Is this bend in a PEX pipe too much?

techweb · Oct 24, 2024

Hi,

I by chance discovered that amongst a bunch of copper pipes, I have a PEX pipe that runs through a void between the original house and extension. The image is from the back of a store cupboard where the pipes run up and then into the original house between floors.

I suspect this pipe has been in place for at least 12 years, if not more. We have lived here for 5. It was only when I looked up the void, I discovered this bend. Personally, I'd have opted to use an elbow.

Anyway, some might say it's been fine for years don't worry but figured I'd ask.

Thanks in advance.

Rtplumb · Oct 24, 2024

That looks ok to me, nice swept bend.

techweb · Oct 25, 2024

Rtplumb said:
That looks ok to me, nice swept bend.

Fair enough, I haven’t seen many installations. Makes me feel a bit better. Shame it’s not clipped mind you. The others in the same void are. It isn’t really going to go anywhere though. I’m not even 100% what it’s for. Definitely not hot water or radiators.

I didn’t cut this hole, it was there when we moved in. I’ve never closed it as it’s the back of a cupboard and I may also need access one day.

ShaunCorbs · Oct 25, 2024

I would say too tight best to replace it with an elbow

techweb · Oct 25, 2024

ShaunCorbs said:
I would say too tight best to replace it with an elbow

It has been like this for many years (although that doesn't make it correct or incorrect). To get an elbow on it would require a little bit of upheaval upstairs however. I might ask my own plumber to take a view on it. I didn't even realise until yesterday that bending PEX pipe was permissible.

Rtplumb · Oct 25, 2024

techweb said:
Fair enough, I haven’t seen many installations. Makes me feel a bit better. Shame it’s not clipped mind you. The others in the same void are. It isn’t really going to go anywhere though. I’m not even 100% what it’s for. Definitely not hot water or radiators.

I didn’t cut this hole, it was there when we moved in. I’ve never closed it as it’s the back of a cupboard and I may also need access one day.

I agree that it could do with some clips but it looks like a later addition to your collection of pipework and looking at the gap fitting a clip would be difficult. Pex pipe is designed to be bent as per the photo. It doesn’t look under tension or too tight a bend. Another reason to use pex (among many) is that you can ‘thread’ it through narrow areas without using fittings. I have done this many times over the years.

If you can use a full length of pipe with the minimum amount of fittings the better, less chance of leaks.

That pipe is fine just try clipping it where you can.

Is this bend in a PEX pipe too much?

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