How to Install PEX Pipe: Easy DIY Tutorial for Beginners | Step-by-Step Guide

In this video, I show how to install PEX pipe. I show the pex installation for a bathroom sink, toilet, and an outdoor kitchen. I show the use of sharkbite fitting for pressure testing the plumbing. I briefly explain the difference between pex type a and pex type B. This video is using pex type B that requires the use of crimp rings and a crimping tool. I go into detail on how to connect the pex pipe into existing water lines, and how to install a sillcock to pex. Enjoy! #plumbing #diy #tutorial #construction
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Tools And Supplies Used In This Video👇
My plumbing supplies and tools (Here is where all the elbows and fittings are found) amzn.to/3J5dQf4
1/2” And 3/4” PEX Crimp Ring Tool amzn.to/3rAKAsK
3/4" Copper Crimp Rings amzn.to/45maS01
1/2" Copper Crimp Rings amzn.to/462E3WX
3/4" Brass Crimp Ball Valve amzn.to/48wHneH
4 Inch Frost Free Sillcock amzn.to/3Pz4YCy
IRWIN SPEEDBOR Drill Bit amzn.to/3yJ5QM1
Nail Stops amzn.to/48logE6
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Timestamps
Intro 00:00
Running PEX To Fixtures 4:06
Finishing Toilet Water Supply 15:49
Finishing Sink Water Supply 17:32
Sillcock Installation (Outdoor Kitchen) 18:32
Pressure Testing PEX 24:52
Connecting Garage PEX To House PEX 27:47
How To Remove Sharkbite Fittings 31:55
Nail Stop Installation 32:29
How To Reuse PEX Fittings 33:00
Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@dirk6665]

Clear and concise video. Great attention to detail. I am about to install some water purification systems in my home - replacing a 20 year old system and this video gave me all the information and pointers I needed to feel confident in my plumbing project. 👍👍

[@maxstacker777]

You have been a godsend, Josh! There is not much out there on PEX, including books. I've been afraid to make the switch from copper. But your videos are so well done! What I love is that you include ALL relevant info including sizes types for everything but it's quick and concise so I feel like every minute I watch, I'm learning. I find myself skipping through very little.

[@larryhansman4608]

I know m any guys expand pex b and say it works just like people A

[@jaimedpcaus1]

Awesome video. You make it seem so easy.Thanks for sharing

[@jonathan2146]

Sharp detail. Very helpful Thank You

[@Kyle-zz3em]

You are such a good teacher! Very clear and helpful instructions! Keep the videos coming!

[@sirrahnad]

this gives me more confidence to try do some thanks

[@miked5106]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@veronicapadovani4243]

Great info, good job josh!!

[@yasirwarraich3632]

Learning a lot thank you josh

[@calendarking55]

Very detailed and easy to follow. Well done! Thank you! 👏👏👏

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you for watching!

[@carlbaldwin8972]

Your videos are right on time helpful for me as I approach another stage in my owner builder house project..you explain things wonderfully..keep up the good works..5++ stars etc

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Congratulations on your owner builder project! I’m glad this video helped you out. PEX is a wonderful product! Fast and easy to install. Good luck with the rest of your project!

[@notcharles]

BTW - you had a couple of good tricks I'll use and think of you and your video when doing so.

[@anthonyb3155]

Thank you so much for the great video. Currently working on changing out some PVC piping with plastic valves at my mother-in-laws bc the were leaking and this video helped understand plumbing so much better. I always enjoyed the home improvement shows when I was younger, so maybe I'll learn to replace the bathtub next as well if this doesn't become the bane of my existence. lol

[@vetman98]

Excellent video. Helped me, thank you

[@davidharrison3074]

It's always interesting to see this done. I'm so used to using copper and sweating everything together. We don't have codes that say you have to use pex. Great job Josh with all your explanations. 🔨👍🏻

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that David!

[@wannabetrucker7475]

love this

[@fuegoman45]

Great stuff as always ❤

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for this comment! Hope everything is going good your way as well!

[@oliverdominguez9809]

Very good men i leard a lot from keep making videos thxs

[@randypaul5427]

Yay, a new video!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You got it!

