PEX is a type of flexible pipe considered a crossed-linked polyethene. It is a new replacement for traditional copper pipes. Previous galvanized steel is also replaced with PEX.
So, how to straighten PEX? Now for most remodelling projects and construction, PEX is widely used. They come in a roll tube and are of multiple colours. You will notice them in most of the construction areas and also in DIY stores.
As PEX is very flexible, it isn’t easy to straighten them up. But actually, it is possible to straight PEX by running hot water at the end by hooking it up to the tap. By laying the pipe as flat as possible, you can straighten up the PEX.
PEX pipe is a popular material for water and sewer lines, and it can be damaged easily if not cared for. We will show you how to straighten a chewed-up piece of PEX pipe using essential tools and methods. If you’ve ever had to take apart a chewed-up part of a PEX pipe, you know how frustrating it can be.
PEX is a popular pipe material because of its ease of installation and watertight properties, but it’s not immune to wear and tear. Let’s show you how to straighten PEX pipe using simple steps and tools.
How To Straight PEX – A Complete Guide
PEX piping has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ease of installation and durability. However, if the PEX tubing is not installed properly or becomes kinked or bent, it can cause water flow restrictions and potential leaks. To ensure the PEX tubing is installed correctly, it is important to know how to straighten it.
If you’re working with PEX pipes, it’s crucial to know how to straighten them. PEX pipes are made of a flexible material that can easily bend, which can make installation more convenient. However, if they’re not straightened properly, it can lead to a variety of issues. For example, if the PEX pipes are not straightened, it can lead to kinks, which can restrict water flow and damage the pipe.
Additionally, kinks can lead to leaks, which can cause damage to your property and result in expensive repairs. Properly straightened PEX pipes, on the other hand, will allow for uninterrupted water flow throughout your plumbing system.
Knowing how to straighten PEX pipes is also important for aesthetic reasons. When PEX pipes are installed, they are often visible. If they are not straightened properly, it can make your plumbing system look unprofessional and messy.
Measurement
Process
There are specific tools and materials needed straightening up a PEX pipe. Forgiving the proper measurement, you need an angle, and then for measuring the radius, you need an instrument too.
A copper stub-out is also necessary to hold the PEX to attach with something and straighten it. Pouring hot water into the PEX pipe is the most effective way to untangle it.
Tools: Three tools are essential to make the PEX pipe straight. They are:
- A 90-degree angle measurement tool
- A radius measurement tool
- A copper stub-out
Steps On Straightening PEX
If you’re working with PEX tubing, you may find it’s not always straightforward and challenging. Fortunately, straightening PEX is a relatively simple process that requires only a few steps. Here’s how to straighten PEX tubing:
- First, hold the edge of the PEX tube and keep the rest of the pipe unrolling so that it does not spread out.
- Keeping a tight grasp on the edge of the PEX pipe, place the PEX between your two legs and get a good grip.
- Make the pipe pass-through from between the knees so it does not lose the grip or the formation remains unchanged.
- Start unrolling the PEX pipe in the shape of an ‘S’ so you are curving it backwards.
- The curve should be as the pipe wants to go its way, you must bend it in the other direction.
- Afterwards, keeping a tight hold of the PEX pipe, push it back.
- One advantage you will get while doing the process is that the PEX pipe will go with you and not fight against you.
- Push the pipe at an angle of 90 degrees so you don’t have to put much pressure on it.
- With a work of just two rounds, your pipe will start to straighten up and be as you want.
Straightening In Another Way: Proper Manner
Furthermore, straightened PEX pipes are easier to work with when fitting them into pipe hangers. PEX pipes come with pre-drilled holes that are handy to connect to pipe hangers. With the right tools, installing pipe hangers can become a much easier job. For example, a hammer drill is handy to drill into a wall or floor to create the hole needed to fit the pipe hanger.
This drill can make the process of installation much easier and faster. Additionally, PEX pipes are very flexible, so it is easy to adjust the pipe hangers to fit the pipe around corners and tight spaces. With the right tools and techniques, you can install PEX pipes with relative ease.
