There is no single fitting currently available that can connect PEX directly to PVC. Push-fit fittings such as SharkBites work with PEX, copper, and CPVC — but not with PVC pipe (Schedule 40, Schedule 80, DWV, etc.). The best way to make a PEX to PVC connection is with a pair of threaded adapters. Use a PVC socket solvent fitting with male threads and a PEX fitting with female threads. The PEX x FNPT adapter can be in any PEX fitting style (crimp, ProPEX, PEX Press, push-fit, etc.). Try to have male threads on the plastic fitting when you connect plastic threads to metal threads in order to minimize any risk of cracking the plastic threads. If, for example, you need to connect 3/4″ PEX to 3/4″ Schedule 40 PVC and you prefer to use SharkBite fittings on the PEX side, you can use parts 436-007 and U088LF.

Mill-Rose have released a very handy tool that can quickly and easily remove push-on fittings, and we sell it right here at SupplyHouse.com. The Quick-Release Pliers come with a cushion-grip handle and its spring action ensures a rapid and secure grip on copper, PEX, and CPVC tubing. The adjustable jaw works on 3/8”, 1/2” and 3/4″ push-on fittings, and its heavy-duty design can be used in even the most hard to reach areas.

The Quick-Release Pliers is the only tool you need for these popular push-on fitting sizes, and it is cost-effective, time-efficient, and aggravation-free to use.

“It’s about time these tanks got hung.” In episode 5 of “PexTV” We dive right into one of our newest products…The HydroClaw! Take a look at a product spotlight, a customer review and also the world premiere of the trailer for the feature length film. Feel free to email us at pextv@supplyhouse.com with any thoughts or suggestions for future episodes.

In this episode, you’ll see…

Featured product and customer review: HydroClaw Expansion Tank Support Bracket
Trailer premiere: “The HydroClaw – It’s about time these tanks got hung”

Most circulator pumps in hydronic heating systems connect to system piping with flanged connections. Flange options allow different pipe sizes (between 3/4″ and 1-1/2″ for standard residential circulators) and connection methods (sweat or threaded) to be used with the same pump. SupplyHouse offers flanges that have built-on shut-off valves. Also known as isolation or service flanges, shut-off flanges make servicing or replacing a circulator pump a much easier task. If a circulator does not have shut-off valves on each side, the entire system may need to be drained and refilled in order to install a new pump or replace a cartridge. Watch our video below to see how easy it can be to replace a circulator that has shut-off flanges installed.

The Honeywell vision pro 8000 series thermostats are easy to install, easy to program and very easy to use.  These thermostats feature a large backlit display, a real time clock, screen lock and precise comfort controls within one degree of set point.  You can program reminders for low batteries, humidifier pad replacement and air filter replacement and they come with a 5 year warranty.

These thermostats are 7 day programable, which means you can set individual schedules for every day of the week based on your lifestyle.  They come pre-programmed to energy saving levels and are easy to program with your own custom schedule. They can also be adjusted manually if you want to override your program.

Here is a step by step video on how to program the schedule on the thermostats in this series.

The Taco Bumble Bee (HEC-2) is a wet rotor, variable speed “smart” circulator. The Bumble Bee delivers the ultimate 1-2 punch of electrical savings and system efficiency (fuel usage) cost savings. The unique ECM motor design saves over 85% of the electrical energy compared to conventional fixed speed and 3-speed circulators.  The Taco Bumble Bee is fully programmable, and contains a digital display that reveals real time wattage use and GPM flow.  It can determine the exact flow of water that is needed to match changing heat loads.  Its 360° swivel flange and simple wiring makes installation a breeze.

The Bumble Bee can be run in 3 different modes: Delta-T, Fixed Speed, or Set Point

• Delta-T:  allows the pump to be set at a 5° to 50°F temperature difference between supply and returns sensors. Delta-T mode greatly increases the overall efficiency of the boiler so less fuel is used, which saves money!

• Fixed Speed:  allows you to run the pump at a specific GPM.

• Set Point:  allows you to run the pump at a desired temperature ranging from 65° to 200°F.

The Bumble Bee also increases whole house comfort by continuously adjusting its speed.  This delivers the right amount of BTU’s, at the right time, to the right place in the system. The Taco Bumble Bee pump is ideal for hydronic, radiant heat, and snow melt applications.

Trunk & branch and home-run piping systems are the two most popular ways to configure PEX tubing for domestic water. The traditional trunk & branch method includes main hot and cold lines that run through a building. Smaller lines branch off the main trunk with tees or small manifolds in order to feed water to fixtures. Home-run systems typically use single hot and cold manifolds mounted near a water heater, from which an individual line runs to each fixture. The intuitive piping setup makes home-run systems popular among do-it-yourselfers, and Viega’s Manabloc simplifies installation. When deciding between these two types of piping, note the advantages listed below and watch our plumbing manifold video for more information.

Advantages of trunk & branch systems:

• Less total tubing required
• Higher water pressure during single-fixture use
• Easier to install in most retrofit applications

Advantages of home-run systems:

• No fittings usually needed between manifold and fixtures (which speeds up installation and reduces the likelihood for leaks)
• Ability to have centrally-located shut-off valves for each line
• More balanced water pressure when multiple fixtures run
• Shorter wait time for hot water in non-recirculation systems

Enjoy Endless Hot Water with Tankless Heaters!

-    Heats Water on Demand
-    Greats space-saver
-    Easy to install

Eemax tankless electric water heaters are small, easy to install and can last up to twice as long as traditional tank water heaters. When a plumbing system calls for hot water, the flow enters the heater and goes through a heating coil with electric heating elements. The water heats up instantly at a preset temperature and since there is no tank to fill, there is no end to your supply of hot water. The Eemax tankless electric water heaters deliver hot water to any fixture with 99% energy efficiency.

Eemax offers a full line of electric tankless water heaters. These Eemax electric tankless water heaters include the single point models, flow controlled models, HomeAdvantage models and thermostatic models of electric tankless water heaters. Visit SupplyHouse.com to shop for your Eemax tankless electric water heater, and use code: EEMAX5 to save 5% (Exp. 6/26/13).

Learn more about Eemax Electric Water Heaters:

Recently a few people have asked us about changing a valve stem in a Viega MANABLOC. We offer a valve stem replacement kit that you will need in order to do this, but the directions can be confusing.  I made this video to help you out if you are having trouble.  It’s pretty easy!

The HydroClaw Expansion Tank Support Bracket is easy-to-install and is designed to protect against potential damage created from incorrect and unsafe installation of expansion tanks.  A main reason for this is that the tank can get very heavy when waterlogged, and could fall off the wall if not secured properly.

How it works:  The HydroClaw is equipped with a mounting bracket and hardware to mount the tank to the HydroClaw.  Out of the bag it comes in two halves. One half gets mounted to the wall and the other half clamps the tank in place.  The rubber on the inside of the HydroClaw will reduce friction and stop the tank sliding off, plus it avoids metal touching metal.  The HydroClaw MUST be mounted to a structure, such as a concrete or wooden wall.  If you want to mount it to sheet rock there must be a structure behind it.

At SupplyHouse.com we sell two HydroClaw brackets from Storm King Enterprises. The HC8-A is for tanks with a diameter of 8” nominal, and the HC11-A is for 11” tanks.  The HydroClaw is compatible with a variety of expansion tanks at SupplyHouse.com. For a complete list of tanks please check out the HydroClaw product pages.