I connected 1/2” pex to my 1/2” copper in my basement. The pex runs along the basement ceiling and attaches to the copper that leads to the fixtures above. For some reason I’m getting flow issues. Water starts fine but then starts to fluctuate a lot. On hot you can hear it almost hiss like there’s air in the pipe. Is it possible the fitting in the pex run is restricting flow?
Try turning off your main line and drain the system of water by turning on all faucets. Then close them up except for the fixture you mentioned. Turn the water slowly back on. If there’s still an issue, you might want to open up the connection you made and check for an obstruction
I've never had luck soldering these brass fittings onto copper. If you look hard enough you can find pex adapters like these that are made of copper and sweat on much easier.
Oh I see your in Vancouver area too. Jeez I should just pay you to come over and do it for me as I’ve tried 3 times and can’t get the solder to be sucked up and seal the joint. Did the hot water side no problem the first time but can’t seem to get the cold side. Scratch both good and applied flux paste. Could the torch be too hot?
You probably still have water sitting in your cold pipes. Make sure to turn on all your taps in your house and drain it all once you shut off your main water supply. Might take a while to get everything out depending on your house design....
what part did you buy for this video. I bought a sharkbite 1/2 x1/2 - m sweat adapter-male and it didn't work. It didn't slip over the 1/2 copper pipe what size do i need to slip over the copper pipe. Maybe i should get the 3/4 side to fit over a 1/2?
Yes, measure the diameter and see if it’s 3/4”. If it’s not, you can remove the plastic insert on the 1/2” shark bite and try that. You don’t need the insert on copper
I know pex is the future….I just like old school copper…had a bad experience with a pex fridge water connection and never fully trusted pex ever since 🙄 Ps: so cute how you have a father daughter channel! I love it!
Yes, that can happen. It does take a little practice with the crimp ring tool to make sure you squeeze the rings straight. On another note, using a cheap crimp ring tool is a recipe for leaks, no matter how good your crimping abilities are! They tend to not squeeze properly
I'm planning for the future but that is not now. I'm replacing my water heater in previously the valve was right on top of the 3/4 in cold water inlet. I bought a half inch valve and 5 ft of copper tubing and for the time being I'm simply making new connections. I have an older mobile home and from the valve on down at some point I will replace the old antiquated and scary PVC pipe with PEX. I think I'm going to retain the new copper connections but I will need an adapter at some point below the valve to connect to the PEX. The video you just showed, showed me the connection that I need to have to do this. Thank you so much. I love that you included your daughter in this video. She's very well spoken just like you, and a chip off the old block. I really like it when families get involved in these UA-cam channels because it keeps it 'real' 👍
If you mean the solder won’t feed under the fitting, you may still have water trickling inside the copper pipe. Make sure it’s all drained out. Turn on every faucet after you’ve turned off your main line. Sometimes it can take 1/2 hour
@@thinkreno hey thanks for the reply. I did some more research and realized I was using a bad propane torch and was probably also heating the fitting too long. I did get a little discoloration especially on the inside of the fitting but I’m sure that’s normal.
@@thinkreno hey one more question. On the inside of the stem where the pex attaches, after soldering its a little discolored - kinda looks brown. Wondering if you’re did this too or I did mine wrong. Thanks!
Thanks I've been searching for a video that demonstrates how to sweat a brass PEX fitting onto a copper pipe thanks so much 👍
You did a good job explaining how everything is done. Look forward to more videos 👍👍
Awww what a smart cutie pie! Soon she will help daddy out.
good video. straight to the point. thanks
I connected 1/2” pex to my 1/2” copper in my basement. The pex runs along the basement ceiling and attaches to the copper that leads to the fixtures above. For some reason I’m getting flow issues. Water starts fine but then starts to fluctuate a lot. On hot you can hear it almost hiss like there’s air in the pipe. Is it possible the fitting in the pex run is restricting flow?
Try turning off your main line and drain the system of water by turning on all faucets. Then close them up except for the fixture you mentioned. Turn the water slowly back on. If there’s still an issue, you might want to open up the connection you made and check for an obstruction
so the solder doesn't have to go completely around the new fitting??
Yes, it will go all the way around by itself when it becomes hot enough to become liquid.
I've never had luck soldering these brass fittings onto copper. If you look hard enough you can find pex adapters like these that are made of copper and sweat on much easier.
Video worth $700 to me. Plumber told me he has a truck note and insurance he has to pay for.
Glad the video helped you out 👍🏼
Master of all trades! Nice work James.
Thanks Harish!
Great quality content, was expecting you to have many many more subscribers. Keep up the good work I’m sure your channel will blow up!
Do you prefer copper rings over stainless steel?