- PEX tubing is a popular choice for plumbing and heating systems due to its flexibility and durability. To straighten PEX tubing, it is essential to use the proper technique to avoid damaging the tubing. To properly straighten up the PEX pipe correctly, you need to use a copper stub-out which will be 90 degrees. Here are the steps for properly straightening PEX tubing:
1. Cut the tubing to the desired length.
2. Hold one end of the tubing firmly with one hand.
3. Use a heat gun or other heat source to apply heat evenly along the length of the tubing.
4. Slowly bend the tubing in the opposite direction of its curve while still warm and pliable.
5. Hold the tubing until it cools and retains its new shape.
It is essential to avoid overheating or bending too forcefully, as this can cause damage to the tubing. Following these steps, you can adequately straighten PEX tubing for your plumbing or heating needs.
Mind Flexibility
One of the benefits of PEX piping is its flexibility, making it easier to install in tight spaces without making as many cuts and connections. However, sometimes you may need to straighten a length of PEX that has become bent or curved. Fortunately, you can easily straighten PEX using a few simple steps. First, heat the curved section of the pipe with a heat gun or hair dryer until it becomes pliable.
Then, gently bend the line to its desired shape while still warm. Please hold the line until it cools and sets into its new position. It’s important to note that you should never try to straighten a kinked or excessively bent piece of PEX, as this could cause damage to the pipe and compromise its integrity. In these cases, cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with a new piece of PEX piping is best.
Some Benefits Of PEX Pipes
It comes in handy and is easy to operate: If you compare PEX to other plumbing options, you will find PEX easier to use. There are not many connections and fittings required for PEX. PEX pipes have become increasingly popular in recent years and for a good reason. Here are some benefits of PEX pipes:
Durability: PEX pipes are incredibly durable and resistant to damage from freezing, corrosion, and chemicals. This means they are less likely to leak or burst than other pipes.
Flexibility: PEX pipes are flexible, which makes them easier to install in tight spaces or around corners. They can also expand and contract with temperature changes, which reduces the risk of cracking or breaking.
Cost-effective: PEX pipes are typically less expensive than other piping materials, making them a cost-effective option for many homeowners.
Energy-efficient: Because PEX pipes have a smooth interior surface, they don’t accumulate deposits that can reduce water flow and energy efficiency over time.
Overall, PEX pipes offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for your next plumbing project. What other benefit does Pex provide? Here are some major benefits and demerits.
A Great Amount Of Flexibility
PEX pipe is a popular choice for plumbing and heating systems due to its flexibility and durability. However, sometimes you may need to straighten PEX pipes that have become kinked or bent.
One method is using a heat gun to warm the kinked area and gently bend it back into place. Another option is to use a pipe-straightening tool, which applies pressure to the bent site and gradually straightens it out.
It’s essential to be careful when straightening PEX pipes, as applying too much force or heat can damage the pipe and cause leaks. Straightening PEX pipes can be a simple process with the right approach and tools that help maintain your plumbing system’s efficiency and functionality.
A plumbing system can often damage your wall and other objects too. Doing everything with PEX and not using a metal cutter or torch will greatly help you. Most importantly, for PEX pipe, you can curve the pipe and bring it to any shape you want.
Long-Term Durability
When it comes to straightening PEX tubing, it is essential to consider the material’s long-term durability. While PEX is an excellent option for plumbing and HVAC systems, it can be prone to kinking and damage if not handled correctly during installation or straightening. To ensure the long-term durability of your PEX tubing, there are several tips to keep in mind:
- Use a proper PEX straightening tool: A dedicated device designed specifically for straightening PEX tubing can help prevent damage and kinks.
- Heat the tubing evenly: To make it more pliable, apply heat evenly along the entire tube length. Uneven heating can cause weak spots that may lead to kinks or damage.
- Avoid over-straightening: While getting your PEX tubing as straight as possible may be tempting, over-straightening can weaken the material and lead to future issues.
- You can ensure the long-term durability of your PEX tubing for years by following these tips, installing it correctly, and handling it carefully.
