Welcome!

[Mark]

We just got the forum started... glad you could join us!

Almost any topic is fair game... if it's about plumbing, post it in this forum.  Feel free to start a new topic!

 - Mark

[SPI]

Hi Mark,

Where's all the action? Plenty of members but no posts

[Couch]

Hey Guys, 

We need to give this forum a good kick-start.  I have noticed there isn't much action either.  So, here is my stab at it.  I have been using durapex & the copper crimp system for alot of my installations out here in Michigan.  I have had no problems with any of the products.  I was considering the Uponor system & would still like to see it in action.  I here it is a very reliable system.  SPI, do you have the battery-operated expander tool or do you use the hand expander?  If the hand expander, how is on your wrist.  I suffer from carpal tunnel & don't know if the repetitive hand expanding would be good for me.  Any particular likes or dislikes with thr Uponor sytem?  Thanks

Brent

[SPI]

Hi Brent,

I use the manual expander, can't justify the expense of the battery power unit when you still have to rotate the head by hand. If the head rotated as it retracts I would buy the tool, around $650.

Expanding 1/2" tubing is a breeze, 3/4" is a bit tougher but depending on how you run your system depends on how tiering it will be, and 1" is tough. If you suffer from carpal tunnel I would definitely suggest the power expander.

I must say I am very pleased with the Uponor system. I use all rolled tubing and scrap is at a minimum.

Also, I am told that the Uponor fittings have the highest flow rating compared to the standard crimp type fittings.

One dislike I have is using manifolds. The manifolds decrease flow dramatically and I would only use as a last resort in a remodel situation where space is extremely limited.

The only other is trying to get into tight spaces with the tool, but I have learned to plan ahead and assemble prior to installation when needed.

I am however running into several service calls on other brands with crimp ring and ssc ring systems. Not to suggest that these systems aren't reliable, but I am tooling up to make the repairs.

[Couch]

SPI,

Thanks for the advice on the power expander.  Where do you typically source your fittings, tools & tubing?  Do you use an online vendor or do you use a local supply house?  For now, I think I will stick with the crimp ring system because I am set up & running.  Plus, the cost of the power expander tool is a little prohibitive - though I normally don't mind investing in my business.  I think pex is here to stay - especially as copper prices continue to fluctuate.  I spoke with a friend in Canada recently who runs a big plumbing outfit in Ontario & he said they have switched 100% to pex for all their new construction (townhomes, condos, etc).  In fact, he was saying copper is becoming sort of a rarity up there.   I recently had a remodel in a tight crawl space where we were adding a new bathroom at the opposite end of the house (approx. a 150' run) & I thought back to the days when we would have crawled down there on our bellies soldering rigid copper every 10 foot choking on the solder fumes.  It sure was nice uncoiling a roll of 1" pex, crimping it at one end & tying it into the new bathroom at the other  all within the same hour!  Would have taken us at least 4 hours before!  I'm sure you've had similar experiences!

[SPI]

Yes that power expander is rather expensive, especially for startup. Because the tubing is SDR9/CTS, if you ever run across it in a repair or remodel you can use standard PEX fittings and rings.

As far as our supplies, we use local vendors, although I have recently considered looking into online shopping for bulk items, wax rings, stool bolts, etc. I'm a bit particular about the products I use and matter of fact it took the salesman 5 yrs to talk me into trying the PEX! It wasn't until copper shot through the roof that I gave it a try and now we use it exclusively for new construction.

Your recent remodel experience is almost identical to my introduction to Uponor tubing, lol, it's great stuff isn't it