[@rafettelci3300]

You are excellent laborer. Wonderfull job..

[@zekenzy6486]

Great Video. Thank you for sharing

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you. You are welcome!

[@arabinow]

Great video.. I was looking to do Pex in my garage to my pressure washer setup and was intimidated. You made it look easy for a diy'r

[@LloydMorris-hr6vi]

Yes I have , good job

[@Edgar-bj5cr]

I love using my Milwaukee fuel pex expansion tool

[@Fmiguelify]

Thank you amazing video

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You’re welcome. I’m glad you like my content! Stay tuned for more!

[@stanleyvo5198]

Interesting ! ❤😊

[@jerryp9375]

Good video

[@victormejia3590]

Man i really like this kind of work i wish someone can hiring

[@johnnelwhite]

Good work. I need to tee into a 1/2 inch pex line going to an outside faucet to supply water to a pressure washer mounted on the wall in my garage. I was going to use sharkbite push lock fittings but now i may use crimp ring fittings

[@alejandrogaleana2555]

Exelente trabajo

[@jimbetzing3587]

Good video! Im about to relocate a bathroom/laundry room. The last big plumbing project i did, CPVC was the diy'ers friend. Gonna go with Pex A, i think. My old house has galvanized pipe, might just do a "repipe" while im at it.

[@larryhansman4608]

Don't ev e r want a fire in your home if you have Pex B. Fittings the size of a pencil for volume

[@PedroAlvarez-lv8vf]

Like you're video....

[@brentjohnson6654]

Very nice video. I am about to use pex for the first time and thanks for your videos. I am putting in a sill cock for a garden and will tie into existing PEX before the softener in my pump house. Thanks again.

[@charlesespinoza4120]

Hey Josh. Great video! Do you have a video of installing the valves that go under the sink and the toilet valve? Thank you

[@user-lv5ni5hq3y]

Sir thank you for share our work every launch time I wacht your video on KZbin this is a lot of helpful for me and people in the same way 👏👍🙏

[@richardlaborde6460]

Love this! I’m slowly working on a tiny home and pex is next up. I have a 75ft run from my well to the tiny home. I want to branch off of that for an rv hook up. Would 3/4” or 1” be best?

[@solesstruck247]

Hi Josh , I’m wanting to run my own Pex plumbing I’m just trying to see how do I make the first connection to the main water line so I could bring it into the house

[@dank3ys]

Love all your videos, thank you for posting. I heard that pex A is better because the expansion tool actually creates more water flow due to having bigger adapters. Have you heard that?

[@gshepherd6141]

Thanks for your knowledge, will watch this when I get a chance ;3

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Awesome! I hope you like it!

[@FequencyModulator]

We call installing it a Pex party!!! 🎉😂

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@notcharles]

Nice work. However, I would have installed those valves inside the addition/garage instead of beneath the house in a 'crawl space.' The only reason one might have for closing one or both of those valves would be an issue inside the addition - easier, then, to shut the valve while standing in the addition getting ready to work on the plumbing within it. Same thing goes for the main shut off valve - install it in a convenient, accessible location to avoid using foul language in front of the kids when you suddenly need to shut the water off in a hurry during a rainstorm.

[@joecox9958]

super nice! not sure toilet sewer and vent size, who knows?

[@Aepek]

I like ZURN Pex B expansion Pex, when able to find and get it…that is. Cuz it’s best of both worlds; the Pex B pluses vs Pex A disadvantage (talking about inside of the tubing for pex A) but it’s so cool to be able to use expansion tools on pex B and have that “flow” and ease of install; especially if house already has Pex B ya don’t need any special couplings or adapters as can using Pex B from ZURN and able to expand (my preference) or use SS clamps, and my least fav is the copper ring. Just wish buying ZURN Pex B and all expansion fittings, couplings, etc…..were very easy to find and buy; along w/ buying just a 4-10’ length for a repair or addition instead of buying an entire roll, and again ZURN……hope reading, finding your fittings and such for your pex b expansion tubing (or pipe) can be quite challenging depending on where live, like me…love the product but hard to get, and online ordering from places never heard of, not find of when spending some coin😉 Cheers✌🏻

[@awongutume]

Appreciate all the tutorials. What are the pros and cons of running most of the pex pipes through the studs at angles minimizing the amount of connectors rather than at 90 degrees?

