The journey to finding out about PEX pipe installation might have you scratching your head a lot of times. If you have tried figuring out this problem on your own, chances are that you have found yourself frustrated and confused. But it’s not as daunting as it may seem. If you’re comfortable using a drill and have some basic plumbing skills, you can easily install PEX pipe to the bathroom sink.
Plastic pipe with brass fittings is the most commonly used plumbing system for home potable water. It’s also known as PEX, PE-X, and R-PEX pipe.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in installing PEX pipe to your bathroom sink. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to make the job go a little smoother.
Table of Contents
What is PEX Piping?
PEX is a material that has gained popularity for bathroom plumbing during the last decade or so. It is a type of plastic and it comes with certain benefits over other materials used in plumbing.
PEX is a less expensive material than copper, which makes it attractive to people who are working on a budget. It’s not just the price of the material itself that makes it cheaper, though. When PEX is installed, the plumbing system can be installed faster and more easily than copper pipe plumbing. That means less time spent having to pay a plumber to do the job, which translates into saved money as well.
Another benefit of PEX over copper is that it doesn’t corrode as fast, which means it will need fewer repairs in the future. This may not seem like such a big deal at first, but think about how much money you’ll save over time if you don’t have to worry about replacing your pipes every few years!
Finally, PEX is also easy on the eyes because there aren’t any unsightly seams running along your walls or floors where they can collect dirt and grime, which makes it a much more aesthetically pleasing option.
What are the variations in PEX?
The truth is that there isn’t much. Again, the key distinction is the production procedure, which determines whether PEX is graded A, B, or C.
- The Peroxide, or Engel, the technique is used to make PEX A.
- The Silane, or Moisture Cure, the process is used to create PEX B. This is the most prevalent form of PEX pipe.
- The Electronic Irradiation, or Cold, method of cross-linking is used to make PEX C.
There may be minor differences in density, burst pressure, and bend radiuses between PEX pipe types, however, these differences are minor. There are a few crucial differences to keep in mind regardless of which PEX pipe you’re looking at.
What Tools & Materials do you need?
Have the tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
You need the following tools and materials to install pex pipe to the bathroom sink:
Tools:
- PEX cutter
- Hacksaw
- Drill and drill bit
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Pipe cutter
- PEX crimping tool
- PEX ring removal tool
- Gloves
- Scissors-like cutter for the tubing
Materials:
- PEX tubing
- PEX fittings (push-fit or clamp)
- 2 PEX adapters for the bathroom sink
The shark bite fitting
The shark bite fitting is a fully sealed compression connection. It can be used on almost any piping system and is normally installed right where you need it, such as on the side of your sink or tub wall. Shark bite fittings are available in different sizes to fit most plumbing pipes, including copper/PEX tubing. They’re also weather-resistant, so they will not corrode or rust over time even if you leave them outside for an extended period during the winter months.
PEX’s shark bite connections require no soldering, which is a big time saver. We recommend that on each side of the shark bite connection, especially for pipes installed outside of your home or in conditions such as wet or exposed, you place a one-piece PEX tubing connector (center). You can then connect Shark Bites together with 90-degree elbows from inside your home with no tools required by simply inserting the end into these connectors.
Install Pex pipe to the bathroom sink with easy steps
You’ve got a lot of work to do if you decide to install a new bathroom sink. Installing a new bathroom sink involves a lot of steps, and it can take a lot of time and effort. But that’s where we come in! This article is going to give you a good idea of what to expect and how to handle the most challenging part of installing a new bathroom sink: connecting PEX piping.
You can handle this project like a pro. There may be some points that seem complicated at first glance, but if you stick with it, we promise you’ll be glad you did!
- Get the right supplies: The first step is to make sure you have all the supplies you need. This means the pex pipe, any connectors that you might need for when you attach it to your sink, and a cutter. To install pex pipe to the bathroom sink, you’ll need:
- Get your tools ready
- Use a lantern light or lamp to brighten the workspace beneath the sink.
