PEX pipe for plumbing sump?

[CrewePD210]

Has anyone used PEX pipe for plumbing a system? I'm not talking about the iron crimps and brass fittings type PEX, but the expandable type that is basically stretched over a fitting then allowed to contract back over it. There are black plastic fittings that work with this tool as well. Just wondering if anyone had tried it before.

 

[Rocks reef]

I've been wondering the same thing as working with PEX is really easy and provides a clean look

 

[CrewePD210]

I've been wondering the same thing as working with PEX is really easy and provides a clean look

I wouldn't see why not, it is for potable water. And shouldn't degrade or leech like copper would?

 

[UncommonSense]

It makes sense! The price would be higher for sure, given that pretty much only plumbers have the dedicated expansion/crimping tools…

I’m guessing it isn’t more popular just because less fittings currently exist, and it requires more specific tools…

 

[JayM]

Unless you have access to the expanding tool, it would be an enormous waste of money with no functional benefit over PVC.

 

[FUNGI]

The tool itself is only $60~$70 bucks and the tubing itself is comparable in pricing to schedule 40~80.
........I say go for it...

 

[UncommonSense]

The tool itself is only $60~$70 bucks and the tubing itself is comparable in pricing to schedule 40~80.
........I say go for it...

Just did a bit of brushing up on nominal diameters…

It looks like you’d have to go 1/4” oversized on all plumbing vs. sch.40 PVC…

3/4” PEX nominal ID: .681”

3/4” schedule 40 PVC nominal ID: .824”

 

[cilyjr]

The tool itself is only $60~$70 bucks and the tubing itself is comparable in pricing to schedule 40~80.
........I say go for it...

Maybe a manual one, my m12 cost 400 bucks.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I've been wondering the same thing as working with PEX is really easy and provides a clean look

PVC already provides same benefits.

 

[UncommonSense]

Just did a bit of brushing up on nominal diameters…

It looks like you’d have to go 1/4” oversized on all plumbing vs. sch.40 PVC…

3/4” PEX nominal ID: .681”

3/4” schedule 40 PVC nominal ID: .824”

After further investigation; the plumbing’s physical size disparity gets even worse as the diameter increases…

1.5” PEX nominal ID: 1.263”

1.5” Sch.40 PVC nominal ID: 1.610”

 

[BZOFIQ]

I'd say given the flexible nature of the PEX that one might see as easier to work with.

In my opinion properly done PVC based plumbing is still cleaner and more esthetically pleasing then PEX.

 

[FUNGI]

Maybe a manual one, my m12 cost 400 bucks.

I hear you.......

 

[DanP-SD]

I use PEX plumbing for some secondary systems — ie 1/2” PEX lines for flow to a refugium, between my RO reservoir and SW reservoir, SW to sump, and a few others. I only use plastic push-to-connect fittings from Watts. No tools needed other than a cutter. Super easy and flexible to work with. No leaching concerns.

As long as you properly install them (square cut the end, push all the way into the fitting), they’re rock solid and I have had zero leaks. Install is also faster and easier than PVC.

I don’t see any reason you couldn’t scale this up to larger tubing to support higher flow systems like main drains and returns, but with a couple minor and manageable concerns: 1) larger PEX fittings may get pretty expensive compared to PVC; 2) more of the standards in our hobby are designed around PVC so things like pre-drilled bulkhead holes may not natively work (although you can probably solve that with just a PEX to NPT adapter); and 3) PEX tubing most commonly comes in rolls that can be a bit challenging to straighten. Straight pipes are available but you may have to go to a plumbing specialty store rather than just run to the local hardware store.

 

[FUNGI]

I use PEX plumbing for some secondary systems — ie 1/2” PEX lines for flow to a refugium, between my RO reservoir and SW reservoir, SW to sump, and a few others. I only use plastic push-to-connect fittings from Watts. No tools needed other than a cutter. Super easy and flexible to work with. No leaching concerns.

As long as you properly install them (square cut the end, push all the way into the fitting), they’re rock solid and I have had zero leaks. Install is also faster and easier than PVC.

I don’t see any reason you couldn’t scale this up to larger tubing to support higher flow systems like main drains and returns, but with a couple minor and manageable concerns: 1) larger PEX fittings may get pretty expensive compared to PVC; 2) more of the standards in our hobby are designed around PVC so things like pre-drilled bulkhead holes may not natively work (although you can probably solve that with just a PEX to NPT adapter); and 3) PEX tubing most commonly comes in rolls that can be a bit challenging to straighten. Straight pipes are available but you may have to go to a plumbing specialty store rather than just run to the local hardware store.

HD sells straight 10 foot PEX in both colors

EDIT: A little pricey though