the hole in the stud to a ball valve (figure J). Ensure that you label the manifold with the fixture that each line feeds. Crimp the connection to secure it in place.

8. When connecting a fixture that has both hot and cold water, be sure the two lines are adjacent to each other on the manifold to prevent leaks. Cap off any unused ports (figure K).

Figure J

Figure K

Note: When your water main does come into the house, make sure you split it off to the hot water heater, and then run your main hot and cold line to these ports. That way you'll charge up your entire plumbing system.

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RESOURCES :

Zurn PEX
Website: www.zurn.com

GUESTS :

Patrick Sauer
VP, Zurn PEX
Highway 11 East
Commerce, TX 75428
Phone: 903-886-2580
Fax: 903-886-2583
Website: www.zurn.com