In this video, host Kevin O’Connor meets plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey for a lesson in PEX vs copper piping. The two discuss both types’ pros and cons.
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People often ask us about PEX vs copper and which they should use in their home. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey knows “it depends” isn’t the answer they're looking for. That’s why he got together with host Kevin O’Connor to discuss the two types of tubing and help homeowners decide which is best for their home.
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Where to find it?
Richard shows some of the tools to make copper connections. Including a torch kit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/zxryQm] used for soldering, a fire hazard and not safe for an uncertified person to use. Another tool he showed was a copper press tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/6yoAaN], eliminating the use of flame but very expensive for the average homeowner to own. Copper push-to-connect fittings [https://homedepot.sjv.io/3Joj5v] are the easiest way for a DIY homeowner to make copper connections, but they tend to spin around so they are not as rigid as other copper connections.
For PEX connections, Richard shares that professionals would use an expensive tool like the ProPex expansion tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4GoJk1]. Now homeowners can buy a manual PEX expansion tool kit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/yq9yDD] and easily do it themselves.
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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PEX vs Copper Pipes | Ask This Old House
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