How is PEX Installed During a Repipe?

How Is PEX Installed During a Repipe?

Installing PEX tubing in a home repipe follows a systematic approach to ensure efficiency and minimal disruption. Below, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of installing PEX tubing:

1. Preparation & Assessment: The first step is to evaluate the existing plumbing system and determine the best routing for the new PEX tubing. Walls may need to be opened to access the pipes, but our team takes care to minimize the impact on your home.
2. Removing Old Pipes: Depending on the condition of your existing pipes, they may either be removed or left in place if they do not interfere with the new PEX installation.
3. Running New PEX Lines: PEX tubing is fed through walls, floors, and ceilings in long, continuous runs from a central manifold to each plumbing fixture. The flexibility of PEX reduces the need for multiple joints, which helps minimize potential leak points.
4. Connecting PEX Tubing: We use Uponor's ProPEX expansion fittings, which rely on the tube's shape memory. After expanding the pipe and inserting the fitting, the PEX contracts around it, creating a strong, leak-resistant seal. Uponor has a video that demonstrates how their expansion fitting works.
5. Testing & Inspection: Once all the new PEX lines are in place, the system is pressurized and tested for leaks. Any necessary adjustments are made before patching walls and restoring your home.

There are several key advantages to choosing PEX for your home's repipe project, making installation faster and reducing long-term maintenance concerns.

For a thorough step-by-step breakdown of our repiping timeline, you can read our article 'How Long Does it Take to Repipe a Home'.

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Are PEX Expansion Fittings Better Than Crimp or Clamp Fittings?

When choosing PEX tubing, the type of fittings used is just as important as the pipe itself. There are three main methods for connecting PEX tubing: expansion fittings, crimp fittings, and clamp fittings.

• Expansion Fittings: Expansion fittings used for PEX-A tubing create a leak-resistant seal, forming secure connections. Because the pipe expands before being fitted, it contracts around the fitting, eliminating weak points.
• Crimp Fittings: These fittings use a metal ring that is compressed around the tubing to secure the connection. While effective, they can be prone to leaks if not installed correctly or if the ring weakens over time.
• Clamp Fittings: Similar to crimp fittings, clamps use a stainless steel ring to secure the PEX around the fitting. While they provide a good seal, they do not offer the same long-term strength as expansion fittings.

We exclusively use Uponor PEX-A, which utilizes ASTM F1960 ProPEX expansion fittings that actually strengthen over time, making them one of the most reliable choices for whole-home repiping projects. Their ability to resist leaks, stress cracks, and long-term wear ensures a longer-lasting plumbing system.

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How Long Does It Take to Install PEX Tubing?

The time required to install PEX tubing depends on several factors, including the size of the home and the complexity of the plumbing system. For most single-story homes, a full repipe can typically be completed within one to two days.

PEX installation is generally faster than copper repiping due to its flexibility and fewer required connections. We always ensure that the water supply is restored at the end of the day. Multi-story homes or those with more complex plumbing layouts may take two to three days to complete, with an additional day needed for wall patching and final touches.

One reason PEX installation is so efficient is that it eliminates the need for extensive cutting, soldering, and gluing, which are common with rigid materials such as copper piping. Instead, PEX tubing can be fed through walls in long, continuous runs, reducing the number of connections and potential leak points. This allows for a quicker and more streamlined installation process.

Additionally, PEX tubing is lightweight and flexible, making it easier for repipe specialists to maneuver through tight spaces. This not only speeds up the process but also ensures a more efficient and cost-effective installation.

If you're considering repiping your home, contact us to receive a free PEX repipe quote from one of our local repipe consultants.

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Receive a Free PEX Tubing Quote for Your Home Repipe

At Repipe Specialists, we've replaced plumbing in thousands of homes across the USA using Uponor PEX-A Tubing. Our customers consistently share positive feedback about their repipe experiences, often noting that we exceed expectations in:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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