New Use for Aqua PEX?

larry

Thanks to quick reaction and my availability on a mobile phone a major flooding disaster was averted at our house yesterday. The Fluidmaster No-Burst (w/stainless steel braid) tubing connecting the water line to the dishwasher burst wide open.

In theory, would Aqua PEX be a better material for this application? If so, does anyone make packaged lengths of the material with the appropiate fitting on both ends? If it's a good idea but not available pre-packaged, does Wirsbo have a list of qualified installers?

On a secondary note this whole experience has gotten me thinking about having an automated whole house shutoff installed. Just a minute or two of uncontrolled water flow created sizable flooding. Don't want to imagine the resulting flood/damage if no one was home or in a different part of the house when it happened.

hot_rod

One thing to watch

we used to plumb them with 3/8" PB years ago. Then one day I got that dreaded call. Flooded the kitchen hardwood floor (expensive mistake)
The PB line had come in contact with the heat element at the bottom of the dishwasher. Melted a hole in the side, and the rest is histiory.

I'd recommend good old, reliable, 3/8" copper. It works:)

hot rod

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ta finnegan

Bursting

The aquapex bursting strength will be less that the braided hose, in addition the possible melting issue is important, depending upon the kind of dishwasher.

The braided is strongest and should not be a problem, how did it burst? Freezing?

3/8" copper is always worth a shot too, but be careful it does not kink.

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larry

How it broke?

At first I thought it was freezing, but now I believe that is just a coincidence as the pipes come up through the floor about 6" into interior space from the 2x6 insulated wall. I removed the hose and found the place where it failed had the steel braid torn apart over a 3" length and was rusty. About a year ago we had a faucet problem which caused a leak into the cabinet below. Our plumber fixed it, but the copper pipes below have green oxidation as a result of that slow leak. Maybe there was some standing water that the braided hose sat in for a while as a result of that problem. Or perhaps we have mice that like to chow down on stainless steel.

ScottMP

Interesting note

One of my customers has a european washing machine which came with a pex tube for the cold water feed. I asked if the plumber installed that and he said no it came that way.

Scott

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Mark J Strawcutter

musta been

pretty crappy quality stainless if it rusted.

I've seen some metal-braid hoses with some sort of warranty against bursting - supposed to cover resulting damage. Might have been a washing machine hose though.

Mark