[@randypaul5427]

That was awesome! You’re running 3/4 inch Pex on the trunk to 1/2 Pex for the branch? 3/4 Pex going to your spigot? Thanks so much Josh!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you! Yes, I’m running a three-quarter inch trunk and half inch branch. I’ll explain in the video. I only did half inch to the spigot because it is for a sink of the outdoor kitchen. I hope that helps. You are welcome!

[@danbrown8310]

i have a old house and need to replace plumbing some is galvanized which is all being replaced and some CPVC i might have to use something to connect to them are their fittings for that

[@adamconaway4826]

Never dry fit all your pipe you'll end up short never go more than two or three fittings at a time depending on your skill level or if you really comfortable doing this also the event for your bathroom sink needs to be above the flood room which is generally 36in unless if you have a really really tiny children size😊 vanity lol..... I would have loved to be this guy's inspector

[@bklynbob9039]

Another great tutorial Josh. Just out of curiosity is there a need to insulate the PEX lines under the crawl space and in the garage where you live? I know one advantage in using PEX is that they are more resistant to bursting and have flexibility compared to a solid line. I believe PEX A is slightly better than PEX B for cold weather applications but not sure by how much and if additional insulation would still be necessary.

[@adamconaway4826]

Night and day.....A is far superior.... 3/4wall hot and cold Code for some cities.... I've never crimped a pipe in 14 years I refuse to cut corners.....

[@FernandoGomez-rs2pd]

Great job and well explain video but I wanted to ask you 3 questions can I transition from galvanized pipe to PEX can I bury PEX directly underground and if I'm running around 70 ft of PEX for my washer in shed what size is good 1/2 or 3/4

[@Aepek]

Thx for vid Josh, appreciate the time, as a how to install for something like this….not easy at all, and curious…..how many takes and how many outtakes end up w/ in post. Did a vid that was so tired and that just was a disaster, and then seemed like everything said when came to plumbing was like I was 12 hrs old again 🤦🏼‍♂️ 😂 and the shoot took way longer than should have. Have good one! Like using Pex but loathe seeing it coming from wall for supply lines like for a toilet etc…… Imo, looks nicer and prefer running Pex to a drop, and having a copper stub or similar and I actually like using Dahl 1/4 turn push to connect for toilets, and these aren’t like sharkbite if afraid to use that brand (but there like 2 brands of push-to-connect fittings that will use as been around and used in other countries and now made to USA and work great imo, but like anything…..things can fail, regardless if soldered, Pex a or b install, and push-2-connect….nothing is 100%; imo), this company been round and pretty nice, and if you think haven’t heard of Dahl or never seen, yeah, I’m sure ya have and didn’t realize it

[@savannahbeebee2916]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXnFkoFrjspsic0si=FELq41w8wWpuMtfx

[@stephen5147]

I've heard Pex A doesn't have the inside diameter reduction at the fitting that Pex B has?

[@trinitywave]

Thanks Josh. so was all that line for the water coming in to the house ? I wasn’t sure about that.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Yes, I tapped into the waterlines in my house and ran them to the garage. It works great!

[@danielhurst8863]

Even as a DIY, Pex A is superior is almost every way. The biggest benefit is that both types of Pex want to return to their shape. This greatly affects the connections. In Pex B, you are placing a fitting outside the Pex B and squeezing it on. From the moment of placing that fitting, the Pex B is constantly trying to expand against the fitting, and will get looser and looser over time. In Pex A, you are placing the fitting inside the Pex A. You have expanded the Pex A and the fitting sleeve, and the Pex A is constantly trying to shrink against the fitting, becoming tighter and tighter over time. I also find Pex A to be faster, as you don't need a Go No Go check for each fitting, and it is impossible to dry fit, so it is impossible to forget to place a fitting.

