PEX choices

nugs

Here's a bit of information from the plumbing side. The code says that fittings used for potable water shall not have any shoulders, restrictions or obstruction to flow. With the exception of Wirsbo-Uponor, the watts and the viega fittings are all restrictive in one way or another and have been failed by a few local inspectors for potable water. Of course there are no such codes for heat but if you're going to use those products and will be using a bunch of fittings, you may want to check flow rates.

[Deleted User]

Selecting a PEX brand

We are installing some radiant heat and doing a little plumbing update.

I have available PEX from Zurn, Wirsbo, Viega and Everhot.

Are the tubing and fittings interchangeable between brands?

Is there a reason to choose one brand over the other?

Or is this the equivalent of asking what brand of oil is best for my motorcycle? If so, I apologize.

heatboy

Each has it's own.....

.....properties or quirks. I haven't installed any Zurn or Everhot, but I have installed Wirsbo/Uponor, Stadler (now Viega), Roth, Radiant Technology (gone), Watts (PEX) (formerly Heatway), Rehau and they are all great products and you really can't go wrong with any of them.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

hot_rod

Different tube for

different applications. I like the PAP or better yet the FostaPex from Viega. It does have a dual listing for heating and potable water use. It takes a special tool to strip the outer jacket to use a crimp connection.

Most manufacturers prefer you use their brand of fitting and rings. Really if the tube and fittings have the correct listing numbers they will inter change.

I see Viega now offers brass, plastic and bronze fittings.

I think the Uponor pex is one of the the most flexible for working in tight spaces or cold weather. I use their 3/8 for under floor plate applications.

I think all of the brands you mentioned will get the job done. When you work with pex on a daily basis you find little features in the tube and fittings that best suit the job.

Factory support is also important to me. I like to deal with the companies that are always helping the contractor and support our industry with training and donations to worthy causes.

hot rod

Mitch_5

Seen the new Viega catalog

same tube for all systems. Fittings and crimps in the front are the same from the original Viega. Fittings and crimps in the back look just like my watts catalog. Same exact photos with different names attache. Only thing missing is the cinch clamps. Several other products look the same also.

Mitch S.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

[Deleted User]

OK

My read is that for this job most of them will work.

Thanks.

Mark_7

fittings

The fittings in the back are the vanguard style that viega took over.

Mitch_5

They look including the catalog photos

just like watts, wolverine brass and a bunch of others
why don't they give us a chart saying whats compatible with what instead of carrying three different brands on the truck.

Mitch S.

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Steve Ebels_3

Yet another example

Yet another example of how our codes haven't kept up with current methods and materials. Which offers more flow resistance, 50 feet of 1/2" copper that has, as an example, 14 90* elbows or 50 feet of 1/2" pex that may have 1 or 2?

nugs

Good question. Just for kicks though take a look at a watts pex 90 or tee and note just how small the hole in it is. I know I sound like a Wirsbo salesman and believe me I am not. I guess in the long run it will all come down to installation methods. I have no problem with Watts Pex run as a manifold system but it it is installed as copper would be then indeed the restrictive fittings will all add up fast.