how to install pex pipe under sink

Are you afraid to solder copper pipes?

If you've never soldered before it can be intimidating. Plus you can easily catch your house on fire – never a good thing.

Today you'll learn how to install PEX pipe. This is a general overview that'll share quick tips and get you familiar with PEX.

Which by the way comes in pretty handy when your wife tells you the kitchen ceiling is leaking water.

We promise that you'll be able to fix any leaky pipe in your house after you read and watch today's tutorial.

So let's dive in and save you money!

PEX Supplies

Here are all the supplies we discuss

Crimp Rings (1/2 inch)
PEX 90 Degree Elbows (1/2 inch)
SharkBite 90 Degree Elbows (1/2 inch)
PEX Crimping Tool
Pipe Cutter for PEX
PEX Crimp Ring Cutter
SharkBite Depth Tool
Sharpie Marker
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SharkBites aren't cheap but if you buy the PEX fittings in bulk they're actually competitively priced.

And once you have the PEX crimping tool you're all set to begin your plumbing setup.

One warning: make sure your local plumbing code allows PEX.

Some places don't. And you'll have to use copper. So call the local building inspector and ask…use someone else's voice if you're afraid of their response, haha…just kidding.

How Easy is PEX to Use?

Easier than you think.

You've probably seen it in the home store. PEX comes in red, white and blue colors. Red is for hot water lines, blue is for cold water lines and white is neutral, meaning you can use it for either hot or cold.

The colors are more for forgetful folks like me who can't remember what they were doing 3 seconds ago.

Color of PEX

Slide a crimp ring onto the PEX.

PEX Crimp Ring

Slide your fitting, in this case a 90 degree elbow, into the PEX.

PEX Fitting

Crimp rings should be 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch from the end of the PEX. This recommendation is per SharkBite who makes these crimp rings.

It might be different for your PEX system so follow the manufacturer directions.

Position the PEX crimping tool at 90 degrees over the crimp ring. Then slowly squeeze the crimping tool until you hear it pop and compress the ring.

Our only complaint about the PEX crimper is that it has short handles. We wish you could extend the handles to create more leverage…hmm, maybe we should develop some invention.

Squeeze Crimp Ring

It's that simple.

Squeeze Crimp Ring

But how do you know if your crimp ring is tight enough?

The nice thing about the SharkBite system is that it has a gage. If the 'GO' slot fits over your crimp ring you know it's on the PEX correctly. You also want to slide the 'NO-GO' slot over the crimp ring, if it doesn't fit you're totally good to go.

SharkBite Crimp Gage

GO Gage

What if you mess up the position of the crimp ring?

Not a problem.

How to Fix PEX Crimp Rings

If your crimp ring is more than 1/4″ away from the end of the PEX it's super easy to repair.

Cut the PEX just shy of the PEX fitting.

Cut PEX

Slide the removal tool into the PEX.

Remove PEX Crimp Ring

Squeeze the handle and snap the crimp ring. Place the removal tool 180 degrees on the other side of the crimp ring and snap it again. Although, we find that this mostly opens the crimp ring just enough to allow it to slide off the PEX.

Snap PEX Crimp Ring

Inspect the PEX fitting and make sure it's okay to use again.

Inspect PEX Fitting

What if you don't want to use PEX fittings with PEX?

Use SharkBites instead!!

Using SharkBites with PEX

We love PEX but it's even easier if you use SharkBite fittings.

The one downside is the fact that SharkBites are expensive as all heck. We're talking movie ticket prices.

But we LOVE them and SharkBites come in handy for super tight spaces.

Place the SharkBite depth tool on the PEX and make a mark with your marker.

SharkBite Depth Tool

Slide the SharkBite over the PEX until it meets up with the mark.

Slide on SharkBite

Each SharkBite fitting has a plastic insert and this makes the PEX connection solid. Little side note, you can leave the plastic insert in the SharkBite fitting even if you use it with copper. We called SharkBite and asked them about this.

SharkBites will spin 360 degrees around PEX or copper pipes. This is completely normal. So don't be freaked out.

Watch our quick video to see extra tips and a funny outtake at the end…my daughters crack me up