Plumbing transition question....

[Bill]

How do I transition from the gray plastic plumbing commonly found in manufactured homes to traditional copper fittings? Anything available at the typical supercenters like Lowe's or Home Depot? I'm going to be installing a water softener and different water heater, and will need to make this transition in a few different places.

[Bill Fry]

You can use Pex where you need flexiable
lines to mate to the existing line.All you need are compression bands and a copper tee between the two types.The compresion band tool is something you can rent as its a specialty plumbing tool.If you need cooper tube size PVC lines you can use CPVC piping also avialable at home improvement stores.PVC measurements and CPVC measurements are not the same (1/2 inch PVC is a tad bigger then 1/2 inch CPVC piping)

[Tom]

You can by Pex transition fitting also instead of the copper ones. If you go to www.mobilehomerepair.com and click on the articles link at the top of the page there is an article on putting in shut off valves. Not exactely what your doing but the pics and the principle are the same. Tom

[Bill]

Thanks for the info guys. I am not famillar with Pex (this is the first time I've heard of it). Tom, I see that you're from the Lansing area? I'm in Fenton (just south of Flint). Is there someplace locally where you can buy this stuff? Looks like my plumbing projects are going to require a bit more planning than I've done in the past.

[Tom]

Well actually Pex is becomming the product of choice for all new construction. Tests have shown its more reliable than past products. Some, and I repeat some of the Lowes, Home Depot stores are now carrying it. If you dont see it, ask. It may take a little effort to find it, but once you get a supplier, your all set. Your last statement is very true. MH projects do take a little more planning. I dont know how many times I have read someone stating, well Im experienced in stick built home repair, why cant I work on MH's? The basics are similar, yes, but there are enough differences in the process to make it a specialized job. Glad to help out a fellow Michigander.