[@tvi53]

I want to replace the copper pipes for an older house and can't decide if I should go with Pex-A or Pex-B. If you can't dry fit prior to connecting, would it make you more prone to mistakes? Cost and longevity wise, which one has the advantage? thanks.

[@WithinYourMeans]

Josh and/or others, Does anyone have an opinion on stainless steel pex fittings? They seem to be new to the market, but I can’t help but to think they would be better than brass or plastic?

[@iiRR3lephanttt]

Your interlude music 😊

[@davidansley2881]

I thought all PEX 90’s going to exterior walls and interior walls were supposed to be fastened to a wall stud incase a valve or faucet needs replaced, this way it’s not twisting on the pipe and no need to cut the drywall.

[@user-zx8dy7hc9q]

I have a silly but need to know question... Do you have a video on how to install those white main pipes??

[@Possum_89]

What made you decide to run a hot side supply from the house instead of just running cold in and putting a small water heater out there?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I will not be using hot water often in the garage. It really isn't worth the extra cost to me. I hope that helps!

[@grousewhisperer816]

What are the cons of using a manifold set up?

[@dericcdoleman1564]

Worked on a house where the main water ran to an outside spiket with no shut off. They spliced the houses water too it with a shut off and the main line burst so I couldn’t even turn the water off

[@Derpherppington]

I went with pex A since pex B have smaller hole which restrict water flow and pex A rings doesn’t need to have gap right or it doesn’t work right, yes there’s “pro rings” but that will restrict water flow more and cost more. Pex A doesn’t have space gauging. They cost more but how often u remodel your house. My house was from 1960’s with orange tiles and tub, so I’m damn well throwing the latest stuff in it when it’s opened. Down side is there’s a lot of confusing between the two and Home Depot doesn’t carry much of A and u can easily mix them up and the workers doesn’t have a clue what is what so you’re on your own and you have to be fast when installing it

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Pex B does have more restriction than A. I have lived in two houses that have pex b in them and I cannot tell any difference compared to CPVC, which is a larger bore. Maybe a side-by-side comparison would a person be able to tell. Thanks for your input!

[@panemon187]

@@TheExcellentLaborer I recently did a re-pipe in my old house built in the early 70s with Pex B. To get around issues with flow restrictions I used a combination of smooth bends instead of elbow fittings and I upsized my entire system from 3/4 to 1 inch Pex B. You should be ok if you upsize your system, so far my water pressure is perfect and the increase in volume is an added bonus. I also added individual shut off valves and drain valves (ball valves) at each area of the house so when I have to work on something, I dont have to depressurize the entire house and I can still keep water running in both bathrooms, my kitchen and laundry room area. I also don't have to worry about getting water all over the place, by using a drain valve after the shut off valve to remove water from the lines. I also added a large 1 inch ball valve right after my main water shut off, so I can rapidly drain the entire system in my house in less than a minute. Upsizing is a great option if you're worried about flow restrictions and adding a large drain valve after your main shut off valve is an awesome addition.

[@adamconaway4826]

CPVC causes cancer so when you get older you will know what the comparison is, but your plumbing system won't even last till then 15 to 20 years( if your lucky 30) because generally cpvc gets bridle at about that time... so any minor earthquake or shake of the house,or when Grandma rips allowed one.... those pipes are going to crack and burst under pressure 😂😂😂😂😂

[@timbutler3213]

If you happened to have pex a pipe could you use clamps on it as you would with pex b pipe? Just curious

[@timbutler3213]

I’ve heard that pex a is a little more forgiving in freezing temps. Curious your thoughts about that as well. Thanks. Another great vid btw. I thumb up everything that you put out cuz you do a great job showing and teaching.

[@fredrezfield1629]

a plumber told me pex is cheap only lasts a few years always go with copper pipes what's your take?

[@Suikostinger]

I'm trying to install 3/4" Pex pipe in my garage to my tankless water heater. I really want to go through 2x4 studs and I think they are on a load bearing wall. I hear you can't cut out more than 25% of the stud. So I'm guessing there is no way to even do this, because a 3/4 inch pex pipe is already at the 25% and that's not counting the hole slightly bigger for expansion.....any ideas? Do i just buy some mount/supports to do it outside the studs.....? Is so what kind?