I prefer copper because that’s what the plumbers I know use, but copper is more expensive
Oh I see your in Vancouver area too. Jeez I should just pay you to come over and do it for me as I’ve tried 3 times and can’t get the solder to be sucked up and seal the joint. Did the hot water side no problem the first time but can’t seem to get the cold side. Scratch both good and applied flux paste. Could the torch be too hot?
You probably still have water sitting in your cold pipes. Make sure to turn on all your taps in your house and drain it all once you shut off your main water supply. Might take a while to get everything out depending on your house design....
what part did you buy for this video. I bought a sharkbite 1/2 x1/2 - m sweat adapter-male and it didn't work. It didn't slip over the 1/2 copper pipe what size do i need to slip over the copper pipe. Maybe i should get the 3/4 side to fit over a 1/2?
Yes, measure the diameter and see if it’s 3/4”. If it’s not, you can remove the plastic insert on the 1/2” shark bite and try that. You don’t need the insert on copper
Easiest to remove with needle nose pliers
The female adapters slip over the bare copper pipe, the male adapters slip inside the copper fittings.
Any issues with breaking your weld with crimping the pex?
Personally never had an issue. Plumbers I know do it the same way 👍🏼
Nice well explain amazing 🤩
Great video, very informative. But Why would you ever replace all copper lines?
Depending on the brand, some older copper can cause issues. Mine was thin-walled copper that was 30 years old
Helpful! Thank you
I am faced with a similar challenge. Great video.
You can use a Sharkbite fitting. No need to solder if you don't want to.
I’ll use Sharkbite in open areas like attics or crawl spaces. I don’t trust them as much buried inside walls
That's a good idea with the cement board behind it. Do you know what's the best budget friendly for home renovation for propane torch?
Home Depot sells a small propane torch and striker. Costs something like $12… Most big box stores sell something similar
I know pex is the future….I just like old school copper…had a bad experience with a pex fridge water connection and never fully trusted pex ever since 🙄
Ps: so cute how you have a father daughter channel! I love it!
Yes, that can happen. It does take a little practice with the crimp ring tool to make sure you squeeze the rings straight.
On another note, using a cheap crimp ring tool is a recipe for leaks, no matter how good your crimping abilities are! They tend to not squeeze properly
Informative. Nice touch by adding your daughter as Spokeperson. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the video ..and OMG ...your daughter is about the cutest human being ever!
Man you just gave me confidence to move some basement pipes that a plumber wanted $300 to do.. Great video.
hello watching here from philippines....
Thanks for watching!
I'm planning for the future but that is not now. I'm replacing my water heater in previously the valve was right on top of the 3/4 in cold water inlet.
I bought a half inch valve and 5 ft of copper tubing and for the time being I'm simply making new connections.
I have an older mobile home and from the valve on down at some point I will replace the old antiquated and scary PVC pipe with PEX. I think I'm going to retain the new copper connections but I will need an adapter at some point below the valve to connect to the PEX.
The video you just showed, showed me the connection that I need to have to do this.
Thank you so much.
I love that you included your daughter in this video. She's very well spoken just like you, and a chip off the old block.
I really like it when families get involved in these UA-cam channels because it keeps it 'real' 👍
Hey thanks! And sounds like you have a good idea with replacing your boiler!
👍
What’s better type A or B pex? Thx
I always use B myself. But there are fans of both types
@@thinkreno the type A system seems to be the favorite from what I’m seeing. 👍🏻
👍
Super cute girl. Great way to end the video.
Great! much better than a sharkbite
Awesome! Suscribed
Great video!
Helpful. Thanks!
I’m having trouble burning the brass. Any tips?
If you mean the solder won’t feed under the fitting, you may still have water trickling inside the copper pipe. Make sure it’s all drained out. Turn on every faucet after you’ve turned off your main line. Sometimes it can take 1/2 hour
@@thinkreno hey thanks for the reply. I did some more research and realized I was using a bad propane torch and was probably also heating the fitting too long. I did get a little discoloration especially on the inside of the fitting but I’m sure that’s normal.
@@thinkreno hey one more question. On the inside of the stem where the pex attaches, after soldering its a little discolored - kinda looks brown. Wondering if you’re did this too or I did mine wrong. Thanks!
Probably just a bit overheated... you just need to heat the fitting enough for the solder to melt.
@@thinkreno will the overheating cause any issues? Like maybe corrosion over time? So far no leaks and holding up well
Is this a permanent fix or temporary fix? Thanks in advance
This is permanent!
@@thinkreno I've had so far 13 busted pipes in my house. I think I'll be trying this. How much was the Crimp tool
They’re usually under $100 at most big box home improvement stores.