PEX is a great way of changing a home’s existing plumbing. PEX makes it super simple to connect various types of pipes and water supply lines.
This material is incredibly simple to work with thanks to its outstanding flexibility.
So if you wish to link PEX to PVC, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this technique.
What Is PEX?
PEX is an abbreviation used for cross-linked polyethylene. This material is commonly used in home plumbing, either as an alternative to PVC pipes or alongside them.
PEX is a popular material because of its heat resistance, flexibility, and strength.
How To Connect PVC To PEX
Instructions
So, now that we know the difference between PEX and PVC, why don’t we dive right in and find out how you can connect the two together?
Before we dive right in, make sure that you have your PVC pipe, PVC Primer, PEX pipe, threaded fitting connectors, Plumber’s tape, and whatever sealant you plan to use.
If your pipes are going to be connected outdoors, then aim for a sealant such as PVC cement, you might also need to consider repairing PVC pipe in the ground. If the pipes are connected indoors, then glue should be more than sufficient.
It is not difficult to connect PVC to PEX, but you will want to make sure that you always have access to the correct tools to get the job done.
Step 1
Start by ensuring that the PEX pipe that you want to connect is of the correct length. Once it is down to the correct length.
All you then need to do is attach a threaded fitting connector, which can be used to bridge the connection between the PVC and the PEX pipes.
You will want to ensure that the female end of the connecting fitting is connected to the PEX, and the male end is connected to the PVC pipe.
Connecting a threaded fitting connector to a PEX pipe may require some extra work to ensure that it is sealed to the pipe in a watertight way.
There are multiple ways to do this, depending on the type of threaded connector you are attaching.
One method involves expanding the PEX pipe so that the connector can be threaded in, then the PEX is returned to its original shape, which causes it to wrap around the connector tightly.
Other methods involve attaching specially-designed rings to the end of the PEX pipe, which the connectors can then directly attach to.
These rings are then clamped down once the connector is attached, creating a watertight seal.
The easiest way to attach a PEX pipe to a connector is to use a SharkBite fitting, which is specially designed to lock securely into place on any pipe of any size.
However, SharkBite fittings are very costly.
However you choose to connect the pipe to the threaded fitting, make sure that there is a watertight seal, similar to the considerations when gluing ABS to PVC.
Step 2
Now, you will want to connect the male fitting to the PVC pipe that you want to connect to. Luckily, attaching this fitting to PVC is much easier than connecting to PEX pipe.
All you need to do is take some PVC primer and brush it lightly all over the end of the PVC pipe that you are connecting the PEX pipe to.
This will cause the PVC to soften slightly, making it more malleable.
Once you have applied the primer sufficiently and achieved good coverage, all you then need to do is apply your sealant to the end of the pipe, and the threaded fitting connector, and piece the two together.
Once the two are connected, give the sealant some time to dry to ensure that you have achieved an airtight connection.
Step 3
Once you have attached the connectors to both of the pipes and allowed them time to set, you can finally begin attaching them together.
Attach the two fittings together in the way that they are designed to, and ensure that they are connected fully.
This will helps to ensure that they are sealed together in a watertight way.
Equipment
For these steps, all you will need are the following items:
- PEX – ensure that you get the correct size PEX pipe for the job.
- PVC – PVC pipes are regularly used in plumbing, so you won’t struggle to get your hands on this object.
- Glue – it’s important to find the correct type of glue for this project. While general-purpose glue can suffice in some situations, it will not work well if you have pressure problems or the pipes become wet. PVC solvent cement is great at withstanding these harsh conditions. Alternatively, you can opt for PVC glue or polyurethane adhesive. It’s recommended that you use glue to strengthen the connection.
- Primer – A PVC primer will improve the adhesion of the PVC fitting to the PVC pipe.
- Teflon tape – Teflon tape is often considered an essential tool for plumbers. This strong tape is an effective sealant.
- A coupling ring – couplers are useful fittings for plumbers. Essentially, they perform the function of connecting two pipes.
Helpful Connection Tips
To ensure that the connection between the PVC pipe and the PEX pipe is as smooth as possible, it is recommended that you pay attention to these handy tips:
- While it is possible to connect pipes of different lengths, the thread must be the same size for a connection to work.
- Every connection needs one female fitting and one male fitting. A male fitting thread can be found on the outside of a pipe while the female fitting thread is on the inside. Female threads will connect with male threads. The materials must match, such as a plastic female fitting to a plastic male fitting, and a metal female fitting to a metal male fitting.
- Ensure that threads match perfectly to create a watertight seal.
The Best Fittings For Connecting Pipes
When searching for the correct type of fitting, you must obtain specific PEX fittings.
To ensure that you create a strong connection between pipes, you should utilize one of the following fittings:
- Crimp fittings: Crimp fittings are fantastic for underground use thanks to their strength. This fitting will require the use of a metal crimp ring in order to attach it to these pipes. You may also need to enlist a PEX crimping tool to tighten the connection.
- Compression fittings: These fittings can be attached to a PEX pipe through a plastic compression ring. Moreover, a metal sleeve is required. Compression fittings can be used for both a plastic or copper pipe.
- Expansion fittings: If you wish to use an expansion fitting on a PEX pipe, you must first invest in an expander tool specifically designed for this material. These tools expand PEX pipes, allowing you to attach this larger fitting. Otherwise, there would not be sufficient space within the pipe for it.
- Push-up fittings: Push-up fittings are very different from more traditional versions. They are made for simple installation. One of the main advantages of this type of fitting, which is also known as a push fitting, is that you won’t require special tools. All you have to do is insert fittings and lock them in place.
- Clamp fittings: Clamp fittings are designed for easy assembly. Clamp fittings will work in a somewhat similar way as crimp fittings. However, a clamping tool must be used to ensure that the ring is tight instead of a crimping tool.
Final Thoughts
If you wish to upgrade a home’s plumbing system, PEX is a great choice of material.
The flexible material is a brilliant addition to any system. Water supply lines should run super smoothly.
Luckily, attaching a PEX pipe to a PVC pipe is quite a simple taskjust like when you cap PVC pipe.
After all, messing with a plumbing system can be quite dangerous, especially if you don’t use the correct materials or techniques.
Hopefully, this guide will have helped you to make the most of a domestic plumbing system!