Bending PEX tubing can be challenging, especially when working in tight spaces. However, it’s an important step in the installation process and can help you get through any challenges.
There are a few ways to bend PEX tubing: elbows, bend supports, and clamps. PEX Bend supports are metal or plastic devices that hold PEX tubing in place for a 90-degree turn.
Bending PEX Tubing
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is the plumbing alternative to copper and PVC water lines. It’s quick and easy to install, costs a fraction of copper pipe, and can be used in many applications. But if you’re installing it in a tight spot or through a wall, you’ll need to bend the tubing around before completing your work.
Bending PEX is not as simple as bending copper or PVC, but it can be done with a few tools and techniques. For example, you can use a heat gun to make PEX more flexible without causing it to kink or break. You can also bend PEX by using clamps or a 90-degree elbow.
Another way to bend PEX is with a pipe bending tool, which you can purchase at most home improvement stores. These devices are designed to handle PEX and can be expensive, but they make the process much faster than bending with a heat gun or pliers.
You can also use a pair of pliers to crimp the end of the tubing. Be sure only to use the tool recommended for your brand of PEX.
A PEX crimper is essential for making tight connections, and it’s important to use it properly. The crimping tool must be placed in the right position to ensure that you get a clean, straight line.
Bend Supports
When bending the tubing, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure that it doesn’t crimp or fold, which can cause leaks. Start by warming up the tubing, leaving it in a warm room, or using a heat gun at the lowest setting possible. Once the tubing is at a good temperature, bend it slowly until you get a curve that matches the curve of the bend support.
Once the bend support is in place, snap the PEX Bend supports tubing into it at both ends of the curve and continue the bend until it’s complete. You can also use a drop-ear to secure the bent support to a stud or other wood surface.
Another option is to use metal bend supports, shaped like elbows, designed to bend the tube 90 degrees. These are available in various sizes and come with a flange to mount the PEX tubing.
If you’re bending a long PEX tubing run, leave plenty of slack at each end of the pipe. This slack is necessary to expand and contract the pipe as it heats and cools in the system.
Clamps
Clamps are an efficient way to create leak-proof connections with PEX tubing. There are two main types: crimp rings and pinch clamps. While both can be used with metal and plastic fittings, the crimp ring method is slightly more popular because it requires a special tool that can be rented at most hardware stores.
Pinch clamps, also known as ear or ratchet-type pinch clamps, are a convenient way to connect with poly and metal PEX tubing. They are easy to install and a great option for plumbers working in areas with limited space or those installing manifolds.
Stainless steel pinch clamps are more versatile than copper or plastic crimp rings, but they’re more expensive. They’re also harder to remove and replace if the fittings are damaged.
If you’re unsure which type of ring to use, check with your local plumbing supply store for expert advice. There are many types of crimp rings, so it’s helpful to have a few on hand before you begin any project.
Installing PEX tubing
You may need bend supports if you’re installing PEX tubing in a concrete slab. They’re a great way to avoid kinking the pipe, making cutting sharp turns and minimizing leak points easier.
There are several different types of bend supports available for use with PEX. Metal bend supports, for example, are manufactured from corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. These are commonly used for slab installations to simplify the layout process and ensure sharp tubing turns where necessary.
These can also help with pipe alignment and reduce noise. They are designed to absorb vibration from the piping as it expands and contracts during installation. They also help to protect the piping from damage as it passes through a concrete slab or a wire mesh in a floor or wall.
You can also purchase a special PEX sleeve, specifically made for use in a concrete slab to aid the tubing as it enters and exits the slab at a 90-degree angle. This sleeve helps to minimize sag and provides an excellent surface for mounting a stud.
When working with PEX tubing, work at temperatures above freezing. That’s because cold pipes can break and cause water leaks.
It’s important to know which type of PEX you are working with and the type of fittings and connectors that will be installed. If you’re working with a brand of PEX tubing not from the same manufacturer as the fittings and connectors you are using, you could end up with leaky and damaging pipes.
