Basement project: Next Steps
 

I'm pretty much done with framing and electrical in my basement. The walk-out basement was all framed except against the concrete walls.

There is no insulation in the basement, either against the concrete or exterior walls. My original plan after getting to this point, was to get closed-cell spray foam installed on all of the outside walls (against concrete and exterior).

I'm thinking it may be better to have the copper for the downstairs bathroom run before the spray foam. My concern is soldering the pipes with the foam inches behind them.

Any advice from the contractor/plumber types?

I had to run a chase wall to run piping in to keep them away from freezing conditions. I would imagine that in GA you probably don't have to worry about that!
I was dead set against running plastic lines for the basement bathroom but simply ran out of time and hired one of my former students to rough in the pex. Way cheaper and I hope just as long lasting.

Curious why you want to use copper. Either way I would do insulation just before drywall.

Pex is way better and very diy. Easier than copper and no (small) chance of leaks

Can I run Pex off of the existing copper that feeds the rest of the house?

Yes. Just sweat a pec connector onto the copper and then you are off to the races. They should have what you need at any home improvement place.

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/at...02_pex_009.jpg

A sharkbite would work also.

I used a couple of sharkbites to go from copper to Pex, and honestly if soldering was an option, I'd go that way. They aren't leaking but I haven't covered that hole in the wall yet either.

Most would prefer a soldered joint, but the shark fittings don't have an o ring but a ring seal that actually seals better as pressure is applied to the seal. They are costly because they are well made, and have been around for quite a while, as has PEX.

Both have a good track record.

Leaks big time when rodents nibble on it....According to an insurance adjuster I know....

That's pretty common, but they work. The 'old' way of thinking is hard to change, I usually a leary of anything but the old way. Done properly either works.

I heard the same thing from a plumber. Mice love chewing pex pipe. I've used pex piping a few times. It's much quicker to use but you need to support it more.
I prefer to use copper.

Never heard of the rodent issue and I have installed it in many barns and farm houses. Around here the critters chew the wiring.

Check your Pex connectors. They are not all the same. Cheap ones leak. Some brands (Uponor) have a 25 year warranty if installed by factory people. I have had some large claims with pex products. It is not perfect.