Polyethylene (PE) pipe fittings?

Anonymous-0 · Feb 10, 2010

Hey folks,
Anyone know of an online source for PE fittings. Got a feeling they are cheaper in the States than they are here. I have 20mm tubing that I am going to redo the waterers in the stalls.

Thanks,

Dave

BCnT · Feb 10, 2010

Lowes,Home Depot,Tractor Supply should have em...if you cant get any online,holler...i can buy locally and mail em to you if you not in a big rush.

Dave_Id · Feb 10, 2010

I'm under the impression that you can't even use adhesive on polyethylene. What do you use? When polyethylene gets cold it'll shatter like glass. Not real good for piping. It also gets very brittle with age.. Are you sure it's polyethylene you are looking for?

Mike (WA) · Feb 10, 2010

Its a new system called PEK or something like that- its flexible, and has the unusual property that if you stretch it, it will contract back to its former diameter slowly- so to put it together, you expand the pipe end, insert the fitting, and let it contract- makes a good seal, no adhesive or clamps needed. Home Depot has the pipe, fittings and the tools to rent to you. I understand it will slowly expand to accomodate freezing water, so won't break in freezing conditions.

Somebody will correct me if I've got any of it wrong.

Patsdeere · Feb 10, 2010

PEX - cross-linked polyethylene. It is the latest way of plumbing a house. You only put a connection where there is a hard turn (90 degree or a T). Each mfr of piping has their own method of attaching the ends.

There are also compression fittings that just slip on the pipe called sharkbite fittings. Expensive, but seem pretty easy to use.

I haven't tried either thing, but the PEX has been used in Europe for some 25+ years.

Mike (WA) · Feb 10, 2010

Am I right about it not being damaged by freezing?

Anonymous-0 · Feb 10, 2010

Called PE. black with 2 blue stripes running the length, Supposed to expand if frozen. The setup I'm copying isn't supposed to freeze because the water feeds to the top of the drinker and there is a spring loaded valve at the bottom that opens a little to relieve pressure if things start to expand. I'll be running heat tape and insulating anyway though. Trying to find some prices so I can see if I can save anything by buying there and mailing. The fittings are plastic and something to the effect of compression ring fittings.

Dave

Patsdeere · Feb 10, 2010

It is resistant to freezing and break resistant, but not proof.

Patsdeere · Feb 10, 2010

Just an FYI..

Can PEX be used for aboveground outdoor applications?

No. PEX is currently designed for indoor and buried applications only and is not recommended for outdoor, aboveground use. Short exposures to sunlight during construction are permissible, but should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations. PEX should be stored under cover, shielded from direct sunlight or in the original packaging. In the future, PEX products rated for outdoor use may be developed

El Toro · Feb 10, 2010

Here's the Pex with a Sharkbite fitting. Hal
PS: With 120 psi air pressure it never leaked.

Polyethylene (PE) pipe fittings?

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

BCnT

Well-known Member

Dave_Id

Well-known Member

Mike (WA)

Well-known Member

Patsdeere

Well-known Member

Mike (WA)

Well-known Member

Anonymous-0

Well-known Member

Patsdeere

Well-known Member

Patsdeere

Well-known Member

El Toro

Well-known Member

Similar threads