- Clean off the sink
- Check that the pex pipe is clean and free from dirt or debris.
- Shutoff valve of the bathroom sink’s water supply.
- Use a wrench to disconnect the pipes connected to the bathroom sink.
- Remove the sink trap using a wrench and clean out any debris or sediment.
- Screw on one end of a brass fitting to each water pipe that was connected to the sink.
- Measure the length of the pipe you will need. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the distance from the faucet connection to where you intend to connect it to the water supply line.
- Cut the PEX pipe using a ratchet-style PEX pipe cutter. Once you have measured the distance for your new line, cut the PEX tubing using a tube cutter or razor knife, giving yourself about a one-inch margin for error on each end of the pipe.
- Dry fit your connections. To ensure proper fit, place one end of your PEX in the fitting on your faucet and the other end in the compression fitting attached to your main water supply line.
- Attach one end of the pex pipe to the faucet’s water line and tighten it down with two wrenches, making sure they fit snugly around each other so that no leaks occur during installation.
- Install shutoff valves on both ends of this new line coming out from under your sink cabinet before continuing with the step below.
- Insert one end of a PEX crimp ring over each end of the PEX pipe and slide the rings until they rest against the brass fittings.
- Place a PEX crimp tool over each crimp ring and press down to tighten them around the pipe and fittings, then remove the tools from each ring. Make sure you have at least ¼ inch of exposed pipe between each crimp ring and its fitting to allow for expansion loops in cold weather.
- Screw on one end of two 90-degree fittings to each of the newly installed ends of PEX pipe, then connect a length of PVC pipe between them for installation in an area where there may freeze temperatures, such as under a home or in an unfinished basement or crawlspace.
- Connect The Supply Lines.
- Test for leaks and flow of water.
Consider Pex pipe advantages and disadvantages
Installing a new bathroom sink is a big job, but it’s a job that even the most inexperienced homeowner with the right tools and a little instruction can tackle. If you’re considering using PEX pipe to supply your new sink, here are a few things you need to know before you get started.
PEX Piping Pros
- People can use PEX piping in many different ways, including for residential pex plumbing.
- PEX piping is easy to install and is less likely to leak than other types of piping.
- If you want to save money on your plumbing bill in the long run, use PEX piping instead of pipes made of copper or PVC.
- PEX piping is corrosion resistant and will last longer than other types of piping.
- Pex piping is flexible and bendable, which makes it easier to work with than other types of piping.
- Better resistance to pressure.
- Made of Unbreakable Material
- People who use PEX pipes have fewer connections than people who use other types of pipes, which means there are fewer places where leaks can happen.
PEX Pipe Cons
- BPA and other toxins can get into PEX, which is why people don’t use it. Type B PEX appears to be the only one that does not appear to leach. If you want to use PEX, go with type B.
- PEX is highly UV sensitive. UV light isn’t simply sunshine; it’s in your home’s bulbs. Most manufacturers advocate moderate sunlight exposure during installation, while some recommend complete darkness.
- Chemicals and bugs can harm PEX. Some pest control organizations advise against installing PEX because of its pest-prone nature. Because PEX is plastic, it is more sensitive than metal pipes. Mice can gnaw through pipes, producing serious issues. Keep in mind that this is more of a rodent issue than a PEX one.
- Not for tropical climates. No PEX near recessed lighting or other hot spots. This also implies PEX can’t be directly connected to a hot water heater, but a connecting material can.
- PEX is semi-permeable, so liquid can enter. Not antibacterial in terms of safety. Therefore people pick copper over PEX. Water can enter the tube through the plastic, contaminating it.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this guide to be helpful in how to set up PEX piping in your bathroom or kitchen sink. Following the steps laid out in this guide, it should well equip you to take on this task yourself and that you feel confident in your ability to connect PEX piping to your bathroom sink. Remember, always be sure to take every precaution when attempting any home renovations, and always stop and seek guidance with uncertainties.
If you followed this guide and you still have questions, leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
