How To Bend PEX Plumbing
Caleb Butler
One of the numerous advantages of PEX tubing for plumbing projects is its simplicity. PEX is cheap, easy to cut and join, and requires few tools. PEX tubing is also bendable.
An elbow is indeed an L-shaped connector that assists bend PEX pipes 90 degrees. An elbow will not really bend PEX. To do this, 2 straight portions of PEX tubing are linked by a 90°L.
Move 90-degree elbows allows you to insert PEX tubes directly into the elbow without using any equipment. Instead, use crimp-fit joints. The PEX tubes are slid over a brass slee A unique tool crimps brass rings over the PEX tubing ends. Metal or plastic PEX bend supports hold the PEX in place for a 90-degree curve. Some supports feature nails to attach to the surface below.
Flexible PEX bend supports let the PEX to make the tightest possible 90-degree curve. Turn radii vary with PEX pipe diameter. The tightest radius for 1/2-inch PEX pipe is 5 inches. PEX clamps are plastic clips with nails. The clamps nail over the PEX pipe. They can produce tight turns like bend supports or large sweeping turns.
Instructions:
1. Clean, square-ended tube ends free of plastic burrs. Wipe the ends clean.
2. If using push-fit connections, mark the insertion and stop points on the PEX tubes using an indelible marker. Branded fittings may have varying insertion depths. Consult your brand’s insertion depth chart. Check each tube.
3. Keep the elbow and the tube with one hand. Then insert the tube. Push with a single, strong motion. Internal barbs on push-fit connectors prevent manual tube removal. You will require a specific tool.
4. Insert the other PEX tube into another side of the elbow.