Jarniscipus
Member
Hi all, I'm a little worried about a job and I have asked 3 other plumbers live who do not know the answer so I don't feel so lost at least...hoping the knowledge is here. Plan is to run a 1" PEX service line about 60 feet from meter to house to replace blown polybutylene service. I am concerned about using 1" PEX as I normally would because I am worried about flow rate on this 3/2 standard house. Obviously 1" can service this house but there are irrigation zones on 1" PVC up a hill that I think are using the full 1" flow available - too many heads on some of the zones. Thus I need maximum flow and minimal pressure loss on the service line to feed the 1" PVC at max flow for the irrigation. I'm worried the PEX could be less flow than existing PB, I don't know because PB is before my time so I don't know it's flow rates and pressure loss as I have never installed it. Even if the smallest drop in flow/pressure caused the rotor heads to throw water 1 foot less it would be a disaster for the plants and lawn and I would be hosed on the job.
Some questions, basically I am looking to confirm that I can get the same or better flow and pressure loss with 1" PEX as existing 1" PB with the right fittings:
1. How does 1" crimp PEX compare to 1" PB flow with the old QEST compression fittings, is it the same flow or less on PEX because PEX is thicker walled and the crimp fittings are smaller? Am I right on that? Would there be any difference on the maxed out 1" PVC irrigation line?
2. How much more flow and pressure can I get out of the pro-PEX expanding fittings vs the crimp? Would that help and be similar to the 1" PB? I can use either system, I have both, but homeowner prefers crimp - thinks metal is stronger than plastic. Nevermind what is true on that topic, it is what it and it is a specific request.
Am I overthinking this? Again it's because the irrigation is at absolute max flow, this is a not a question of whether I think 1" PEX can service a 3/2 house and more about I don't know how to compare 1" PB to 1" PEX.
Also not sure what pressure is at house because service line is leaking, but generally it's 85 in this neighborhood at the houses unregulated.
ThankS
Some questions, basically I am looking to confirm that I can get the same or better flow and pressure loss with 1" PEX as existing 1" PB with the right fittings:
1. How does 1" crimp PEX compare to 1" PB flow with the old QEST compression fittings, is it the same flow or less on PEX because PEX is thicker walled and the crimp fittings are smaller? Am I right on that? Would there be any difference on the maxed out 1" PVC irrigation line?
2. How much more flow and pressure can I get out of the pro-PEX expanding fittings vs the crimp? Would that help and be similar to the 1" PB? I can use either system, I have both, but homeowner prefers crimp - thinks metal is stronger than plastic. Nevermind what is true on that topic, it is what it and it is a specific request.
Am I overthinking this? Again it's because the irrigation is at absolute max flow, this is a not a question of whether I think 1" PEX can service a 3/2 house and more about I don't know how to compare 1" PB to 1" PEX.
Also not sure what pressure is at house because service line is leaking, but generally it's 85 in this neighborhood at the houses unregulated.
ThankS