Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => Plumbing => Topic started by: Daped01 on May 10, 2013, 04:55:17 PM

Title: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Daped01 on May 10, 2013, 04:55:17 PM
I ordered my heat exchanger today and i'm curious what I need to connect my pex to the copper on the HX.  I did a generic google search and came up with this.........is this what I should be looking for?  or what would one reccomend?  (the example isn't the exact size i'm looking for....just asking if thats the style of connection I need)


http://compare.ebay.com/like/230946911667?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar (http://compare.ebay.com/like/230946911667?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar)
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Roger2561 on May 10, 2013, 05:47:34 PM
I ordered my heat exchanger today and i'm curious what I need to connect my pex to the copper on the HX.  I did a generic google search and came up with this.........is this what I should be looking for?  or what would one reccomend?  (the example isn't the exact size i'm looking for....just asking if thats the style of connection I need)


http://compare.ebay.com/like/230946911667?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar (http://compare.ebay.com/like/230946911667?_lwgsi=y&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar)

That's what I use.   I'm by far no expert but if you're using the new solder make sure the mating surfaces of the copper and the PEX piece are very clean and shiny and apply a nice even coat of flux to both pieces.  Otherwise the new type of solder may not bond that well and may leak, plus take your time soldering it.  Good luck.  Roger
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Trint on May 10, 2013, 06:14:42 PM
These work too if you don't want to sweat or crimp.

http://www.pexsupply.com/Cash-Acme-U008LF-1-2-x-1-2-SharkBite-Coupling-Lead-Free (http://www.pexsupply.com/Cash-Acme-U008LF-1-2-x-1-2-SharkBite-Coupling-Lead-Free)
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Scott7m on May 10, 2013, 06:19:27 PM
I use sharkbites, don't buy no cheap knockoffs when it comes to push fittings
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 07:01:00 AM
scott, in your professional opinion, whats the probability of the sharkbites leaking?  would you reccomend them over sweating?  My local hardware store carries the sharkbite brand
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 07:06:50 AM
here is the furnace where the HX is going. I have to go down thru the floor, would i be better off running straight sticks of either copper or pex below the house (doublewide mobile home) to meet up with the insulated pex lines? I'm also somewhat concerned about getting the HX past the LP line on the right side of the picture....



Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Scott7m on May 11, 2013, 07:55:46 AM
scott, in your professional opinion, whats the probability of the sharkbites leaking?  would you reccomend them over sweating?  My local hardware store carries the sharkbite brand

I've never had a true shark bite to leak, knock on wood, shark bite are approved for in wall installation n such in regular plumbing, so I trust them
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Scott7m on May 11, 2013, 07:58:21 AM
here is the furnace where the HX is going. I have to go down thru the floor, would i be better off running straight sticks of either copper or pex below the house (doublewide mobile home) to meet up with the insulated pex lines? I'm also somewhat concerned about getting the HX past the LP line on the right side of the picture....

There will be a hole where they brought the ac lines in on the left side usually 2x3" or so, push the ac line to one corner and run ur pex up through there, I use a lot of straight pieces but in that situation the Sharkbites swivel so it can point right back to your hole that's there, it's not hard to do usually
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 08:44:41 AM
you dont' think i'll have to cut/drill new holes for the pex?
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Daped01 on May 11, 2013, 09:00:24 AM
Something like this?  (shutoffs, etc not drawn)
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Scott7m on May 12, 2013, 09:00:21 AM
Yea like that.

I normally do not have to drill additional holes. 
Title: Re: Connecting Pex to Copper on HX
Post by: Daped01 on May 12, 2013, 06:49:02 PM
ok, thanks