Thread: PEX problems at a pre-drywall inspection

The following pictures are from a pre-drywall inspection I performed this week. All AHJ inspections had been completed and they were installing insulation and drywalling in a couple of days.

Test your skills with PEX products and see if you can find the problems in the pictures. Remember PEX products are installed to the manufacturers specifications (they are all about the same).

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Looks like strapping support issues (or lack thereof) in pics 1,2, and 3 and also the pinching of the hot line in pic number 3 between the duct and stud wall. What is the strapping requirement for PEX?

Pic #4 just looks like a bad idea running it run behind an electrical switch junction box.

Pic #5 has no nail plates in front of where they run through the bottom plates of the stud wall (nor does the PVC drain line).

You sure the plumber was through???
The PEX isn't the only plumbing problem

It looks like the plumber was there and gone before the person who ran the vent.....at least I hope so! That is some sloppy work in all of the trades visible in the pictures!

Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle

You sure the plumber was through???
The PEX isn't the only plumbing problem

Yep, it was a really "Ruff" rough in! Out of state owner who put his trust into his builder, who is taking advantage of him.

I have now been hired to visit the home several times over the next few months to how things are going! Should be a fun ride for the next few months!

Is the second picture of a crawl space or a garage? Or asked better, what's the chance that area will need to be drywalled?

Originally Posted by Kary Krismer

Is the second picture of a crawl space or a garage? Or asked better, what's the chance that area will need to be drywalled?

It will be a finished basement with drywall and a suspended ceiling.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

It will be a finished basement with drywall and a suspended ceiling.

remember the clearances from the can lights has to be 6" horizontal and 12" vertical.

Hi Scott,

I see you are in TN, so my interpretation of the TN Home Inspector Standards of Practice requires my Report of the Plumbing system to be significantly deficient. The poor workmanship is likely to adversely affect the dwelling with premature plumbing failures. The deficiency should be repaired. As a new construction item, further evaluation is also recommend to be sure you receive full warranty benefits of the PEX plumbing. Obtain a copy of the PEX warranty and confirm the validity of the warranty with the manufacturer or manufacturer's rep.

Detailed items of the observations inconsistent with the manufacturer's installation manual omitted for the InspectionNews posting reply. Looks like you already have the details covered.

-Jim-
Centsable Inspection

Also some firestopping issues thru the floors.

That's some really crappy work. Either the plumber is the lowest bidder or it's a developer subdivision house.
Wanna take bets on how many drywall screws hit the PEX on this one

While we are on the subject of PEX piping, did you all see what mice think of this product...

Originally Posted by David Valley

While we are on the subject of PEX piping, did you all see what mice think of this product...

Wow! You don't see that happening with copper piping.

Originally Posted by David Valley

While we are on the subject of PEX piping, did you all see what mice think of this product...

Well that is a first for me.. That really does put a wrench in the gears of how good PEX is!

How many times have you or anyone else found mouse modified PEX?