What could this discoloration be coming from?

[geigerr]

I am about ready to purchase this home, and the inspector/I noticed that the Hot water lines was discolored compared to the cold. We both thought the house should of been plumbed using red/blue PEX tubing. Has anyone noticed this before? My realtor contacted the plumber who installed the tubing and he said that it is due the water hardness. Does this seem legit? There is a water softener in the home too.

 

[stevemachine]

In wirsbo I've noticed that to be common. Even same with copper there's a difference in colour. Nothing to worry about.

 

[CT18]

Where are the shut off valves

 

[geigerr]

I asked myself the same question. There isn't any shutoff valves on the manifold. This home builder was very cheap. I plan on adding valves in the future.

Thanks

 

[SHR]

I asked myself the same question. There isn't any shutoff valves on the manifold. This home builder was very cheap. I plan on adding valves in the future.

Thanks

It is fine there are not shut-off valves here. Shut-off valves at the main manifold in a properly installed system are redundant. Shut-off valves should be located at each water fixture. When your toilet or faucet springs a leak do you want to run to the main manifold or shut-off the water flow right away?

The PEX tubing appears to have been installed correctly and the discoloration is normal and common. Red and Blue PEX is rarely used by professional new construction plumbers, clear is the prevalent choice. The PEX portion of the water supply plumbing in this picture looks to have been nicely installed by a professional who knew what they were doing.

Unfortunately, your "inspector" has little plumbing knowledge.

 

[KULTULZ]

It is fine there are not shut-off valves here. Shut-off valves at the main manifold in a properly installed system are redundant. Shut-off valves should be located at each water fixture. When your toilet or faucet springs a leak do you want to run to the main manifold or shut-off the water flow right away?

The PEX tubing appears to have been installed correctly and the discoloration is normal and common. Red and Blue PEX is rarely used by professional new construction plumbers, clear is the prevalent choice. The PEX portion of the water supply plumbing in this picture looks to have been nicely installed by a professional who knew what they were doing.

Unfortunately, your "inspector" has little plumbing knowledge.

But would it be a good idea to have shut-off valves where the service line(s) attach to the manifold(s)?

Can someone please explain to me why a PEX Home Run install is favored over a trunk and branch system? It seems to me a whole lot of material is being wasted...

 

[frodo]

pipe is cheaper than fittings

 

[KULTULZ]

...pipe is cheaper than fittings

Yeah... But just the cost of those manifolds gives me a seizure. It is really cheaper to plumb a new house with PEX home runs rather that CPVC...

There has to be a reason as it is common place now.

 

[frodo]

the manblock's are high dollar,

a simple manifold like is in the picture is 35 bucks


snatch the pebble from my hand grasshopper.....opps to slow

 

[phishfood]

The white pipe on the left side leading to the manifold. That is PVC, which IPC code expressly forbids being used inside of a building. Other pro members here could comment on UPC and other codes, but I believe that all of the codes prohibit it.

Also, it appears to be on the hot side, which is not only against code, but is asking for a blow out and major flood.

And don't even get me started on the Sharkbyte fittings.

 

[geigerr]

The white pipe on the left side leading to the manifold. That is PVC, which IPC code expressly forbids being used inside of a building. Other pro members here could comment on UPC and other codes, but I believe that all of the codes prohibit it.

Also, it appears to be on the hot side, which is not only against code, but is asking for a blow out and major flood.

And don't even get me started on the Sharkbyte fittings.

Would this be against Kansas code?

 

[KULTULZ]

...the manblock's are high dollar,

a simple manifold like is in the picture is 35 bucks


snatch the pebble from my hand grasshopper.....opps to slow

I understand now...

 

[KULTULZ]

The white pipe on the left side leading to the manifold. That is PVC]/b], which IPC code expressly forbids being used inside of a building. Other pro members here could comment on UPC and other codes, but I believe that all of the codes prohibit it.

Also, it appears to be on the hot side, which is not only against code, but is asking for a blow out and major flood.

And don't even get me started on the Sharkbyte fittings.

...good catch... (but then again you are a professional)...

Question-

If the meter to home supply is PVC, is it allowed into the home as far as the main shutoff or must the line actually entering the home be of material approved by code?

 

[phishfood]

...good catch... (but then again you are a professional)...

Question-

If the meter to home supply is PVC, is it allowed into the home as far as the main shutoff or must the line actually entering the home be of material approved by code?

Not in my neighborhood/state. Gotta be CPVC, copper, PEX, galvanized, etc, the moment it enters the house.

 

[frodo]

you transition within 5' of the outside building line.



also looks like a braided water heater hose connected to the pvc WTH?

 

[KULTULZ]

...also looks like a braided water heater hose connected to the pvc WTH?

LEFT COAST CODE-

Possible seismic movement...

 

[SHR]

The white pipe on the left side leading to the manifold. That is PVC, which IPC code expressly forbids being used inside of a building. Other pro members here could comment on UPC and other codes, but I believe that all of the codes prohibit it.

Also, it appears to be on the hot side, which is not only against code, but is asking for a blow out and major flood.

And don't even get me started on the Sharkbyte fittings.

I noticed the handy hack style MESS on the left but only chose to comment on the PEX question. The fact that the "inspector" called out dis-colored pipe but did not mention the MESS on the left is appalling.

 

[KULTULZ]

But,

Notice at least the TPRV has an approved discharge tube...

 

[Jamesplumbing06]

Turn your water temp up. That's slime building from bacteria. No copper doesn't do that. Copper naturally doesn't allow bacteria. Get hot water above 130 degrees. Then flush that out. Yes get rid of pvc. Yes a 1" pex trunk line with branch offs is cheaper. No you no need shut off valves at manifold. It's a straight shot to next shut off. Pipe will not leak. Yes you and all other rip off artist can throw away the pvc and cpvc. Those materials just guarantee they will have a repipe job later.

 

[Jamesplumbing06]

I am about ready to purchase this home, and the inspector/I noticed that the Hot water lines was discolored compared to the cold. We both thought the house should of been plumbed using red/blue PEX tubing. Has anyone noticed this before? My realtor contacted the plumber who installed the tubing and he said that it is due the water hardness. Does this seem legit? There is a water softener in the home too.

Check your anode rod also in water heater tank. Softeners destroy them. And that black mess is the bacterial spawn of nasty smells