Plumbing Service: 5 Things To Consider During PEX Installation | Richardson, TX
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Figuring out the type of piping that may be best suited for your home can always be a headache because there are so many different options to choose from. In the past, most plumbers in Richardson, TX would opt for copper plumbing. However, nowadays, we have a lot more options. One of the most common options is PEX pipes, which is made from some type of plastic material.
PEX pipes are very versatile and affordable. They’re also extremely durable and able to offer excellent insulation and thermal properties than copper and other materials. With that said, they do come with their drawbacks and issues. These issues have not stopped them from becoming a huge hit amongst homeowners. In fact, many new homeowners are now opting for PEX pipes instead.
Installing PEX pipes can be rather easy if you take the following tips and factors into consideration. Let’s take a look at some of them in more detail below.
#1. The Overall Usage
Although PEX piping is very versatile and can be used for many different purposes, it should not be installed in above-ground exterior applications. This is largely because the plastic material will degrade quickly from UV exposure. Due to this reason, PEX pipe should only be used indoors.
When using PEX piping, it’s important to consider the overall usage and whether the plastic material will be compatible with the job that it needs to do. For example, PEX pipes cannot be used for gas lines. They also need to be kept at least 12 inches away from potential high heat sources and recessed light fixtures for optimal performance.
If the plumbing service you need includes installing or replacing current pipes with PEX pipes, our plumbers will assess the situation to see whether PEX pipes will get the job done.
#2. The Types of Joints that Should Be Used
One of the major advantages of using PEX pipes is that you are able to easily maneuver the pipes. You can easily connect different pipes together without any special joints. You also do not need to solder any of the parts together. With that said, in some situations, you may want to consider installing different fittings and joints.
For example, you do not want to attach PEX pipes directly to a water heater. If you are looking to replace your old pipes with PEX pipes, our plumbing service will include looking at whether any special joints or fittings are needed. Our plumbing service will make a decision whether you need any transition fittings between the heater and the PEX pipes. In most cases, most services will opt to use some type of metallic tubing to join the PEX pipes with the water heater. This will improve the overall life of the pipes as well as the plumbing appliance.
Our plumbing services can also use push fittings to join the PEX pipes to itself, to CPVC or copper. Our plumbers can walk you through the pros and cons of different materials, so you make an informed decision that works for your home.
#3. The Location
The location and the environment of the home will also influence whether PEX pipes will be a good fit. Our plumbing services will not recommend installing PEX pipes and areas that are vulnerable to either puncture or mechanical damage. If PEX pipes are installed in these areas, you may face additional challenges down the road. Keep in mind that plumbing mistakes can cause quite a lot.
It’s also important to consider whether protective plates need to be installed to the wall studs. Although PEX pipes are very affordable and quite durable, our plumbing services will Implement as many protective measures as possible. This could really help you down the road.
#4. Additional Room with the Installation
PEX pipes are incredibly easy to work with. However, it’s always a good idea to leave some slack in between the PEX pipes. This will allow the PEX pipes to easily expand and contract with temperature changes. The slack can also come in handy in the future if you ever need to cut off a bad crimp.
Our plumbing services will look at the overall structure of your home to determine where the pipes should be installed. If it’ll be a little tight, we’ll let you know ahead of time, so you won’t be in for a surprise in the future. We’ll also try to look for some solutions that will make it easier for you to access and deal with the pipes in the future. Your future self will thank you.
#5. Local Plumbing Codes
Most homeowners don’t have the experience or the technical know-how on how to deal with plumbing issues. This is why it is important to find a reliable and reputable plumber in your area when you move in. When dealing with PEX pipes, you still need to use the same minimum branch and distribution supply pipe dimensions as designated to local plumbing codes.
Our professionals would do a good job of inspecting and assessing your home to make sure that there are no violations. You’ll need to check for local plumbing codes.
Keep in mind that local codes will vary from city to city and from state to state. If there are any violations, we’ll make sure that we address these issues immediately.
Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas for Plumbing Services in Richardson, TX
Don’t try to tackle plumbing issues by yourself. Finding a professional is very important. There’s a good chance that you not only do not have the technical know-how for dealing with your plumbing problems, but may also not be familiar with local codes and requirements.
Rest assured that everything will go smoothly when you give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas a call at 469-214-2582. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, from drain cleaning services to water heater replacement services. We can help you solve any and all types of plumbing problems.
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