[@aaroncohen8917]

Connect wires in conduit

[@miket.9865]

I noticed your water lines are run below the floor and are uninsulated and the crawlspace is vented and uninsulated. You mentioned freezing potential with the water lines in the garage, due to the current lack of insulation. It would seem to me that the lines under the house are at the same risk of freezing. Not knowing where you are located, can you explain why the lines under the house are not at risk of freezing?

[@alejandrogardu7390]

Joshua, the garage you are building, is it the same code requirements as building an actual home?

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Great question! A detached garage does not have the same code as a house in my area. With that being said, I still try to follow house codes as close as I can in case I ever change it to a house. Hope that helps!

[@napoleonsmith7793]

UV MAKES PEX BRITTLE.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Yes, and if I remember correctly, pex type a breaks down the most in the sun.

[@bazzani21]

Fun fact I guess. But why would it matter? Who installs pex in the sunlight? Should be in walls and basements = no sun

[@Ralith09]

Copper crimp vs ss cinch?

[@ckuiper7332]

Where are the pex insulators? I'm just kidding, but johnny & susie diy will never get the alignment of those holes straight through studs.. i auppose thats more advanced.. I'm currently repiping a 1940's build whole house from gavlanized and copper. Yes, i prefer trunk & Branch system as well, but also use SS one handed cinch clamp press rather than the copper rings, seems more soild over the years of expansion/ contraction which can be significant,. Then again this is junior/ almost private proof stuff. Well laid out video for a prelim, would like to see referrals for links to the advanced planning stuff to help the diy crowd in advance. Peace out.

[@t12121]

I'm going to have to replace my water lines. Can't afford a plumber, but I'm going to have to fix another broken pipe.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I wish you luck with your endeavor. I do a lot of DIY because of the price of labor as well. I hope everything goes well for you and thanks for watching!

[@t12121]

@@TheExcellentLaborer thank you kindly for the extremely informative video.

[@mikeevans6589]

I’d rather use pex A for the fact that the fittings are larger than Pex B. Plus less work than the crimp rings

[@FNPMSN]

the crimo rings(the ones with a notch) and brass fittings...fuck that wirsbo

[@hungchihhao2008]

This is PEX-B

[@MrsBradleyCooper]

Install PEX water 💦 lines

[@paleologue]

I don't recommend running it through all of those studs like that. Pex has a life span and it's better to replace the whole line when it degrades over time and it will be impossible to replace those lines without tearing up your whole house.This system makes repairs much more difficult...not to mention all of those fittings are going to reduce water flow and increase pressure and the number of points of failure. Now instead of 2 or 3 points of failure, you have like 20. You can also run pex inside exterior walls...you just have to insulate it properly.

[@chrisviolette8991]

Copper is better than pex hands down. Check out the id of the fittings then check the id of a copper fitting. Water pipe sizing is done by diameter. That means 1/2" pex is not going to have the same fixture unit as copper. There for it needs to be resized. Check out how many class action law suits pex has had due too failure. Now make you decision if that is what you want in your investment. Copper lasts longer

[@larryhansman4608]

Looks like a real nightmare if you get a leak. Better to deep notch all studs and glue a cripple later

[@brock8830]

Why anyone on earth would use pex b is absolutely beyond me. Spend the 300.00 bucks by the tool or even rent it if necessary. PEX B is trash.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

Why so? I’m just learning about Pex

[@jmfarouche6688]

We always put hot water lines below the cold- the rising heat radiation helps keep the cold water lines from freezing in the harsh winter temperatures. Diy only so not sure of code requirements…. Are we doing it wrong??? Thanks

[@fnhwk]

Pex b works the exact same if your crimps are made correctly.

[@Rubbernecker]

I just bought the tool for $70

[@Buuboi214]

Ladies and gents this is your first pex Karen

[@kevincollier8958]

He saids “with that being said” way too much!!!!