Safe And Reliable
When it comes to straightening PEX tubing, it is essential to do so safely and reliably. PEX tubing can be easily damaged if improperly handled, leading to leaks or other issues. PEX pipes are very much safe to use in every way. Few things to be careful about and the pipe should not be exposed to:
- Direct heat
- UV light
- Chemicals
- Explosive and flames
There is no soldering or glueing required for the installation of PEX pipes. So that makes PEX safer and more reliable for use.During winter PEX have a lesser chance of bursting. It can work against any leakage in higher temperatures powerfully.
Some Minor Disadvantages
While PEX tubing is a popular and versatile material for plumbing and heating systems, it has some minor disadvantages. PEX tubing can be difficult to straighten once coiled or bent; this is one of its disadvantages.
This can make installation more challenging, as the tubing may not fit properly into its intended location. However, several methods exist for straightening PEX tubing, including using a heat gun or boiling water.
Additionally, it is essential to note that PEX tubing may be more prone to damage from sunlight and UV rays than other materials such as copper or PVC. Despite these minor drawbacks, many professionals still prefer to use PEX due to its flexibility, durability, and ease of installation.
Unwanted Odor
Water directly running through PEX pipes can be unhealthy. The smell in PEX pipes is dense and hard to control. Mainly the regions which consist of chemicals and contaminants in water in a higher amount. The odour can change the taste of water absorption of chemical vapour. Eventually, the water cannot be drinkable as it will contain an unpleasant smell.
Insertion Of Insects
Some rodents or small pesticides roam inside the PEX pipe, which could make the water harmful for drinking. Also, there may be a structural problem and unwanted leaks.
Not compatible with outdoor use: Although PEX is more resistant than copper and PVC, it is still not valid for exterior use. During extreme hot and cold seasons, PEX seems to get brittle, leading to uncertain breaks.
During the hot season, water can deteriorate by oxidizing, and it may freeze during winter. It takes more time to face these problems than PVC and other metals. But still, UV light damages it quickly as it is not resistant.
Dezincification
Conclusion
If you’ve ever had to deal with a chewed-up piece of PEX pipe, then you know how frustrating it can be. PEX pipe is an excellent material for water and gas lines, but it’s not immune to disruptions caused by pets.
In time, this will cause the pipe to become twisted and kinked. Straightening will be impossible if chewing and gnawing happen to one of your water or gas lines. Luckily, there are a few steps that you can take to fix the problem yourself. Now you know how to straighten PEX pipes, and following the steps makes it easy. We hope these tips work.
FAQs
Should Pex Replace Copper?
We recommend installing PEX by replacing copper pipes. Having a copper pipe for many years and repairing it often can cause a hassle .So for any small area and to avoid leakage, you could install PEX by removing copper. Both of the pipes are interchangeable at any moment.
Can Pex Pipe Be Used in the Main Water Line?
You can use the PEX pipe in the main water line. But make sure you choose a bigger size, as most copper pipes are enormous. You can also use poly, an alternative to larger OD with the same copper ID.
Is It Possible to Straighten Pex Pipes by Heating them?
Straightening the PEX pipe in this process is not easy. You can insert hot water in the pipe by cutting to the correct length and pouring hot water into a kettle. Soon the heat will soften the tube and allow it to get straightened. After it cools, it will remain straight.
What Tools Do I Need to Straighten Pex?
If you have a piece of PEX pipe that’s been chewed up, you first need to clean it up as best as possible. You can use a plunger to suction onto the pipe and clear out as much debris as possible.
Once the pipe is clean, straighten it using a pipe bender or heat gun. Ideally, use a gas-fired straightener if possible and keep a safe distance from the pipe while heating it. Be cautious.
What Is Pex Tubing For The Plumbing In My Rv?
PEX tubing is commonly used in RV plumbing for several reasons. First, it is a much easier material to work with than copper tubing. PEX tubing is also more flexible than copper, making it easier to connect fittings and adjust. Finally, PEX tubing is less likely to kink or corrode in the damp environment of an RV.
I am passionate about home engineering. I specialize in designing, installing, and maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. My goal is to help people stay comfortable in their homes all year long.
